Inflator Module
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado, 1992 Cadillac Seville, 1992 Cadillac Eldorado, 1992 Cadillac Allante, and 1992 Buick Riviera. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When the vehicle is in an accident of sufficient force to simultaneously close the arming sensor and at least one discriminating sensor, nitrogen gas inflates the air bag packed inside the steering wheel hub. The air bag inflates and deploys in less than 1/20 of a second. As the driver contacts the air bag, the gas is vented and deflation occurs.