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 or replace
the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.
| • | 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. |
| • | Seats and Seat Mounting Points--Inspect for bending, twisting,
buckling, or any other type of damage. |
Accident With Air Bag Deployment -- Component Replacement and
Inspections
After a collision involving air bag deployment, replace the following
components.
| • | Inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor. |
| • | Inflatable restraint IP module. |
| • | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). |
| • | Inflatable restraint steering wheel module. |
Perform additional inspections on the following components.
| • | Steering wheel module coil and coil wiring pigtail - Inspect for
melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat. |
| • | Mounting points and mounting hardware for the IP module, steering
wheel module, and SDM - Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each
component as needed. |
| • | Inspect the components indicated above in Accident With or Without
Air Bag Deployment. |
Sensor Replacement Guidelines
The SIR 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 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.
