Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module
The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs the following functions in the SIR system:
| • | Energy Reserve--The SDM maintains 23 Volt Loop Reserve (23VLR) energy supplies to provide deployment energy. Ignition voltage can provide deployment energy if the 23 Volt Loop Reserves malfunction. |
| • | Frontal Crash Detection--The SDM monitors vehicle velocity changes to detect frontal crashes that are severe enough to warrant deployment. |
| • | Frontal Air Bag Deployment--During a frontal crash of sufficient force, the SDM will cause enough current to flow through the frontal inflator modules to deploy the frontal air bags. |
| • | Frontal Crash Recording--The SDM records information regarding the SIR system status during a frontal crash. |
| • | Malfunction Detection--The SDM performs diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components. Upon detection of a circuit malfunction, the SDM will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). |
| • | Malfunction Diagnosis--The SDM displays SIR Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and system status information through the use of a scan tool. |
| • | Driver Notification--The SDM warns the vehicle driver of SIR system malfunctions by controlling the AIR BAG warning lamp. The SDM sends a message over the Class 2 serial data line requesting to turn ON the AIR BAG warning lamp. |
The SDM connects to the SIR wiring harness using a yellow 18-way connector.
The SDM receives power whenever the ignition switch is in the RUN or START positions.
AIR BAG Warning Lamp
The AIR BAG warning lamp is located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) communicates with the IPC using the Class 2 serial data line. The SDM commands the IPC to turn the AIR BAG warning lamp ON and OFF through serial data communication. The SIR system uses the AIR BAG warning lamp to do the following:
| • | Verify the lamp operation by flashing the lamp seven times when the ignition switch is ON. |
| • | Verify that the SDM is communicating with the IPC through serial data communication and that no SIR Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present by turning the lamp OFF after flashing seven times. |
| • | Warn the vehicles driver of SIR electrical system malfunctions which could potentially affect the operation of the SIR system. These malfunctions could result in one or more of the following conditions: |
| - | Non-deployment in the case of a frontal crash. |
| - | Deployment for conditions less severe than intended. |
The AIR BAG warning lamp is the key to driver notification of SIR system malfunctions.
Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil
The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil consists of two or more current-carrying coils. The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil attaches to the steering column. Two of the current-carrying coils allow rotation of the steering wheel while maintaining continuous contact of the driver deployment loop to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
There is a shorting bar on the yellow 2-way connector near the base of the steering column that connects the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil to the SIR wiring harness. The shorting bar shorts the circuits to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil and inflatable restraint steering wheel module during the disconnection of the yellow 2-way connector. The shorting of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil and inflatable restraint steering wheel module circuitry will help prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the steering column or other SIR system components.
Inflator Modules
The inflator modules consist of an inflatable bag and an inflator. An inflator consists of a canister of gas-generating material and an initiating device. The initiator is part of the deployment loop. When the vehicle is in a frontal crash of sufficient force, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) causes current to flow through the frontal air bag deployment loops. Current passing through the initiator ignites the material in the inflator module. The gas produced from this reaction rapidly inflates the air bag.
There is a shorting bar on the inflatable restraint steering wheel module side of the upper steering column connector that connects the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. The shorting bar shorts across the inflatable restraint steering wheel module circuits during the disconnection of the upper steering column connector. The shorting of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module circuitry will help prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, the steering column or other SIR system components.
There is a shorting bar on the inflatable restraint IP module connector that connects to the SIR wiring harness. The shorting bar shorts across the inflatable restraint IP module circuits during the disconnection of the inflatable restraint IP module connector. The shorting of the inflatable restraint IP module circuitry will help prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the inflatable restraint IP module, the instrument panel or other SIR system components.
Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor
The presence of an inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor enhances the SIR system performance. Use of the inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor provides timely deployment of the air bags during some crashes. Although this is a mechanical sensor, the inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor is not part of the deployment loop, but instead provides an input signal to the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).
Steering Column
The steering column is energy absorbing. The steering column can compress during a frontal crash in order to decrease the chance of injury to the driver.
Knee Bolster
The knee bolsters absorb energy and control the forward movement of the vehicle's front seat occupants during a frontal crash, by limiting leg movement.
Definitions
Air Bag: An inflatable cloth cushion designed to deploy in certain frontal or side impact crashes. The air bags distribute the impact load more evenly over the occupant's head and torso in order to supplement the safety belt protection.Asynchronous: An event that can occur at any time without a warning and without falling within a defined time period.
B+: The battery voltage available at the time of the indicated measurement. With the ignition switch in the RUN position and the engine OFF, the voltage is usually 11.5-12.5 V. With the engine at idle, the voltage may be 14.0-16.0 V. During engine cranking, the voltage can be as low as 10.0 V.
Bulb Test: The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) will flash the air bag warning lamp 7 times when the ignition switch is first turned to the RUN position. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) then commands the IPC to turn the warning lamp OFF through serial data communication. This indicates that there are no malfunctions in the SIR system. If a SIR system malfunction is present, the IPC flashes the warning lamp seven times and the SDM then commands the IPC to turn the warning lamp ON. An IPC malfunction could prevent the IPC from flashing the lamp.
Class 2: A serial data communications protocol.
Continuous Monitoring Tests: The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) continuously monitors the SIR system during each 60 millisecond interval. The IGNITION voltage at the module must be within the normal operating voltage range for the continuous monitoring to occur. These tests follow the power-on tests.
Data Link Connector (DLC): The DLC electrically connects to many on-board computers and allows communication with an off-board computer such as a scan tool.
Datum Line: A base line parallel to the plane of the vehicle underbody or the frame. All vertical measurements originate from this base line.
Deploy: To inflate the air bag.
Deployment Loops: The circuits that supply the current to the inflator modules for air bag deployment.
Deployment Loop Voltage Out Of Range Test: This test is run during power-on and continuous monitoring diagnostics. The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs this test in order to inspect for a short circuit to B+ or ground within the deployment loops. If the SDM detects a short circuit to voltage within a deployment loop, the resistance measurement test for that deployment loop will be not be run.
Deployment Loop Resistance Measurement Test: This test is run during power-on and continuous monitoring diagnostics. The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs this test in order to inspect for proper deployment loop resistance. This test is run after the voltage out of range test as long as a short to B+ does not exist within the deployment loop.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): An alphanumeric designator used by the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in order to indicate specific SIR system malfunctions.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): Memory that does not require power to the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in order to retain its contents.
Higher Priority Fault: Each DTC has an assigned priority based on its detectability with other DTCs present. The priority corresponds to the detectability of the malfunction only. This does not relate to the seriousness of the malfunction with respect to deployment or non deployment under any given condition.
Ignition Cycle: The operation of the ignition switch causes this cycle to occur. The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) must first sense IGNITION 1 input greater than 9.0 V with the ignition switch in RUN. The IGNITION 1 input voltage must remain above 9.0 V for at least 10 seconds before turning the ignition switch to OFF.
Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM): The SIR control module that provides reserve energy to the deployment loops, deploys the air bags when required, and performs diagnostic monitoring of all SIR system components.
Inflatable Restraint IP Module: An assembly located on the RH of the IP consisting of an inflatable air bag, an inflator, and an initiator.
Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module: An assembly located in the steering wheel hub consisting of an inflatable bag, an inflator, and an initiator.
Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil: An assembly of two or more current carrying coils mounted within the steering column hub. The assembly allows the rotation of the steering wheel while maintaining continuous electrical circuit contact. Two of the coils provide continuous contact of the driver deployment loop to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
Initiator: Located in the inflator module, the initiator initiates the chemical reaction that inflates the air bag when sufficient current flows through the component.
Normal Operating Voltage Range: 9.0-16.0 V when measuring between the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) IGNITION POSITIVE VOLTAGE terminal and ground.
Power-on Tests: Tests that the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) performs on the SIR system once per ignition cycle. These tests occur immediately after the module receives IGNITION 1 voltage, and before the continuous monitoring tests.
Scan Tool: An off-board computer that reads on-board computer diagnostic information through the use of a DLC.
Serial Data: The information communicated to an off-board computer using the DLC. Some of this data represents the status of the SIR system.
SIR: Supplemental inflatable restraint.
SIR Wiring Harness: The wires and connectors that electrically connect the components in the SIR system.
SOH: State Of Health
23 VLR: The 23 volt loop reserve. The energy supply that is internal to the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
