Air Bag Systems: Testing and Inspection

Proper diagnosis and testing of the airbag system components, the PCI data bus, the data bus message inputs to and outputs from the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) or the Airbag Control Module (ACM), as well as the retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) from the ACM requires the use of a DRB III scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Standard Procedure - Handling Of Non-deployed Airbags
At no time should any source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on the back of a non-deployed airbag or seat belt tensioner. When carrying a non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit should be pointed away from the body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental deployment. If the airbag unit is placed on a bench or any other surface, the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit should be face up to minimize movement in the event of an accidental deployment. When handling a non-deployed seat belt tensioner, take proper care to keep fingers out from under the retractor cover and away from the seat belt webbing where it exits from the retractor cover. In addition, the airbag system should be disarmed whenever any steering wheel, steering column, seat belt tensioners, or instrument panel components require diagnosis or service. Failure to observe this warning could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

All damaged, faulty or non-deployed airbags or seat belt tensioners which are replaced on vehicles are to be returned. If an airbag or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or damaged and non-deployed, follow the instructions in the current Mopar Hazardous Material Awareness or the current DaimlerChrysler Corporation Warranty Policies and Procedures for the proper handling and disposal procedures.

Passive Restraint Storage
Airbags and seat belt tensioners must be stored in there original, special container until they are used for service. Also, they must be stored in a clean, dry environment; away from sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electrical energy. Always place or store any airbag on a surface with its trim cover or airbag cushion side facing up, to minimize movement in case of an accidental deployment.

Standard Procedure - Service After An Airbag Deployment
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following an airbag deployment, must have both airbags, the driver airbag trim cover, the horn switch, the clockspring, and the steering column assembly replaced. Other vehicle components should be closely inspected, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.

Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves - Typical:

Cleanup Procedure
Following an airbag deployment, the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue. This residue consists primarily of harmless particulate by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge used to initiate the propellant used to deploy the airbags. However, this residue may also contain traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical by-product of the propellant material that is used to generate the nitrogen gas that inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup.

WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.

Begin the cleanup by removing both airbags from the vehicle. Place the deployed airbags and seat belt tensioners in your vehicular scrap pile.

Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical:

Next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a non-cleaned area. Be certain to vacuum the heater and air conditioning outlets as well. Run the heater and air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets. You may need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.

Standard Procedure - Verification Test
The following procedure should be performed using a DRB III scan tool to verify proper airbag system operation following the service or replacement of any airbag system component.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEATBELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. During the following test, the battery negative cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was during the airbag component removal and installation procedures.

Fig.4 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical:

2. Be certain that the DRB III scan tool contains the latest version of the proper DRB III software. Connect the DRB III to the 16-way Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the steering column.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and exit the vehicle with the DRB III.
4. Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehicle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
5. Using the DRB III), read and record the active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
6. Next, use the DRB III to read and record any stored (historical) DTC data.
7. If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
8. Use the DRB III to erase the stored DTC data. If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase. If the stored DTC information is successfully erased, go to Step 9.
9. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for about fifteen seconds, and then back to the ON position. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster. It should light for six to eight seconds, and then go out. This indicates that the airbag system is functioning normally and that the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails to light, or lights and stays ON, there is still an active airbag system fault or malfunction. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to diagnose the problem.