Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair

SRS MAINTENANCE (SRS component check: damage, function, connection to wiring harness, etc.)




The SRS must be inspected by an authorized dealer 10 years after the car manufacture date shown on the certification label located on the left center sill.

SRS WARNING LIGHT CHECK




Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position. Does the "SRS" warning light illuminate for about 7 seconds, and then remain off for at least 5 seconds after turning OFF? If yes, the SRS system is functioning properly. If no, refer to Diagnosis.

SRS COMPONENT VISUAL CHECK






DANGER: Wait at least 60 seconds after disconnecting the battery cable before doing any further work. The SRS system is designed to retain enough voltage to deploy the air bag for a short time even after the battery has been disconnected, so serious injury may result from unintended air bag deployment if work is done on the SRS system immediately after the battery cable is disconnected.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position, disconnect the negative battery cable and tape the terminal.
2. Remove the floor console assembly. (Refer to Floor Console)
3. Disconnect a connector from the SRS-ECU.

FRONT IMPACT SENSORS




1. Check that the arrows on the sensors face toward the front of the vehicle.

WARNING: The SRS may not activate if a front impact sensor is not installed properly, which could result in serious injury or death to the vehicle's driver and passenger.

2. Check the radiator support panel and front impact sensor for deformation or rust.
3. Check the front impact sensor wiring harness for binds, connector for damage, and check the terminals for deformation.
Replace sensor and/or wiring harness if they fail the visual check. (Refer to SRS Service Precautions and Front Impact Sensor.)

SRS AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (SRS-ECU)

WARNING: The SRS may not activate if the SRS-ECU (with built-in safing G-sensor and analog G-sensor) is not installed properly, which could result in serious injury or death to the vehicle's driver and passenger.




1. Check the SRS-ECU case and brackets for dents, cracks, deformation or rust.
2. Check the connector for damage, and check the terminals for deformation or rust.
Replace the SRS-ECU if it fails the visual check. (Refer to SRS Air bag Control Unit.)

AIR BAG MODULE, STEERING WHEEL AND CLOCK SPRING

WARNING: The removed air bag module should be stored in a clean, dry place with the pad cover face up.

1. Remove the air bag module, steering wheel and clock spring. (Refer to Air Bag Module and Clock Spring.)
2. Check the pad cover for dents, cracks or deformation.




3. Check the connector for damage and deformed terminals, and check the harness for binds.
4. Check the air bag inflator case for dents, cracks or deformation.
5. Check the harness (built into the steering wheel) and connectors for damage, and check the terminals for deformation.




6. Check the clock spring connectors and protective tube for damage, and terminals for deformities.
7. Visually check the case for damage.

WARNING: If the clock spring's mating mark is not properly aligned, the steering wheel may not completely rotate during a turn, or the flat cable within the clock spring may be severed, obstructing normal operation of the SRS and possibly leading to serious injury to the vehicle's driver and passenger.




8. Align the mating marks of the clock spring, and after turning the front wheels to the straight-ahead position, install the clock spring to the column switch.

Mating marks alignment
After turning the clock spring fully clockwise, turn it approximately 3 4/5 turns counterclockwise until the mating marks are aligned.




9. Install the steering column covers, steering wheel and air bag module.
10. Check the steering wheel for noise, binds or difficult operation.

DANGER: The SRS may not activate if any of the above components are not installed properly, which could result in serious injury or death to the vehicle's driver and passenger.

11. Check the steering wheel for excessive free play.
REPLACE ANY VISUALLY INSPECTED PART IF IT FAILS THAT INSPECTION. (Refer to Air Bag Module and Clock Spring.)

Wiring Harness:

WIRING HARNESS
1. Check the connector for poor connection.

DANGER: The SRS system may not operate if SRS harnesses or connectors are damaged or improperly connected, which could result in serious injury or death to the vehicle's driver and passenger.

2. Check the harness for binds, the connectors for damage, and the terminals for deformation.
REPLACE ANY CONNECTORS OR HARNESS THAT FAILS THE VISUAL INSPECTION. (Refer to SRS Service Precautions.)