Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision
Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment - Component Inspections
Warning
Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag(s) in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended.
After any collision, inspect the following components as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.
* The steering column-Inspect the steering column for bending, twisting, buckling or any type of damage.
* The instrument panel knee bolsters and mounting points-Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
* The instrument panel brackets, braces, etc.-Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
* The seat belts-Perform the seat belt operational and functional checks. Refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision (Seat Belts).
* The instrument panel cross car beam-Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
* The instrument panel mounting points and brackets-Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
* The seats and seat mounting points-Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
* The roof and headliner mounting points.
Accident With Frontal Air Bag Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections
After a collision involving air bag deployment, replace the following components.
* Inflatable restraint passenger instrument panel air bag module
* Inflatable restraint steering wheel module
* Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
* Inflatable restraint front end sensors
* Inflatable restraint left front/right front air bag module, if deployed
* Seat back cover on internal seat side air bag module, if deployed
* Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioners
Perform additional inspections on the following components.
* Steering wheel module coil and the coil wiring pigtail-Inspect for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.
* Mounting points or mounting hardware for the passenger instrument panel module, steering wheel module, SDM, side air bag module (if deployed) and seat belt pretensioners-Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
Accident With Side Air Bag Module Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections
After a collision involving left/right side air bag module deployment, replace the following components.
* Left/right inflatable restraint side impact sensors on the side of the impact.
* Left/right inflatable restraint roof rail module on the side of the impact.
* Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), if SDM has DTC B0052 56.
* Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioner.
* Driver or passenger seat back cushion cover replacement, if equipped left front/right front side air bag.
Warning
Do not repair or replace the seat stitching or seams in the seat back trim cover with an internal mounted seat side airbag module. Replace the complete seat back trim cover from the OEM. Non-OEM seat stitching may cause improper airbag deployment which could result in personal injury.
Perform additional inspections on the following components.
* Mounting points or mounting hardware for the side impact sensors, and left front/right front side air bag modules on the side of impact-Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
* Mounting points, mounting hardware, headliner and trim pieces for the left/right roof rail air bag module on the side of impact-Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
* Mounting points or mounting hardware for the SDM and seat belt pretensioners-Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
* The seat cushion frame
* The seat recliner and cover, if equipped
* The seat adjuster
* The seat back frame
* Door trim assembly
* Impacted seat cushion side covers and switches
Inflatable Restraint Impact Sensor Replacement Guidelines
The inflatable restraint impact sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of the accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision. An example of this would be a moderate collision where the front of the vehicle impacts a object. If the vehicle has an inflatable restraint impact sensor mounted forward of the radiator, it must be replaced.
* Replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed.
* Replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor even if it appears to be undamaged.
Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the inflatable restraint impact sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged, replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor. Also, if you follow a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) procedure and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor.