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Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)







Removal

WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the inadvertent deployment of the safety canopy and risk of personal injury.
- The RCM orientation is critical for proper air bag SRS operation. If a vehicle equipped with an SRS system has been involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting and bracket for deformation. If damaged, a new RCM must be installed whether or not the air bags have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original condition.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

CAUTION:
- Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.
- When installing a new RCM, it is necessary to carry out programmable module installation (PMI).

NOTE:
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a SRS fault.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- When installing a new RCM, always make sure the correct RCM is being installed. If an incorrect RCM is installed, erroneous DTCs will result.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

All vehicles
1. If installing a new restraints control module (RCM), carry out the steps necessary to prepare for programmable module installation (PMI).
2. Depower the system.

Vehicles with a center console
3. Remove the center console.

Vehicles with bucket seats and no center console
4. Remove the 3 RCM push-nut retainers and the RCM cover.

All vehicles







5. Disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.
1 Push down to release the retaining tab.
2 While releasing the retaining tab, pull out and disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.







6. Disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.
1 Pinch the thumb tab and pivot the connector position assurance lever away from the RCM, disengaging the lever.
2 Pull out and disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.

7. Remove the 3 bolts and RCM.

Installation

All vehicles

1. WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag RCM retaining bolts is critical for correct system operation.

Install the RCM and 3 bolts.
- Tighten to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).







2. Make sure the connector position assurance lever is in the full release position before attempting to connect the connector.







3. CAUTION: Putting the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM on an angle can cause bad electrical connections and damage components.

Position the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM.

- CAUTION: Do not push the connector on to where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the RCM before using the lever to fully seat the connector.

With the large RCM electrical connector uniformly aligned to the RCM, lightly push in until a subtle audible click is heard and slight resistance is felt.







4. Connect the RCM electrical connector.
- Pivot the connector position assurance lever toward the RCM, drawing the connector in to the RCM.
- Make sure the thumb tab is engaged to the retainer on the RCM and locked in place.







5. Connect the small RCM electrical connector.

Vehicles with bucket seats and no center console
6. Install the 3 RCM push-nut retainers and the RCM cover.

Vehicles with a center console
7. Install the center console.

All vehicles
8. Repower the SRS. Do not prove out the SRS at this time.
9. When installing a new RCM, carry out the steps necessary to complete programmable module installation (PMI).
10. Prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS) as follows:

Turn the ignition switch from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash.

The air bag warning indicator might not light until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag warning indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.

Clear all continuous memory diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the RCM.
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