Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

WARNING:
- THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

- NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIR-BAG CONTROL MODULE 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 AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJURIES.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. Pull back the carpet from the floor panel transmission tunnel area under the heater-A/C housing floor duct and forward of the full floor console or mini floor console.

Acceleration Switch Remove/Install:

3. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), remove the acceleration switch and mounting bracket from the floor panel transmission tunnel.

NOTE: Always remove and replace the airbag control module and its mounting bracket as a unit. Replacement modules include a replacement mounting bracket. Do not transfer the module to another mounting bracket.

Airbag Control Module Remove/Install:

4. Remove the four screws that secure the Airbag Control Module (ACM) mounting bracket to the floor panel transmission tunnel.
5. Slide the ACM and mounting bracket out from under the heater-A/C housing floor duct far enough to access the ACM wire harness connector.

Airbag Control Module Connector Removal:

6. Disconnect the cross-body wire harness connector from the ACM. To disconnect the cross-body wire harness connector from the ACM.
a. Pull the two white locks out about 3 millimeters (0.125 in.) from each side of the connector.
b. Squeeze the two connector latch tabs between the thumb and forefinger and pull the connector straight away from the ACM connector receptacle.
7. Remove the ACM and mounting bracket from the floor panel transmission tunnel as a unit.

INSTALLATION
1. Reconnect the cross-body wire harness connector to the ACM connector receptacle. Be certain that the connector latches are fully engaged and that the white connector locks are pushed in.
2. Carefully position the ACM and mounting bracket unit to the floor panel transmission tunnel. When the ACM is correctly positioned the arrow on the ACM label will be pointed forward in the vehicle.
3. Install and tighten the four screws that secure the ACM mounting bracket to the floor panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the screws to 10.7 Nm (95 in. lbs.).
4. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional ABS brakes, install the acceleration switch and mounting bracket onto the floor panel transmission tunnel.
5. Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. Refer to Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.