1999 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY airbag

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 75-5
Passenger airbag module
The passenger airbag module is located in the instrument panel above the glove box and is controlled by the DCU.
A bag within the module inflates to protect the passenger in the event of a collision severe enough to deploy the
system.
Within the passenger airbag module is a squib which, when given the correct current by the DCU, inflates the airbag
by initiating a chemical reaction. In deployment, the airbag inflates within a fraction of a second and then deflates at
a controlled rate as the weight of the passenger presses against the bag. Vents in the bag control airbag deflation.
The DCU regularly applies a test current to the passenger airbag squib to confirm continuity of the ignition circuitry.
The DCU is capable of detecting a short to ground, a short to battery and an open circuit for the passenger airbag
module squib. It will also identify if the configuration of the DCU differs from that actually fitted to the vehicle.
The DCU also stores the following additional information on each fault:
lA count indicating the number of times the fault has occurred.
lA start time and an end time for the fault to indicate duration of the fault.

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
75-6 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Seat belt pretensioners
The seat belt pretensioners are located within the front seat belt anchors and are controlled by the DCU. They are
pyrotechnic devices that, when deployed, tighten the front seat belts. This works in conjunction with the airbag
module(s) to protect front seat occupants in the event of an accident.
The DCU regularly applies a test current to the seat belt pretensioner squibs to confirm continuity of the ignition
circuitry.
The DCU is capable of detecting a short to ground, a short to battery and an open circuit for the squibs. It will also
identify if the configuration of the DCU differs from that actually fitted to the vehicle.
The DCU also stores the following additional information on each fault:
lA count indicating the number of times the fault has occurred.
lA start time and an end time for the fault to indicate duration of the fault.

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
75-8 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Diagnostic and Control Unit (DCU)
The SRS DCU is an electronic single point crash sensor. It is capable of sensing if a crash has taken place. If all the
relevant parameters are met, then the DCU deploys the airbag(s) and seat belt pretensioners.
The DCU is bolted to the transmission tunnel beneath the centre console in the area of the handbrake.
The DCU performs the following functions:
lInternal self test, system monitoring and fault detection.
lSRS warning lamp operation.
lSystem deployment.
Self test, system monitoring and fault detection
The DCU performs a self-test during start-up and then continually during operation of the system. The following
components are tested:
lThe decelerometer.
lThe electromechanical safing sensor.
lThe microprocessor.
lThe continuity of squib ignition circuits.
lThe SRS warning lamp.
If the DCU detects a fault, it stores the fault code in memory. Diagnose the DCU with TestBook. The DCU cannot
be serviced. It must be replaced if it is faulty.
SRS warning lamp operation
The DCU controls the SRS warning lamp contained in the instrument cluster.
System deployment
The DCU determines when the system deploys based on inputs from both the decelerometer and the
electromechanical safing sensor. Both are located within the DCU. Neither are serviceable.
The electromechanical safing sensor uses a magnet and ball bearing system to provide a mechanical confirmation of
vehicle deceleration. The ball bearing is held in place by the magnet. The strength of the magnet is calibrated such
that the force required for the ball bearing to move away from the magnet will only occur if the vehicle decelerates
suddenly, as in an accident.
The SRS deploys only if both the decelerometer reading and the safing sensor operation occur at the same time.

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 75-9
Operation - SRS
The diagnostic and control unit (DCU) controls the SRS system. The DCU is located beneath the centre console close
to the handbrake area. The DCU contains both an electronic deceleration sensor as well as an electromechanical
safing sensor. When the electronic deceleration sensor within the DCU detects rapid deceleration of the vehicle, it
compares the deceleration rate with stored values in its' memory. If the deceleration rate exceeds the stored value
and the electromechanical safing sensor triggers, the DCU deploys the airbag and the seat belt pretensioners. The
DCU will not deploy the airbags and seat belt pretensioners unless both sensors trigger.
The SRS has diagnostic capabilities through TestBook. In the event that a fault is detected, the DCU alerts the driver
by illuminating a warning lamp in the instrument cluster.
The DCU controls the following:
lSRS warning lamp.
lDrivers airbag module.
lPassenger airbag module (where fitted).
lDriver seat belt pretensioner.
lPassenger seat belt pretensioner.
WARNING: The integrity of the SRS system are critical for safety reasons. Ensure the following precautions
are always adhered to:
lNever install used SRS components from another vehicle or attempt to repair an SRS component.
lWhen repairing an SRS system only use genuine new parts.
lNever apply electrical power to an SRS component unless instructed to do so as part of an approved test
procedure.
lSpecial Torx bolts are necessary for installing the airbag module - do not use other bolts. Ensure bolts
are tightened to the correct torque.
lAlways use new fixings when replacing an SRS component.
lEnsure the SRS Diagnostic Control Unit (DCU) is always installed correctly. There must not be any gap
between the DCU and the bracket to which it is mounted. An incorrectly mounted DCU could cause the
system to malfunction.
System deployment
The airbag and seat belt pretensioners deploy to protect the front seat occupants when the DCU senses a rapid
vehicle deceleration. The system deploys when the following conditions are met:
lThe ignition switch is on.
lThe vehicle decelerates beyond a threshold defined within the DCU.
lThe electromechanical safing sensor within the DCU triggers.
When all of the above conditions are met, the DCU deploys the airbag(s) and seat belt pretensioners. If the above
conditions are not met, the DCU will not deploy the system.
Component replacement policy
After an impact which deploys the airbags and pretensioners, the following components must be renewed:
lDCU.
lDriver and passenger airbag modules.
lDriver and passenger buckle pretensioners.
lRotary coupler.
lFlyleads (where applicable) connecting airbags and pre-tensioners to SRS harness
SRS warning lamp
The SRS warning lamp illuminates for 5 seconds during system readiness check on starting the engine. The SRS
warning lamp extinguishes for one second after the system readiness check is performed. If a fault is present the
warning lamp then illuminates continuously. If no fault is present, the SRS warning lamp remains extinguished. If a
system fault occurs in excess of two seconds after the readiness check has been completed, the SRS warning lamp
illuminates for that ignition cycle. It remains illuminated for a minimum of 12 seconds ± 4 seconds for all fault
conditions.
The SRS warning lamp will only illuminate for low voltage concerns while the low voltage condition is present. If the
low voltage condition is corrected, the SRS warning lamp extinguishes and the fault is recorded in the DCU's memory.

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
75-18 REPAIRS
Pre-tensioner - front seat belt
$% 76.73.30
WARNING: It is imperative that before any work
is undertaken on the SRS system the appropriate
information is read thoroughly.
WARNING: Always disconnect both battery leads
before beginning work on the SRS system.
Disconnect the negative battery lead first. Never
reverse connect the battery.
Remove
1.Remove the key from the starter switch.
Disconnect both battery leads, negative lead
first. Wait ten minutes before starting work.
2.Remove front seat.

+ SEATS, REPAIRS, Seat - front.
3.Release cable tie securing pre-tensioner
harness to seat.
4.Remove Torx screw securing pre-tensioner to
seat.
5.Remove pre-tensioner.
WARNING: Store the airbag module or seat
belt pre-tensioner in a designated storage
area. If there is no designated storage area
available, store in the locked luggage
compartment/loadspace of the vehicle and
inform the workshop supervisor.Refit
1.Fit pre-tensioner to seat and tighten Torx bolt to
32 Nm (24 lbf.ft).
2.Secure harness to seat with new cable tie.
3.Fit front seat.

+ SEATS, REPAIRS, Seat - front.
4.Connect battery leads, earth lead last.

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
75-22 REPAIRS
Airbag module - drivers
$% 76.74.01
WARNING: It is imperative that before any work
is undertaken on the SRS system the appropriate
information is read thoroughly.
WARNING: Always disconnect both battery leads
before beginning work on the SRS system.
Disconnect the negative battery lead first. Never
reverse connect the battery.
Remove
1.Remove the key from the starter switch.
Disconnect both battery leads, negative lead
first. Wait ten minutes before starting work.
2.Remove 2 Torx bolts securing air bag module
to steering wheel.
3.Release air bag module from steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not allow the air bag module
to hang by the air bag harness.
4.Disconnect multiplug from air bag module. 5.Remove air bag module.
WARNING: Store the airbag module with the
deployment side uppermost. If it is stored
deployment side down, accidental
deployment will propel the airbag module
with enough force to cause serious injury.
WARNING: Store the airbag module or seat
belt pre-tensioner in a designated storage
area. If there is no designated storage area
available, store in the locked luggage
compartment/loadspace of the vehicle and
inform the workshop supervisor.
Refit
NOTE: If the airbag module is to be replaced,
the bar code of the new module must be
recorded.
1.Position air bag module and connect multiplug.
2.Fit air bag module to steering wheel and tighten
Torx bolts to 9 Nm (7 lbf.ft).
3.Connect battery leads, earth lead last.

RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
REPAIRS 75-23
Airbag module - passenger
$% 76.74.02
WARNING: It is imperative that before any work
is undertaken on the SRS system the appropriate
information is read thoroughly.
WARNING: Always disconnect both battery leads
before beginning work on the SRS system.
Disconnect the negative battery lead first. Never
reverse connect the battery.
Remove
1.Remove the key from the starter switch.
Disconnect both battery leads, negative lead
first. Wait ten minutes before starting work.
2.Release guides supporting glove box.
3.Lower glove box to gain access to air bag
module.4.Disconnect multiplug from air bag module.
5.Remove 4 Torx bolts securing air bag module
to fascia.
6.Remove air bag module from fascia panel.
WARNING: Store the air bag module with
the deployment side uppermost. If it is
stored deployment side down, accidental
deployment will propel the air bag module
with enough force to cause serious injury.
WARNING: Store the air bag module or seat
belt pre-tensioner in a designated storage
area. If there is no designated storage area
available, store in the luggage compartment
of the vehicle and inform the workshop
supervisor.
Refit
NOTE: If the air bag module is to be replaced,
the bar code of the new module must be
recorded.
1.Fit air bag module to fascia and tighten Torx
bolts to 8 Nm (6 lbf.ft).
2.Connect multiplug to air bag module.
3.Position glove box and engage supporting
guides. Close glove box.
4.Connect battery leads, earth lead last.

INTERIOR TRIM COMPONENTS
76-3-12 REPAIRS
20.Separate blue section from ICE multiplug.
21.Release coaxial cables from fascia panel.
22.Disconnect multiplug from passenger air bag.
23.Disconnect multiplug from blower motor.
24.Working through glove box aperture remove 2
bolts, or 4 bolts if passenger airbag module is
fitted, securing fascia to body.25.Remove 4 bolts securing lower edge of fascia
to mounting brackets on transmission tunnel.
26.Remove 4 bolts securing lower edge of fascia
to brackets on 'A' post.
27.With assistance carefully remove fascia from
vehicle.
28.If renewing fascia, transfer components to new
fascia as necessary.
Refit
1.With assistance carefully fit fascia and tighten
bolts securing lower edge of fascia to 26 Nm
(19 lbf.ft).
2.Tighten bolts securing fascia to body to 26 Nm
(19 lbf.ft).
3.Fit nuts securingfascia to steering column
bracket to 11 Nm (8 lbf.ft).
4.Secure coaxial cables to fascia and secure blue
multiplug to main ICE multiplug.
5. Models with A/C: Connect heater control
multiplug.
6. Models without A/C: Connect temperature
and air distribution inner cables to heater
control levers. Set temperature control knobs to
fully hot, distribution knob to demist position
and, with flap levers fully closed, secure outer
cables to clips on heater casing.
7.Connect multiplugs to blower motor and
passenger air bag (where fitted).
8.Fit glove box and secure with bolts.
9.Connect fascia harness multiplugs to main
harness and fuse box.
10.Position instrument pack and connect
multiplugs.