Detailed Description
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCHA passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch is used on certain models not equipped with factory-installed or approved rear passenger seating. This switch is a single pole, single throw switch with a single integral red Light-Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key cylinder-type actuator. The switch is located in the lower right corner of instrument panel cluster bezel, near the center of instrument panel to make the OFF indicator visible to all front seat occupants. When the switch is in its installed position, the only components visible through the dedicated opening of the cluster bezel are the accessory switch plate and nomenclature, the key cylinder actuator, and a small round lens with the text "OFF" imprinted on it. The "ON" position of the switch is designated by text imprinted upon the accessory switch plate, but is not illuminated. The remainder of the switch is concealed behind the accessory switch plate and the instrument panel cluster bezel.
The passenger airbag ON-OFF switch housing is constructed of molded plastic and has three integral mounting tabs. Two of these mounting tabs are used to secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic accessory switch plate with two small screws, while the third mounting tab is not used in this application. The molded plastic accessory switch plate also has three integral mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and accessory switch plate unit to the instrument panel with three additional screws. Two short pigtail wires with molded plastic connector insulators exit the back of the switch housing and connect the switch to the vehicle electrical system through two dedicated take outs of the instrument panel wire harness. The harness take outs are equipped with molded plastic connector insulators that are keyed and latched to ensure proper and secure switch electrical connections. The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the switch must be replaced.
The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch allows the customer to turn the passenger airbag function ON or OFF to accommodate certain uses of the right front seating position where airbag protection may not be desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for specific recommendations on when to enable or disable the passenger airbag. The OFF indicator of the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is turned to the OFF position. The ignition key is the only key or object that should ever be inserted into the switch. The ON/OFF switch requires only a partial key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded locking plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger prevents the user from leaving the key in the switch. The key will be automatically ejected when force is not applied. To actuate the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger and rotate to the desired switch position. When the switch key actuator is rotated to its clockwise stop (the key actuator slot will be aligned with the OFF indicator lamp), the OFF indicator is illuminated and the passenger airbag is disabled. When the switch is rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key actuator slot will be in a horizontal position), the OFF indicator will be extinguished and the passenger airbag is enabled.
The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch is connected in series between the Airbag Control Module (ACM) and the passenger airbag inflator unit. When the switch is in the ON position, the switch connects the ACM directly to the passenger airbag inflator. When the switch is in the OFF position it interrupts the inflator circuits, but replaces the normal resistance in these circuits with an internal resistor. Thus, the ACM is unable to distinguish the mode of the switch and still sends an electrical signal as though it were deploying the passenger airbag when it detects a sufficient impact. However, the switch position should not be changed while the ignition switch is in the ON position, as the ACM may detect a fault, record a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), and illuminate the Airbag indicator in response to a momentary open it senses in the passenger airbag inflator circuits as the ON/OFF switch changes states.