Part 1 of 4

AIRBAG SYSTEM / OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER SYSTEM
The Airbag system is equipped with a new type of Airbag Control Module (ACM) called an Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The ACM is secured to a bracket on the floor panel transmission tunnel between the floor shifter and parking brake. The ACM contains a microprocessor, the impact sensor, and energy storage capacitors. The microprocessor contains the airbag system logic. The airbag system logic includes On-Board Diagnostics OBD capability, and communicates with the instrument cluster circuitry on the Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) data bus to control the airbag indicator lamp. The microprocessor in the ACM monitors the impact sensor signal and the airbag system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sends messages to the Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) over the PCI data bus to turn ON the airbag warning lamp. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when the deceleration rate is severe enough to require airbag system protection. When the programmed conditions are met, the ACM sends an electrical signal to deploy the airbag system components. The impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides verification of the direction and severity of an impact. The impact sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle, and is only serviced as a unit with the ACM. The ACM also contains an energy-storage capacitor. This capacitor stores enough electrical energy to deploy the airbags, for two minutes following a battery disconnect or failure during an impact. The purpose of the capacitor is to provide airbag system protection in severe secondary impact if the initial impact has damaged or disconnected the battery, but not severe enough to deploy the airbags. The ACM cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.

The airbag warning lamp is the only point at which the customer can observe "symptoms" of a system malfunction. Whenever the ignition key is turned to the "run" or "start" position, the MIC performs a lamp check by turning the AIRBAG warning lamp ON for 6-8 seconds. If the lamp remains OFF; it means that the ORC has checked the system and found it to be free of discernible malfunctions. If the lamp remains ON, there could be an active fault in the ACM system or the MIC lamp circuit may be internally shorted to ground.

Driver Airbag Module (DAB)
The airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver side airbag system. The module is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the trim cover are the horn switch, the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. The airbag module 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 module. 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 airbag module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. Upon airbag deployment, this cover will split at a predetermined breakout line.

THE AIRBAG MODULE INFLATOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH ACID, WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARMFUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE) OR COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93 °C (200 °F).

Clockspring
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel. This assembly consists of a plastic housing which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation. The clockspring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the instrument panel wire harness and the driver side airbag module, the horn switch, and the vehicle speed control switches on vehicles that are so equipped. The clockspring must be properly centered when it is installed on the steering column following any service removal, or it will be damaged. The clockspring cannot be repaired, it must be replaced.

Passenger Airbag Module (PAB)
The airbag door in the instrument panel top cover above the glove box is the most visible part of the passenger side airbag system. Located under the airbag door is the airbag cushion and it's supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. The airbag module 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 module. The inflator includes a small canister of highly compressed argon gas. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the compressed gas it contains directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. The airbag door has a living hinge at the top, which is secured to the instrument panel top cover. The door also has predetermined breakout lines concealed beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deployment, the airbag door will split at the breakout lines and the door will pivot out of the way.

WARNING: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE CONTAINS ARGON GAS PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93 °C (200 °F). REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.

Side Impact Airbag Control Modules
They are located on the left and right B-post. The SIACM perform self diagnostics and circuit tests to determine if the system is functioning properly. If the test finds a problem the SIACM will set both active and stored diagnostic trouble codes. If a DTC is active the SIACM will request that the airbag warning lamp be turned ON. The results of the system test are transmitted on the PCI Bus to the ACM once each second or on change in lamp state. If the warning lamp status message from the either SIACM contains a lamp ON request the ACM will set an active DTC. At the same time as the DTC is set the ACM sends a PCI Bus message to the Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) requesting the airbag warning lamp be turned ON. Observe all ACM warning and caution statements when servicing or handling the SIACM. SIACM are not repairable and must be replaced if they are dropped.

Seat Airbag Modules
The Left and Right seat airbags are located in the outboard end of the front seat backs. The airbag module contains a bag, an inflator (a small canister of highly compressed argon gas) and a mounting bracket. The seat airbag module cannot be repaired and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the compressed gas it contains directly into the cushion. Upon deployment, the seat back trim cover will tear open and allow the seat airbag to fully deploy between the seat and the door.

NOTE: It will be necessary to remove the seat back trim to gain access to the seat airbag module connector when diagnosing the seat airbag system.

WARNING: THE SEAT AIRBAG MODULE CONTAINS ARGON GAS PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93 °C (200 °F). REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.

Seat Belt Tensioner
Front seat belt Systems incorporate Tensioner Modules. At the onset of an impact event each tensioner uses a pyrotechnic device, which is triggered simultaneously with the airbags, to rapidly retract the seat belts. With the slack removed, the occupant's forward motion in an impact will be reduced as will the likelihood of contacting interior components. After an impact that deploys the airbag, the seat belt tensioner assembly must be replaced.

The ACM module monitors the Seat Belt Tensioners circuit resistance and reports active and stored DTC's if any problem is found. Follow all of the safety procedures described.