Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair
Airbag Control ModuleWARNING:
- THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. 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. 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.
- NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. Remove the center support bracket from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators/Instrument Panel/Instrument Panel Center Support Bracket Replacement.
3. Remove the screw that secures the instrument panel wire harness ground eyelet to the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel.
Airbag Control Module Connector Removal:
4. Unplug the Airbag Control Module (ACM) wire harness connector. To unplug the wire harness connector from the ACM, pull the two white locks out about 3 millimeters (0.125 inches) from each side of the connector. Squeeze the two connector latch tabs between the thumb and forefinger, while pulling the connector out from the ACM.
NOTE: Always remove and replace the airbag control module and its mounting bracket as a unit. Replacement modules include a replacement mounting bracket. Do not transfer the module to another mounting bracket.
Airbag Control Module Remove/Install:
5. Remove the three screws that secure the ACM mounting bracket to the floor panel transmission tunnel.
6. Remove the ACM and its mounting bracket as a unit from the floor panel.
7. When installing the ACM, position the unit with the arrow on the ACM housing pointing forward.
8. Attach the ACM to the floor panel transmission tunnel with the four mounting screws. Tighten the mounting screws to 11.8 N.m (105 in. lbs.).
9. Reinstall the screw that secures the instrument panel wire harness ground eyelet to the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel.
10. Plug in the wire harness connector to the ACM. Be certain that the connector latches are fully engaged and that the connector locks are pushed in.
11. Reverse the remaining removal procedures to complete the installation.
12. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.