Driver-Side Air Bag Module
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 1997 Lincoln Town Car, and 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The driver-side air bag module is mounted on front face of steering wheel, covered by steering wheel trim cover. When front impact sensors and safing sensor close, signaling an impact, ignitor triggers inflator. During ignition, sodium azide reacts with copper oxide, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates air bag.
When air bag deploys, tear-seams molded into steering wheel trim cover separate, allowing inflation of air bag assembly. Driver-side air bag module is not serviceable and must be replaced as a complete assembly.