Airbag System Components
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULEThe driver and passenger airbag system is a safety device designed to reduce the risk of fatality or serious injury, caused by a frontal impact of the vehicle.
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the impact sensor and energy reserve capacitor. The ACM monitors the system to determine the system readiness. The ACM contains on-board diagnostics and will light the AIRBAG warning lamp in the message center when a problem occurs.
The impact sensor provides verification of the direction and severity of the impact. One impact sensor is used. It is located inside the Airbag Control Module (ACM) which is mounted on a bracket, behind the instrument panel center bezel, underneath the radio. The impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses deceleration. The deceleration pulses are sent to a microprocessor which contains a decision algorithm. When an impact is severe enough to require airbag protection, the ACM microprocessor sends a signal that completes the electrical circuit to the driver and passenger airbags. The sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle and reacts to the severity and direction of the impact.
CLOCKSPRING
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel. This assembly consists of a flat, ribbon like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation.
It is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the wiring harness and the Driver Airbag.
The clockspring must be properly centered when it is installed on the steering column following any service removal, or it will be damaged. Refer to Electrical, Restraints, Clockspring, Standard Procedure - Clockspring Centering.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is faulty, damaged, or if the airbag has been deployed, the clock spring must be replaced.
Fig. 10 ON/OFF Switch Location:
ON/OFF SWITCH
An ON/OFF Switch, located on the instrument panel, allows the passenger airbag to be disabled when certain child restraint devices are being used in the right seating position. The ON/OFF switch is equipped with a key cylinder so that the switch position can only be changed using an ignition key. When the ignition switch is in the ON position and the passenger airbag is disabled, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illuminates an "OFF" indicator lamp on the face plate of the switch.
To actuate the ON/OFF switch, insert the ignition key in the switch key cylinder. The switch key cylinder is then rotated with the ignition key to its clockwise stop (the key cylinder slot will be aligned with the OFF indicator lamp) to disable the passenger air- bag. When the ON/OFF switch key cylinder is rotated with the ignition key to its counterclockwise stop (the key cylinder slot will be in a vertical position), the OFF indicator lamp will be extinguished and the passenger airbag will once again be enabled.
WARNING: THE KEY MUST ALWAYS BE REMOVED FROM THE ON/OFF SWITCH KEY CYLINDER AFTER THE SWITCH HAS BEEN USED. NEVER LEAVE A KEY IN THE ON/OFF SWITCH KEY CYLINDER.
The ON/OFF switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the switch assembly MUST be replaced.
WARNING: IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE ON/OFF SWITCH "MUST" BE REPLACED.
Fig. 8 Front Airbags:
DRIVER AIRBAG
The Driver Airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the Driver Airbag System. The airbag is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the Driver Airbag trim cover are the horn switch, the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The Driver Airbag includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. The Driver Airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.
The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the airbag. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the Driver Airbag and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. Upon airbag deployment, the trim cover will split at the predetermined breakout line around the perimeter of the horn switch.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
The Passenger Airbag door is the most visible part of the passenger airbag system. The Passenger Airbag contains a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. The Passenger Airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.
The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the Passenger Airbag. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. The airbag door has predetermined breakout lines concealed beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deployment, the air bag door will split at the breakout lines and the door will pivot out of the way. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag door and Passenger Airbag must be replaced.
The passenger airbag can be disabled using the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch.