Post-Collision Repairs

While repairing an air bag equipped vehicle that has been involved in an accident, check sensors and wiring.

Vehicle sensor orientation is Critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a crash where the fenders or grille area have been damaged, inspect the sensor mounting brackets for damage. If damaged, the sensor should be replaced whether or not the air bag is deployed. In addition, ensure that body structure in the area of the sensor mounting is restored to its original condition.

Inspect the sensor wiring and the wiring harness for any damage that may have occurred due to the accident. Repair or replace any damaged wiring, terminals, insulation, or connectors, as required. If splices are required in adjacent wiring, the splices should be staggered 50 mm (2 inches) from each other. Repair as follows:

A waterproof butt splice connector should be used on all wiring repairs in the engine compartment. A heat shrink nylon splice prevents water, salt, condensation and heat from affecting the wiring repair.

The inner wall of the splice connector is lined with an adhesive that melts when heated with a heat gun and flows under pressure from the tubing, sealing the splice The connectors can be crimped with a standard insulated connector crimping tool. The splices are color coded for gauge identification and are transparent to allow inspection of the finished splice.

If the accident involved air bag deployment, the steering column may have been loaded sufficiently to deform steering column mounting brackets or damage column wiring. An inspection should be made of the column structure and clockspring wiring to ensure that any damaged components are replaced.

After all service, verify the air bag lamp. This means turn the ignition switch to RUN and count the flashes only after the code (series of flashes) has cycled twice. If the air bag lamp comes on continuously for 4 to 8 seconds and then goes out, the system is functioning properly and all faults have been repaired. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing





Part Name Class
Butt Connector Gauge: 18-22, color: Red C
Butt Connector Gauge: 14-16, Color: Blue C
Butt Connector Gauge: 10-12,Color: yellow C