Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Important:
^ If any Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system components are damaged, they must be replaced. If SIR component mounting points are damaged, they must be replaced.
^ Never use SIR parts from another vehicle. This does not include remanufactured parts purchased from an authorized dealer; they may be used for SIR repairs.
^ Do not attempt to service discriminating sensors, the dual pole arming sensor, the DERM, the SIR coil assembly, or the inflator modules. Service of these items is by replacement only.
^ Verify the part number of replacement inflator modules. Some inflator modules look identical but contain different internal components.

CAUTION: Proper operation of the sensors and SIR system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return It to the original production configuration. Deployment requires, at a minimum, replacement of the sensors, the inflator modules, and dimensional inspection of the steering column. Any visible damage to the DERM mounting bracket(s) requires replacement, sensors in the area of accident damage must be replaced, and the steering column must be dimensionally inspected, whether deployment occurred or not.

ACCIDENT WITH DEPLOYMENT - COMPONENT REPLACEMENT AND INSPECTIONS
Certain SIR components must be replaced or inspected for damage after a frontal crash involving air bag deployment. Those components are:
^ Inflator modules.
^ Sensors, if in the area of accident damage.

Important:
^ Refer to Sensor Replacement Guidelines for important information on sensor replacement in both deployment and non-deployment crashes.
^ SIR coil assembly - Inspect wiring and connector for any signs of scorching, melting, or damage due to excessive heat. Replace if damaged. Refer to Steering Column Repair.

ACCIDENT WITH OR WITHOUT DEPLOYMENT - COMPONENT INSPECTIONS
Certain SIR and restraint system components must be inspected after any crash, whether the air bag deployed or not. Those components are:
^ Steering column - Dimensionally inspected as described in CHECKING STEERING COLUMN FOR ACCIDENT DAMAGE IN STEERING COLUMN REPAIR.
^ Sensors, if in the area of accident damage.

Important:
^ Refer to Sensor Replacement Guidelines for important information on sensor replacement in both deployment and non-deployment crashes.
^ Knee bolsters and mounting points - Inspect for any distortion, bending, cracking, or other damage.
^ I/P steering column reinforcement plate -Inspect for any distortion, bending, cracking, or other damage.
^ I/P braces - Inspect for any distortion, bending cracking, or other damage.
^ Seat belts and mounting points.