Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment -- Component Inspections
CAUTION: Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) sensing
system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle
structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing
the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag(s) in a frontal
collision or deployment of the air bag(s) for conditions less severe than
intended.
CAUTION: Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) sensing
system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle
structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing
the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the side impact air bag(s)
in a side impact collision or deployment of the side impact air
bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended.
After any collision, inspect the following components
as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you detect
any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component
or replace the hardware as needed.
| • | Steering column--Perform the steering column accident damage
checking procedures. Refer to Steering. |
| • | I/P Knee Bolsters and Mounting Points--Inspect the knee bolsters
for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage. |
| • | I/P brackets, braces, etc.--Inspect for bending, twisting,
buckling, or any other type of damage. |
| • | Seat Belts--Perform the seat belt operational and functional
checks. Refer to Seats. |
| • | I/P Cross Car Beam--Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling,
or any other type of damage. |
| • | I/P Mounting Points and Brackets--Inspect for bending, twisting,
buckling, or any other type of damage. |
| • | Seats and Seat Mounting Points--Inspect for bending, twisting,
buckling, or any other type of damage. |
Accident With Frontal Air Bag Deployment -- Component Replacement
and Inspections
After a collision involving air bag deployment, replace the following
components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware,
repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.
| • | Inflatable restraint IP (inflator) module |
| • | Inflatable restraint steering wheel (inflator) module |
| • | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) |
| • | Seat belt pretensioners |
After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the Inflatable
restraint steering wheel module coil and the coil wiring pigtail for melting,
scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat. Perform this component inspection
in addition to the inspections indicated above in Accident With or Without
Air Bag Deployment. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you
detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the
component or replace the hardware as needed.
Accident With Side Air Bag Deployment -- Component Replacement
and Inspections
After a collision involving side air bag deployment, replace the following
components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware,
repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as
needed.
| • | Inflatable restraint side impact sensing module (SISM), on the
side of the impact |
| • | Inflatable restraint side impact inflator module, on the side
of the impact |
Perform the inspections indicated above in Accident With or Without
Air Bag Deployment. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you
detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the
component or replace the hardware as needed.
Sensor Replacement Guidelines
The SIR/side air bag sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors
in the area of accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as
the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision.
For example, a moderate collision where the front of the vehicle impacts
a tree. If the vehicle has an SIR sensor mounted forward of the radiator,
it must be replaced.
| • | Replace the sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed. |
| • | Replace the sensor even if it appears to be undamaged. |
Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting
bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the
SIR/side air bag sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor
is undamaged, replace the sensor. Also, if you follow a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) table and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the sensor.
