Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair
SRS AIR BAG (INSPECT FOR SRS SYSTEM)
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 seven seconds, and then remain off for at least five 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. 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.
Side Impact Sensors
WARNING:
- If the side impact sensor is not installed securely and correctly, the side-airbag may not operate normally
- If a dent, crack, deformation or rust is detected, replace with a new sensor.
1. Check the side impact sensor and bracket for dents, cracks or deformation. The side impact sensors are located inside the center pillars (LH/RH).
2. Check the connector for damage, and terminal for deformation.
3. Check that there is no bending or corrosion in the center pillars (LH/RH).
Replace The Side Impact Sensor If It Fails The Visual Check
Refer to Side Impact Sensor.
NOTE: The illustration shows the left side impact sensor (LH). The position of the side impact sensor (RH) is symmetrical to this.
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 front 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 checks above. (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 front passenger.
8. Align the mating marks of the clock spring first. After turning the front wheels to the straight-ahead position, install the clock spring to the column.
Mating Marks Alignment;
After turning the clock spring fully clockwise, turn it approximately 3 turns counterclockwise until the mating marks are aligned.
9. Install the steering column covers, steering wheel and air bag module. (Refer to Air Bag Module and Clock Spring.)
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 front passenger.
11. Check the steering wheel for excessive free play. REPLACE ANY PART IF IT FAILS VISUAL INSPECTION. (Refer to Air Bag Module and Clock Spring.)
Front Seatback Assembly with Side-airbag Module
WARNING:
- If any improper part is found during the following inspection, replace the front seatback assembly with a new one.
- Dispose of the old one according to the specified procedure. (Refer to Air Bag Module Disposal Procedures.)
- Never attempt to measure the circuit resistance of the air bag module (squib) even if you are using the specified tester. If the circuit resistance is measured with a tester, accidental air bag deployment will result in serious personal injury.
1. Check the air bag module deployment for dents or deformation.
2. Check the connector for damage, the terminals for deformation, and harness for binds.
Seat belt with pre-tensioner
WARNING:
- If the seat belt pre-tensioner is not installed securely and correctly, the seat belt pre-tensioner may not operate normally
- If a dent, crack, deformation or rust is detected, replace with a new seat belt pre-tensioner.
1. Check the seat belt pre-tensioner for dents or deformation.
2. Check that the seat belt pre-tensioner is installed correctly to the vehicle body.
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 front passenger.
2. Check the harness for binds, the connectors for damage, and the terminals for deformation. REPLACE ANY CONNECTOR OR HARNESS THAT FAILS THE VISUAL INSPECTION. (Refer to SRS Service Precaution.)