Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

WARNING: The ACM contains one of the impact sensors which enable the system to deploy the airbag. To avoid accidental deployment, never connect the ACM electrically to the system unless it is bolted to the vehicle. Before beginning any airbag system removal or installation procedures, disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable from the vehicle battery. Then 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.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag is undeployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.

Fig 10 Knee Bolster Remove/Install:

2. Remove the screws at the lower edge of the knee blocker/steering column cover.
3. Pull the knee blocker/steering column cover down to disengage the slide tabs from the instrument cluster bezel and remove the knee blocker/steering column cover.

Fig 11 Gear Selector Indicator Cable Remove/Install:

4. If so equipped, disconnect the automatic transmission gear selector indicator cable from the steering column.
5. Remove the two steering column support nuts.
6. Remove the windshield pillar garnish mouldings and the cowl side trim panels.
7. Loosen the instrument panel pivot bolts in the cowl side panels.
8. Remove the five screws from the instrument panel at the base of the windshield and roll the instrument panel down.
- Attach a hook from the windshield fence line to the center of the instrument panel mount to hold the instrument panel in position.

Fig 12 Airbag Control Module Replacement:

9. Unplug the two electrical connectors from the ACM.
10. Remove the four screws holding the ACM to the mounting bracket.
11. Remove the ACM.
12. To install position the ACM with the arrow pointing iorward.
13. Attach the ACM to the mounting bracket with the four screws. Tighten the mounting screws to 3 - 5 Nm (25 - 45 in lb).
14. Connect the wiring to the ACM, making sure both of the connectors are fully-seated and their locking tabs are engaged.
15. Reverse the remaining removal procedures to complete the installation.
- Tighten the steering column support nuts to 12 Nm (105 in lb).
16. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System Arming for the proper procedure. Service and Repair