Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

Airbag Control Module

WARNING:
- THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR- BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
- NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, remove the center console from the floor panel transmission tunnel.

Airbag Control Module Trim Cover Remove/Install:

3. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the two screws that secure the trim cover to the airbag control module mounting bracket, then pull the top of the trim cover rearward to release the two snap clips from the instrument panel support bracket.

Airbag Control Module Remove/Install:

4. Loosen but do not remove the two screws on the sides that secure the instrument panel support bracket to the airbag control module mounting bracket.
5. Remove the two nuts that secure the support bracket to the stubs on the lower instrument panel.
6. Disengage the wire harness retainer from the hole in the support bracket.
7. Pull the top of the support bracket away from the instrument panel studs and fold it down over the airbag control module until it is laying on the floor panel.
8. Unplug the wire harness connector from the airbag control module.

NOTE: Always remove and replace the airbag control module and its mounting bracket as a unit. Replacement modules include a replacement mounting bracket. Do not transfer the module to another mounting bracket.

9. Remove the four screws that secure the mounting bracket to the floor panel transmission tunnel.
10. Remove the airbag control module, the mounting bracket and the support bracket as a unit from the floor panel.
11. When installing the airbag control module, position the unit with the arrow on the module housing pointing forward.
12. Attach the ACM to the floor panel transmission tunnel with the four mounting screws.
13. Reverse the removal procedures to install. Before installing the trim cover or the floor console, be certain that the airbag control module wire harness connector latches are fully engaged and that the connector lock is pushed in. Tighten the mounting hardware as follows:
- Mounting bracket screws - 14 N.m (125 in. lbs.)
- Support bracket nuts - 14 N.m (125 in. lbs.)
- Trim cover screws - 2.2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
14. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.