C. ORC Module Replacement

NOTE:
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Module is not "abort-recoverable." Should the reprogramming process be interrupted or fail, the ORC module must be replaced.

CAUTION:
The replacement ORC module does not require reprogramming. The latest available software has already been programmed into the new ORC module.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.

WARNING:
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting this procedure. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before continuing. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

2. Partially rollback the carpet to gain access to the floor distribution duct and the ORC module.





3. Remove the three floor distribution duct retaining screws. Two of the screws are accessed from the left side of the vehicle and one from the right side of the vehicle. (Figure 1).

4. Working from the left side of the vehicle, carefully pull the floor distribution duct from the vehicle.

5. Disconnect the instrument panel and body wire harness connectors from the ORC connector receptacles located on the left facing side of the module. To disconnect the connectors from the ORC:





a. Slide the red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock on the top of the connector toward the left side of the vehicle (Figure 2).

b. Depress the edge of the CPA lock closest to the ORC to release the connector latch tab and pull the connector straight away from the ORC module connector receptacle (Figure 2).





6. Remove the three nuts that secure the ORC to the studs of the ORC mount welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel (Figure 3).

7. Remove the ORC from the ORC mount.

8. Carefully position the ORC onto the studs of the ORC mount on the floor panel transmission tunnel. When the ORC is correctly positioned, the arrow on the ORC label will be pointed forward in the vehicle and the ORC connector receptacles will be facing the left side of the vehicle (Figure 3).

WARNING:
To avoid personal injury or death, never strike or drop the ORC, as it can damage the impact sensor or affect its calibration. The ORC contains the impact sensor, which enables the system to deploy the supplemental restraints. If an occupant restraint controller is accidentally dropped during service, the module must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit. Failure to observe this warning could result in accidental, incomplete, or improper supplemental restraint deployment.

9. Install and tighten the three nuts that secure the ORC to the studs of the ORC mount that is welded onto the floor panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the nuts to 50 in. lbs. (6 N.m).

10. Reconnect the instrument panel and body wire harness connectors to the ORC connector receptacles located on the left facing side of the module. Be certain that the latches and the red CPA locks on both connectors are each fully engaged.

11. Reinstall the floor distribution duct onto the bottom of the heater-air conditioner housing.

12. Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. Perform the supplemental restraint system verification test using the following procedure:

a. During the test, the negative battery cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was during the supplemental restraint system component removal and installation procedures.

b. Be certain that the diagnostic scan tool contains the latest version of the proper diagnostic software. Connect the scan tool 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.

c. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position and exit the vehicle with the scan tool.

d. Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehicle, then reconnect the negative battery cable.

e. Using the scan tool, read and record the active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.

f. Next, use the scan tool to read and record any stored (historical) DTC data.

g. Use the scan tool to erase the stored DTC data.

h. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for about 15 seconds, and then back to the ON position. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster. It should illuminate for six to eight seconds, and then go out. This indicates that the supplemental restraint system is functioning normally and that the repairs are complete.