Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Repairs and Inspections Required After an Accident

CAUTION:
- All air bag system components, including the electrical harness and brackets (component mounting points), must be inspected after an accident. If any components are damaged or bent, they must be replaced even if a deployment did not occur.
- Never use air bag system parts from another vehicle.
- Do not attempt to service the parts below. Service of these parts is by replacement only.
a. Driver/Passenger air bag (inflator) module
b. Forward (discriminating) sensor
c. SDM
d. Contact coil and combination switch assembly
e. Air bag wire harness.
- Proper operation of the sensors and air bag system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return it to its original production configuration.


ACCIDENT WITH DEPLOYMENT-COMPONENT REPLACEMENT AND INSPECTIONS
- Certain air bag system components must be replaced or inspected for damage after a frontal crash involving air bag deployment. Those components are:
a. Driver and passenger air bag (inflator) modules.
- Replace with new one.
b. SDM.
- Replace with new one.

ACCIDENT WITH OR WITHOUT DEPLOYMENT-COMPONENT INSPECTIONS
- Certain air bag and restraint system components must be inspected after any crash, whether the air bag deployed or not. Those components are:





a. Steering column and shaft joints-Check for length, damage and bend.
b. Steering column bracket-Check for damage and bent. If any, replace.





c. Steering wheel and driver air bag (inflator) module.
- Check for damage or air bag (inflator) module fitness.
- Check trim cover (pad surface) for cracks.
- Check wire harness and connector for damage or tightness.
If any faulty condition is found in above checks, replace faulty part.





d. Instrument panel member, reinforcement and knee bolster & panel (Driver and passenger).
- Check for any distortion, bending, cracking or other damage. If any, repair or replace.
e. Passenger air bag (inflator) module.
- Check for dents, cracks, damage or fitness.
- Check trim cover for cracks or deformities.
- Check harness and connector for damage or tightness.
If any, repair or replace.





e. Forward (discriminating) sensor and mounting bracket.
- Inspect, and if it is in an area of accident damage or any faulty condition is found, replace.
- Check sensor harness and connector for binds or damage. If any faulty condition is found, replace.
- Check mounting bracket and member for damage, bends or rust. If any faulty condition is found, repair or replace.





f. SDM and bracket.
- Check, and if it is in an area of accident damage or any faulty condition is found, replace.
- Check SDM and bracket for dents, cracks or deformities.
- Check SDM connector and terminals for tightness.
If any faulty condition is found in above checks, replace.





g. Contact coil & combination switch assembly.
- Check wire harness and connectors for damage or tightness.
- Check contact coil case for damage.
If any faulty condition is found in above checks, replace.





h. Air bag wire harness and connections.
- Check for damages, deformities or poor connections.
- Check wire harness clamps for tightness.
If any faulty condition is found, correct or replace.
i. Seat belt and mounting points.
- Inspect and replace any defective or damaged components.
j. "Air Bag" warning light system.
- After vehicle is completely repaired, perform "Air Bag Diagnostic System Check".
Air Bag Diagnostic System Check