Post-Collision Inspection

To repair or service a vehicle equipped with an air bag system that has been involved in a collision, perform the following procedures:

Air bags deployed in a collision:
- Replace the driver side air bag module and the passenger side air bag module.
- Replace the air bag diagnostic monitor.
- Inspect the instrument panel, steering wheel, wire harnesses and connectors. If damaged, replace as necessary.
- Perform self-diagnostic procedures.

Air bags not deployed in a collision:
- Remove the driver side air bag module.
- Inspect the driver side air bag module, electrical connectors, and terminals for damage.
- Install the driver side air bag module into the steering wheel to inspect fit and alignment.
- Inspect the steering wheel for excessive play, noise or binding.
- Inspect the air bag sliding contact, air bag sliding contact electrical connectors, and the combination switch for damage.
- Inspect the steering column, steering column harnesses and electrical connectors for damage.
- If any damage is found, replace as necessary.
- Remove the passenger side air bag module.
- Inspect the passenger side air bag module, electrical connectors, and terminals for damage.
- Install the passenger side air bag module into the instrument panel to inspect fit and alignment.
- Inspect the instrument panel for damage.
- If any damage is found, replace as necessary.
- Inspect the air bag diagnostic monitor and connectors for damage. If any damage is found, replace as necessary.

Damaged Wiring

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

Inspect 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

Connector Identification:

If splices are required in adjacent wiring, the splices should be staggered 50 mm (2 inches) apart from each other. Service splices as follows:
- Use a waterproof butt-splice connector on any exposed wiring.
- A heat shrink nylon splice prevents water, salt, condensation and heat from affecting the wiring service.

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.

Steering Column and Air Bag Sliding Contact
If the collision involved an air bag deployment, the steering column may have been loaded sufficiently to deform the steering column mounting brackets or damage the column wiring. An inspection should be made of the column structure and air bag sliding contact wiring to ensure that any damaged components are replaced. Refer to Section 11-04 for the steering column replacement procedure.

Air Bag System

CAUTION: Before attempting diagnostic prove out, check all air bag system components and wiring for damage or shorts that could cause unnecessary replacement of the air bag diagnostic monitor.

After all service is completed, verify the air bag warning indicator operation as follows:
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
- The air bag warning indicator should remain illuminated for seven seconds, then shut off if the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is functioning properly and all faults have been serviced.
- If the air bag warning indicator fails to illuminate, remains lit continuously, or flashes, the SRS is NOT functioning properly and requires service or diagnosis.