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.
- Driver/Passenger air bag (inflator) module
- Forward (discriminating) sensor
- SDM
- Contact coil and combination switch assembly
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
Certain air bag system components must be replaced. Those components are:
- Driver and passenger air bag (inflator) modules.
Replace with new one.
- 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:

Steering column and shaft joints
Check for length, damage and bend according to "Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage".

Steering column bracket
Check for damage and bent. If any, replace.




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.




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.

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.




Forward (discriminating) sensor and mounting bracket.
Check according to "Sensor/SDM Replacement Guidelines" 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.
Check mounting bracket and member for damage, bend or rust.
If any faulty condition is found in above checks, repair or replace.




SDM and bracket.
Check according to "Sensor/SDM Replacement Guidelines" 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.




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.




Air bag wire harness and connections.
Check for damages, deformities or poor connections. (Refer to "Intermittents and Poor Connections".)
Check wire harness clamps for tightness.
If any faulty condition is found, correct or replace.

Seat belts and mounting points.
Refer to "Seat Belt".

"AIR BAG" warning lamp (air bag system).
After vehicle is completely repaired, perform "Air Bag Diagnostic System Check" described in diagnosis section.