Accident With or Without Inflator Module Deployment - Component Inspections
Caution: Proper operation of the 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 in a collision
or deployment 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 or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.
| • | The IP knee bolsters and mounting points - Inspect the knee bolsters
for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage. |
| • | The IP brackets, braces, etc. - Inspect for bending, twisting,
buckling, or any other type of damage. |
| • | The IP cross car beam - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling,
or any other type of damage. |
| • | The IP mounting points and brackets - Inspect for bending, twisting,
buckling, or any other type of damage. |
| • | The 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, replace the component. 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 module |
| • | Inflatable restraint steering wheel module |
| • | Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil |
| • | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) |
| • | Inflatable restraint electronic frontal sensor (EFS) (if equipped
with dual stage air bags) |
Perform additional inspections on the following components.
| • | Steering wheel module coil and the coil wiring pigtail - Inspect
for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat. |
| • | Mounting points or mounting hardware for the IP module, steering
wheel module, SDM, and EFS sensor (if equipped with dual stage air bags) -
Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed. |
Accident With Side Air Bag Deployment -- Component Replacement
and Inspections
After a collision involving side air bag deployment, replace the following
components.
| • | Inflatable restraint side impact sensors (SIS) (Left/Right), on
the side of the impact. |
| • | Inflatable restraint side impact module (LF/RF), on the side of
the impact. |
| • | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). |
Perform additional inspections on the following components.
| • | Mounting points or mounting hardware for the SIS, and side impact
module (LF/RF) on the side of impact - Inspect for any damage and repair or
replace each component as needed. |
| • | Mounting points or mounting hardware for the SDM - Inspect for
any damage and repair or replace each component 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. An example of this would be a moderate collision where
the front of the vehicle impacts a tree, if the vehicle has an SIR
sensor mounted forward of the radiator, replace the SIR sensor.
| • | Replace the sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed. |
| • | Replace the sensor even if the sensor 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.
