Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)

Special Tool(s):

Special Tool(s)







Removal

WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag 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 correct air bag supplemental restraint system (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, the RCM must be installed new whether or not the air bags have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original condition.
- Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for correct system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Install a new sensor and correctly position the sensor or any other damaged SRS components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
- The tightening torque of the air bag RCM retaining nuts is critical for correct system operation.
- 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 on vehicles built 7/31/06 or after, it is necessary to carry out programmable module installation (PMI). Programming and Relearning

NOTE:
- When installing a new RCM, always make sure the correct RCM is being installed. If an incorrect RCM is installed, erroneous DTCs will result.
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the 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.
- 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.

Vehicles built 7/31/06 or after
1. Carry out the steps necessary to prepare for programmable module installation (PMI).

All vehicles
2. Depower the system.
3. Remove the floor console.







4. Disconnect the large restraints control module (RCM) electrical connector.
1 Pinch the thumb tab and pivot the large RCM electrical connector position assurance lever all the way back until it stops.
2 Pull out and disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.

5. Press to release the locking tab and disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.
6. Remove the 3 RCM nuts.
7. Remove the RCM.

Installation

All vehicles
1. Install the RCM.
2. Install the 3 RCM nuts.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

3. Connect the small RCM electrical connector.







4. NOTE: The RCM has been removed for clarity.

On the large RCM electrical connector, place the connector position assurance lever in the full release position.







5. 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.







6. Connect the large RCM connector.

- 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 a slight resistance is felt.

- Using the connector position assurance lever, pivot it toward the RCM, drawing the connector into the RCM. Make sure the thumb tab is engaged to the retainer on the RCM and locked in place.

7. Install the floor console.
8. Repower the system. Do not prove out the SRS at this time.

Vehicles built 7/31/06 or after
9. Carry out the steps necessary to complete PMI.

All vehicles
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 indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn off. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag indicator will:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash at a 5 Hz rate (RCM not configured).

The air bag 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 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 indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.

Clear all continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the RCM and occupant classification sensor (OCS) module using a scan tool.