Accident With or Without Air Bag 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.
| • | 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 sensor |
| • | Inflatable restraint I/P module |
| • | Inflatable restraint seat belt pretentioners |
| • | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) |
| • | Inflatable restraint steering wheel module |
After a collision involving frontal air bag deployment, inspect the 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 or replace the mounting points and mounting 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.
