The supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system supplements the protection offered by the occupant's seat belt system (2). The SIR system may contain several inflator modules located throughout the vehicle, i.e. steering wheel module (1), instrument panel (IP) module (1), or side impact modules. In addition to inflator modules, the vehicle may contain seat belt pretensioners that tighten the seat belt in the event of a collision, thus reducing the distance between the occupant and the seat belt when an inflator module is deployed. Each inflator module has a deployment loop that is controlled by the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) mounted inside the vehicle. The SDM determines the severity of a collision with the assistance of various sensor inputs located at strategic points on the vehicle. When the SDM detects a collision of sufficient force it will process the information provided by the sensors to further support air bag deployment. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components. Upon detection of a circuit malfunction, the SDM will set a DTC and inform the driver by turning the AIR BAG indicator ON. The steering column (1) and knee bolsters (3) are designed to absorb energy and compress during frontal collisions in order to limit leg movement and decrease the chance of injury to the driver and passenger. After an Air Bag deployment, the SDM will send out a post-air message to the Rear Integration Module (RIM). The RIM will unlock the doors and turn ON the interior lights 15 seconds after receipt of this message.

The frontal SIR system consists of the following components:

A frontal collision of sufficient force will deploy the frontal air bags. The SDM contains a sensing device that converts vehicle velocity changes to an electrical signal. In the event of a frontal collision, the SDM receives a signal from the electronic frontal sensor, which assists the SDM in determining the severity of the collision. The SDM compares these signals to a value stored in memory. When the generated signals exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the frontal deployment loops simultaneously deploying the frontal air bags. The SDM, IP module, steering wheel module, steering wheel module coil and the connecting wires makeup the frontal deployment loops. The SDM continuously monitors the deployment loops for malfunctions and turns the AIR BAG indicator ON if a fault is detected.

The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) is a microprocessor and the control center for the SIR system. The SDM contains internal sensors along with several external sensors, if equipped, mounted at strategic locations on the vehicle. In the event of a collision, the SDM compares the signals from the internal and external sensors to a value stored in memory. When the generated signals exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the appropriate deployment loops to deploy the air bags. The SDM records the SIR system status when a deployment occurs and turns the AIR BAG indicator located in the IPC ON. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components and circuitry when the ignition is turned ON. If the SDM detects a malfunction, a DTC will be stored and the SDM will command the AIR BAG indicator ON, notifying the driver that a malfunction exist. In the event that ignition positive voltage is lost during a collision, the SDM maintains a 23-volt loop reserve (23 VLR) for deployment of the air bags. It is important when disabling the SIR system for servicing or rescue operations to allow the 23 VLR to dissipate, which could take up to 1 minute.

The AIR BAG indicator, located in the IPC is used to notify the driver of SIR system malfunctions and to verify that the SDM is communicating with the IPC. When the ignition is turned ON, the SDM is supplied with ignition positive voltage. The SDM requests the IPC to flash the AIR BAG indicator seven times. While flashing the indicator, the SDM conducts test on all SIR system components and circuits. If no malfunctions are detected the SDM will communicate with the IPC through the class 2 serial data circuit and command the AIR BAG indicator OFF. The SDM provides continuous monitoring of the air bag circuits by conducting a sequence of checks. If a malfunction is detected the SDM will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and command the IPC to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON via class 2 serial data and a SERVICE AIR BAG message will be display on the Driver Information Center (DIC). The presence of a SIR system malfunction could result in non-deployment of the air bags or deployment in conditions less severe than intended. The AIR BAG indicator and the SERVICE AIR BAG message on the DIC will remain ON until the malfunction has been repaired.

The inflator modules contain a housing, inflatable air bag, an initiating device, canister of gas generating material and, in some cases, stored compressed gas. The initiator is part of the inflator module deployment loop. When the vehicle is involved in a collision of sufficient force, the SDM will cause current to flow through the deployment loops to the initiator. Current passing through the initiator ignites the material in the canister producing a rapid generation of gas and the release of compressed gas, if present. The gas produced from this reaction rapidly inflates the air bag. Once the air bag is inflated it quickly deflates through the air bag vent holes and/or the bag fabric.

Each inflator module is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the module. The shorting bar shorts the inflator module deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the inflator module.

The steering wheel module coil is attached to the steering column and is located under the steering wheel. The steering wheel module coil consists of two or more current-carrying coils. The coils allow the rotation of the steering wheel while maintaining continuous electrical contact between the driver deployment loop and the steering wheel module. Two or four (if equipped with dual stage air bags) coil wires are used for the steering wheel module deployment loop. Additional coil wires are used for accessories attached to the steering wheel depending on the vehicle model. The steering wheel module coil connector is located near the base of the steering column. The connector contains a shorting bar that shorts the steering wheel module coil deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the inflator module.

The seat belt pretensioner contain a housing, an initiating device, canister of gas generating material. The initiator is part of the seat belt pretensioner deployment loop. When the vehicle is involved in a collision of sufficient force, the SDM will cause current to flow through the deployment loops to the initiator. Current passing through the initiator ignites the material in the canister producing a rapid generation of gas. The gas produced from this reaction rapidly shortens the seat belt buckle height.

Each seat belt pretensioner is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the pretensioner. The shorting bar shorts the seat belt pretensioner deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the pretensioner when servicing the seat belt pretensioner.

The side SIR system (front) consists of the following components:

The side impact modules (front) are located either in the front doors or in the outside portion of the front seat backs. The side impact modules contain a housing, inflatable air bag, initiating device, and a canister of gas generating material. The initiator is part of the side impact module deployment loop. When a side impact of sufficient force occurs the SIS detects the impact and sends a signal to the SDM. The SDM compares the signal received from the SIS to a value stored in memory. When the generated signal exceeds the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the side deployment loop deploying the side air bag. The SDM, side impact modules (front) and the connecting wires makeup the side deployment loops. The SDM continuously monitors the deployment loops for malfunctions and turns the AIR BAG indicator ON if a fault is present.

Each side impact module (front) is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the module. The shorting bar shorts the side impact module deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when it is disconnected.

The side impact sensor (SIS) contains a sensing device which monitors vehicle acceleration and velocity changes to detect side collisions that are severe enough to warrant air bag deployment. The SIS is not part of the deployment loop, but instead provides an input to the SDM. The SDM contains a microprocessor that performs calculations using the measured accelerations and compares these calculations to a value stored in memory. When the generated calculations exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the deployment loops deploying the side air bags.

The inflatable restraint wiring harnesses connect the inflators modules, SDM, deployment loops, and class 2 serial data together using weather pack connectors. SIR system connectors are yellow in color for easy identification. When repairing the SIR wiring harnesses follow the proper testing and wiring repair procedures listed in this manual.

The Steering wheel and columns are designed to absorb energy when driver contact is made with the steering wheel or inflated air bag. In a frontal collision the driver may come in contact with the steering wheel directly or load the steering wheel and column through the inflated air bag. When the driver applies load to the air bag or the steering wheel the column will compress downward absorbing some of the impact, helping to reduce bodily injuries to the driver. The steering wheel and column must be inspected for damages after a collision.

The Knee Bolsters are designed to help restrain the lower torso of front seat occupants by absorbing the energy through the front seat occupant's upper legs. In a frontal collision the front seat occupant legs may come in contact with the knee bolsters. The knee bolsters are designed to crush or deform, absorbing some of the impact, which helps to reduce bodily injuries. The driver and passenger knee bolsters are located in the lower part of the instrument panel and must be inspected for damages after a collision.