Post-Collision Repairs

SERVICE OF AIR BAG EQUIPPED VEHICLES INVOLVED IN COLLISIONS
If the accident involved an air bag deployment, while servicing a vehicle equipped with a driver side air bag module, check the sensors and wiring for damage.

NOTE: Do not attempt to replace air bag cover with one from another driver side air bag module, for any reason.

Sensors

WARNING: VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE FRAME RAIL, ROD SUPPORT OR COWL ASSEMBLY AREA HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR DEFORMATION. IF DAMAGED, THE SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, MAKE SURE THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE IN THE AREA OF THE SENSOR MOUNTING IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.

NOTE: Undamaged sensors will reset automatically after an accident and can be reused.

Damaged Wiring
Inspect the sensor wiring and the wiring harness for any damage that may have occurred as a result of the accident. Replace as required any damaged:
- wiring
- terminals
- insulation
- connectors for wiring harness only.

NOTE: Replace air bag sensors if there is any damage to the sensor wiring assembly.

If splices are required in adjacent wiring, the splices should be staggered 50 mm (2 inches) apart from each other. Connections should be soldered, using solder compatible with electrical wiring and a soldering iron with a properly tinned tip. Service splices as follows:
- A heat shrink nylon splice prevents water, salt, condensation and heat from affecting the wiring service.

The damaged wiring should be repaired using a Western Union splice and soldered. Finish the splice with a heat shrink nylon splice wrap.

Steering Column and Air Bag Sliding Contact
If the collision involved air bag deployment, the steering column may have been loaded sufficiently to deform steering column instrument panel brackets or damage column wiring. An inspection should be made of the column structure and wiring to air bag sliding contact to make sure any damaged components are replaced.

Air Bag System
After all service is completed, verify the air bag indicator operation as follows:
- Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
- If the indicator flashes, count the air bag indicator flashes only after the code (series of flashes) has cycled twice.
- If the air bag indicator illuminates continuously for four to eight seconds and then goes out, the supplemental air bag restraint system is functioning properly and all faults have been serviced. If the air bag indicator does not illuminate, illuminates continuously for four to eight seconds then flashes a code, or remains continuously illuminated, there is a malfunction in the system. Perform diagnostic procedures to correct possible faults in the air bag system.

CAUTION: Before attempting diagnostic prove out, check all sensors and wiring for damage or shorts that could cause the air bag diagnostic monitor thermal fuse to blow (open), causing unnecessary replacement.