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.
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.
| • | 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 Frontal Air Bag Deployment -- Component Replacement and
Inspections
After a collision involving frontal 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 front end discriminating sensor. |
| • | Inflatable restraint I/P (inflator) module. |
| • | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). |
| • | Inflatable restraint steering wheel (inflator) module. |
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.
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.
