Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision: Service and Repair

SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT

Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a supplemental restraint deployment must have the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the Steering Control Module (SCM)/clockspring (also known as the steering column module/MRM), the steering wheel and the complete steering column with lower steering column coupler must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel must be replaced.

The seat belt tensioners can be deployed independent of an airbag deployment and must also be replaced if they have been deployed or damaged. If a side curtain or seat airbag has been deployed, their respective trim covers must also be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a SRS component deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.

It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (also known as the lowline or highline airbag control unit/ARCADE) and the side acceleration impact sensors be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ORC and each side acceleration impact sensor are used by the SRS to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these components may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required. The ORC must be replaced if it or the structure of the instrument panel center console immediately surrounding it is visually damaged in any way, or after three airbag deployments regardless of visual damage to the unit.

There are two methods by which an airbag or seat belt tensioner may be connected to the vehicle electrical system. The first method involves a short pigtail harness and connector insulator that are integral to the airbag or tensioner unit and are replaced as a unit with the service replacement airbag or seat belt tensioner unit. The second method involves a wire harness takeout and connector insulator (squib circuits) that are connected directly to the air bag or tensioner initiator. The heat created by the initiator during an airbag or tensioner deployment will cause collateral damage to a directly connected wire harness take out and connector insulator. Therefore, these direct-connect type take outs and connector insulators must be repaired following an airbag or seat belt tensioner deployment. Service and Repair.

All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any supplemental restraint deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.

CLEANUP PROCEDURE





Following a supplemental restraint deployment, the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue. This residue consists primarily of harmless particulate by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge that initiates the propellant used to deploy a supplemental restraint. 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 inert gas that inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be certain to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup.

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury, 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.





1. Begin the cleanup by using 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.
2. 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.

CAUTION: All damaged, ineffective, or non-deployed supplemental restraints which are replaced on vehicles are to be handled and disposed of properly. If an airbag unit or seat belt tensioner unit is ineffective or damaged and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System for proper disposal. Be certain to dispose of all non-deployed and deployed supplemental restraints in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local and federal regulations.

3. Next, remove the deployed supplemental restraints from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service removal procedures.
4. You may need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.