How an Airbag Works - Takata Recall Explained

Airbag Function and Mechanism00:00:00

Airbags prevent head impact with the steering wheel during a crash. Crash sensors trigger the SRS computer, sending a 12V signal to the inflator. Inside, sodium azide decomposes rapidly into nitrogen gas, filling the airbag and cushioning the impact.

Takata Airbag Recall00:00:39

The Takata airbag recall involved inflators that would explode with too much force, causing shrapnel to be ejected through the airbag, leading to severe injury or death. The recall only replaces the inflator, not the entire airbag assembly.

Disassembling the Airbag Assembly00:00:57

The video shows how to disassemble a Honda airbag. The entire assembly acts as a horn switch with three contact points. The electrical connectors for the inflator's charge are removed, followed by the tamper-proof nuts holding the inflator in place.

Airbag Inflator and its Components00:01:46

The airbag inflator is described as a bomb where a charge ignites sodium azide, producing nitrogen gas to fill the airbag through vent holes. The serial number on the inflator is crucial for checking recall status. The inflator is the only part replaced during a recall.

Detailed Look at the Airbag Itself00:02:45

The airbag cover has a score line where it's designed to explode open. The bag itself is made of strong, woven nylon to withstand heat and explosion. After inflation, two vent holes release nitrogen gas within seconds, allowing the driver to regain control.

Safety Warning about Live Airbags00:03:44

The video concludes by emphasizing that an airbag is a device that can save lives but also injure or kill if faulty. It's crucial to get recall repairs done. A critical safety tip is never to disassemble an unexploded airbag as it is essentially a live bomb.