So enjoying my recently acquired 2003 XK8 and was wondering about the airbag

I see the symbol on the the burlwood panel above the glovebox. How can the airbag deploy thru this?

 

Randy,

Although I've never dug behind the air bag's wooden veneer (airbags are scarey) I suspect the wooden veneer is hinged on top to allow the airbag to deploy. Check out this YouTube link below (for X300 but principle is the same).

 

The panel pulls out. Just open the glove box and with your fingers pull the panel towards you at the bottom end of the panel. It is attached to the structure using clips. When the air bag fires the panel will submerge from the structure but will be secured by straps to prevent it from hitting passengers

 

The airbag veneer panel will swing up and shatter the windscreen as the airbag itself deploys toward the passenger.

I guess it is to 'pre-break' the screen if you are not belted and need to exit through the front 'at speed'?

bob

 

Partially shattered makes it softer for your head as it passes through in the unbelted case....

Joking aside, unbelted is a complete crapshoot. Frequently people are not in the tested/design position, and bigger and taller often ride up into the header.

We did a whole bunch of tests of passenger airbag deployments a while back in various vehicle configurations. It may be obvious, but if especially you are big and tall, you want to wear your belt...