2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY warning

POWER SEAT TRACK
DESCRIPTION
The eight-way power seat options include a single
electrically operated power seat track unit located
under each front bucket seat (Fig. 9). The power seat
track unit replaces the standard equipment manual
seat tracks. The lower half of the power seat track is
secured at the front with two bolts to the floor panel
seat cross member, and at the rear with two bolts to
the floor panel. Four nuts secure the bottom of the
seat cushion frame to four studs on the upper half of
the power seat track unit.
The power seat track unit cannot be repaired, and
is serviced only as a complete unit. If any component
in this unit is faulty or damaged, the entire power
seat track unit must be replaced. Refer toBucket
Seat Track Adjusterin the Body section of the ser-
vice manual for the procedure.
OPERATION
The power seat track unit includes three reversible
electric motors that are secured to the upper half of
the track unit. Each motor moves the seat adjuster
through a combination of worm-drive gearboxes and
screw-type drive units. Each of the three driver side
power seat track motors used on models equipped
with the optional memory system also has a position
potentiometer integral to the motor assembly, which
electronically monitors the motor position.
The front and rear of the seat are operated by two
separate vertical adjustment motors. These motors
can be operated independently of each other, tiltingthe entire seat assembly forward or rearward; or,
they can be operated in unison by selecting the
proper power seat switch functions, which will raise
or lower the entire seat assembly. The third motor is
the horizontal adjustment motor, which moves the
seat track in the forward and rearward directions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SEAT
TRACK
Following are tests that will help to diagnose the
hard wired components and circuits of the power seat
system. However, if the vehicle is also equipped with
the optional memory system, these tests may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the driver side
power seat. In order to obtain conclusive testing of
the driver side power seat with the memory system
option, the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus network and all of the electronic mod-
ules that provide inputs to, or receive outputs from
the memory system components must be checked.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to
diagnose the driver side power seat with the memory
system option requires the use of a DRBtscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual. The
DRBtscan tool can provide confirmation that the
PCI data bus is functional, that all of the electronic
modules are sending and receiving the proper mes-
sages on the PCI data bus, and that the memory sys-
tem is receiving the proper hard wired inputs and
relaying the proper hard wired outputs to perform its
driver side power seat functions.
WARNING: SOME VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH
SEATBACK MOUNTED AIRBAGS. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY
SEAT OR POWER SEAT SYSTEM COMPONENT
YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Actuate the power seat switch to move all three
power seat track adjusters in each direction. The
power seat track adjusters should move in each of
the selected directions. If a power seat track adjuster
fails to operate in only one direction, move the
adjuster a short distance in the opposite direction
and test again to be certain that the adjuster is not
at its travel limit. If the power seat track adjuster
still fails to operate in only one direction, refer to
Power Seat Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. If the power seat track adjuster
Fig. 9 Power Seat Track - Typical
1 - DRIVE UNITS
2 - LOWER SEAT TRACKS
3 - POWER SEAT MOTORS
4 - SEAT CUSHION FRAME
8N - 58 POWER SEATSRS
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fails to operate in more than one direction, perform
the following tests. For complete circuit diagrams,
refer toPower Seatin Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker under the
seat. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the
faulty power seat circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker under the seat. If OK, go to Step 3. If
not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the fuse
in the Intelligent Power Module as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power seat switch connector recepta-
cle. Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+)
circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connec-
tor for the power seat switch. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
power seat circuit breaker under the seat as
required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power seat switch and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.
(5) Test the power seat switch. Refer toPower
Seat Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing section of
this group. If the switch tests OK, test the circuits of
the power seat wire harness between the inoperative
power seat track adjuster motor and the power seat
switch for shorts or opens. If the circuits check OK,
replace the faulty power seat track unit. If the cir-
cuits are not OK, repair the power seat wire harness
as required.
REMOVAL
WARNING: SOME VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH
SEATBACK MOUNTED AIRBAGS. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY
SEAT OR POWER SEAT SYSTEM COMPONENT
YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.(1) Remove the appropriate seat from the vehicle.
Refer to Body for the procedure.
(2) Remove two seat back mounting bolts and also
remove two seat back recliner bolts (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove four seat track mounting bolts from
cushion pan.
(4) Remove the seat track from seat.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the seat track and install the retaining
bolts in the seat cushion pan. Torque the bolts to
45-60 N´m.
(2) Install the two seat back mounting bolts.
Torque the bolts to 45-60 N´m.
(3) Install the two seat back recliner bolts. Torque
the bolts to 45-60 N´m.
(4) Install the seat in the vehicle. Refer to the
Body section of the service manual for the procedure.
Fig. 10 Seat Adjuster Removal
1 - TRACK TO SEAT CUSHION BOLTS
2 - FRONT
3 - SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLTS
4-VIEWED FROM TOP OF TRACK
RSPOWER SEATS8N-59
POWER SEAT TRACK (Continued)
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RESTRAINTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION............................2
OPERATION.............................2
WARNING...............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
AIRBAG SYSTEM........................3
CLOCK SPRING
DESCRIPTION............................3
OPERATION.............................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................3
CLOCK SPRING CENTERING..............3
REMOVAL...............................4
INSTALLATION............................4
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION............................4
OPERATION.............................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................4
DEPLOYED DRIVER AIRBAG CLEAN UP......4
REMOVAL...............................5
INSTALLATION............................5
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER
DESCRIPTION............................5
OPERATION.............................5
REMOVAL...............................5
INSTALLATION............................5
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................6
DEPLOYED PASSENGER AIRBAG CLEAN
UP...................................6
REMOVAL...............................7
INSTALLATION............................7
SEAT AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................7
SEAT BELT OUTBOARD FRONT
REMOVAL...............................7
INSTALLATION............................8
SEAT BELT FIRST ROW ANCHOR BRACKET -
LW B
REMOVAL...............................8
INSTALLATION............................8
SEAT BELT LEFT FIRST ROW OUTBOARD -
SWB THREE DOOR
REMOVAL...............................8
INSTALLATION............................9SEAT BELT FIRST ROW OUTBOARD - SWB
FOUR DOOR
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
SEAT BELT FIRST ROW OUTBOARD - LWB
FOUR DOOR
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................10
SEAT BELT SECOND RIGHT ROW OUTBOARD
-LWB
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................11
SEAT BELT SECOND RIGHT ROW OUTBOARD
- LBW WITH REAR HVAC
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................11
SEAT BELT SECOND ROW OUTBOARD - SWB
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................13
SEAT BELT BUCKLE - FRONT INBOARD
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FIRST ROW QUAD
BUCKET
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................14
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FIRST ROW - TWO
PASSENGER BENCH
REMOVAL..............................14
INSTALLATION...........................14
SEAT BELT BUCKLE SECOND ROW - THREE
PASSENGER BENCH
REMOVAL..............................14
INSTALLATION...........................14
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION...........................14
OPERATION.............................15
SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER
REMOVAL..............................15
INSTALLATION...........................15
SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER KNOB
REMOVAL..............................15
INSTALLATION...........................15
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION...........................15
OPERATION.............................16
REMOVAL..............................16
INSTALLATION...........................16
RSRESTRAINTS8O-1
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RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION - SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG
SYSTEM
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag
System utilize two airbags mounted to each front
seat back frame. This system is designed to protect
occupants in the event of a side impact collision. The
individual seat airbags are not serviceable. If
deployed or defective, the entire seat back assembly
must be replaced.
OPERATION - SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM
The Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM)
controls the seat back mounted airbags. If the
SIACM determines the impact is severe enough, the
appropriate airbag will inflate, tearing open the front
seat back trim cover protecting the passengers. Once
a seat back mounted airbag has been deployed, the
complete seat back assembly and all damaged parts
must be replaced.
WARNINGS
WARNING: THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COM-
PLEX ELECTRO±MECHANICAL UNIT. DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
BEFORE BEGINNING AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
NENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.
THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAIL-
URE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR
TWO MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING AIRBAG COM-
PONENTS.
DO NOT PLACE AN INTACT UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
FACE DOWN ON A SOLID SURFACE, THE AIRBAG
WILL PROPEL INTO THE AIR IF ACCIDENTALLY
DEPLOYED AND COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY. WHEN CARRYING OR HANDLING AN
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, THE TRIM SIDEOF THE AIRBAG SHOULD BE POINTING AWAY
FROM THE BODY TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF
INJURY IF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OCCURS.
REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS WITH
MOPARž REPLACEMENT PARTS. SUBSTITUTE
PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT
INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFE-
RIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RUBBER GLOVES, AND
LONG SLEEVED CLOTHING WHEN CLEANING
POWDER RESIDUE FROM VEHICLE AFTER AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT. SODIUM HYDROXIDE POWDER
RESIDUE EMITTED FROM A DEPLOYED AIRBAG
CAN CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. FLUSH AFFECTED
AREA WITH COOL WATER IF IRRITATION IS EXPE-
RIENCED. IF NASAL OR THROAT IRRITATION IS
EXPERIENCED, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR
UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION
CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.
DO NOT USE A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG THAT IS
NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, IMPROPER
DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
THE FACTORY INSTALLED FASTENERS, SCREWS
AND BOLTS USED TO FASTEN AIRBAG COMPO-
NENTS HAVE A SPECIAL COATING AND ARE SPE-
CIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.
DO NOT USE SUBSTITUTE FASTENERS, USE ONLY
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FASTENERS LISTED IN THE
PARTS CATALOG WHEN FASTENER REPLACE-
MENT IS REQUIRED.
CAUTION:
Deployed Front Air Bags may or may not have live
pyrotechnic material within the air bag inflator. Do
not dispose of 2001 Model Year Driver and Passen-
ger Airbags unless you are sure of complete
deployment. Please refer to the Hazardous Sub-
stance Control System for Proper Disposal. Dispose
of deployed air bags in a manner consistent with
state, provincial, local, and federal regulations.
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSRS
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AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
(1) Using a DRBIIItread Airbag DTC's
Ifthe following active codes are present:
DTC CONDITIONS ACTIVE SQUIB
Driver Squib 1 openAND IFthe stored minutes for both are within 15
minutes of each other, both Driver Squib 1 and 2 were
used.Both Driver Squib 1 and
2 were used.
Driver Squib 2 open
Driver Squib 1 openAND IFthe stored minutes for Driver Squib 2 open is
GREATER than the stored minutes for Driver Squib 1
by 15 minutes or more.Driver Squib 1 was used;
Driver Squib 2 is live.
Driver Squib 2 open
Driver Squib 1 openAND IFthe stored minutes for Driver Squib 1 open is
GREATER than the stored minutes for Driver Squib 2
by 15 minutes or more.Driver Squib 1 is live;
Driver Squib 2 was used.
Driver Squib 2 open
IfDriver Squib 1 open is
an active codeAND IFDriver Squib 2 open is NOT an active code.Driver Squib 1 was used;
Driver Squib 2 is live.
IfDriver Squib 2 open is
an active codeAND IFDriver Squib 1 open is NOT an active code.Driver Squib 1 is live;
Driver Squib 2 was used.
Ifneither of the following codes is an active code:
DTC ACTIVE SQUIB
Driver squib 1 open
Status of Airbag is
Unknown.
Driver squib 2 open
NOTE: If the Driver/Passenger Airbag is defective
and not deployed, refer to DaimlerChrysler Motors
Corporation current return policies for proper han-
dling procedures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM
(1) Connect a DRBIIItscan tool to the Data Link
Connector (DLC), located at left side of the steering
column and at the lower edge of the lower instru-
ment panel.
(2) Turn the ignition key to ON position. Exit vehi-
cle with scan tool. Use the latest version of the
proper cartridge.
(3) After checking that no one is inside the vehicle,
connect the battery negative terminal.
(4) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, read and record
active diagnostic code data.
(5) Read and record any stored diagnostic codes.
(6) Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual if any diagnostic codes are found in Step 4 or
Step 5.
(7) Erase stored diagnostic codes if there are no
active diagnostic codes. If problems remain, diagnos-
tic codes will not erase. Refer to the Proper Body
Diagnostic Procedures Manual to diagnose the prob-
lem.If airbag warning lamp either fails to light,
or goes on and stays on, there is a system mal-function. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic
Procedures manual to diagnose the problem.
CLOCK SPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clock spring is screwed to a plastic mounting
platform on the steering column behind the steering
wheel. The clock spring is used to maintain a contin-
uous electrical circuit between the wiring harness
and the drivers airbag.
OPERATION
This assembly consists of a flat ribbon like electri-
cally conductive tape which winds and unwinds with
the steering wheel rotation. The clock spring cannot
be repaired. If the clock spring is faulty, damaged, or
if the airbag has been deployed, the clock spring
must be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK SPRING
CENTERING
If the rotating tape (wire coil) in the clock spring is
not positioned properly with the steering wheel and
the front wheels, the clock spring may fail. The fol-
lowing procedure MUST BE USED to center the
clock spring if it is not known to be properly posi-
tioned, or if the front wheels were moved from the
straight ahead position.
(1) Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are
in a straight ahead position.
(2) Remove Driver Airbag from steering wheel.
(3) Disconnect wire connectors from back of airbag.
RSRESTRAINTS8O-3
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
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(4) Remove steering wheel.
(5) Depress the two plastic locking pins to disen-
gage lock mechanism.
(6) With lock mechanism disengaged, rotate the
clock spring rotor clockwise until the rotor stops. Do
not apply excessive force.
(7) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor three
turns counterclockwise. The wires should end up at
the top. Release locking pins to engage clock spring
lock mechanism.
(8) Install steering wheel and airbag.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
REMOVAL
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood. Disconnect
and isolate the battery negative cable.
(3) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel.
(4) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(5) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(6) Remove steering wheel.
(7) Remove steering column shrouds.
(8) Disconnect 2-way and 5-way connectors
between the clock spring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(9) Remove clock spring from housing assembly by
removing the two retaining screws retaining the
clock spring.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the clock spring into the housing.
Install the two retaining screws to clock spring.
(2) Connect the two way and five way harness
between the clock spring and the instrument panel.
(3) Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering,
Column, Steering Wheel, Installation.
(4) Connect the harness connector to the driver
airbag.
(5) Connect the remote radio control harness.
(6)
Install the driver airbag into the steering wheel.
(7) Install the steering column upper and lower
shrouds.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The Driver Airbag is located in the center of the
steering wheel. The most visible part of the airbag is
the cover/horn switch.
OPERATION
The Driver Airbag cover contains the horn switch,
inflator device, and a fabric bag. The airbag cover/
horn switch is serviced separately from the inflator
and bag components.
WHEN THE FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM IS
DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF A COLLISION, THE
FOLLOWING MUST BE REPLACED:
²COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
²LOWER STEERING COUPLER
²STEERING WHEEL
²STEERING COLUMN CLOCK SPRING
²DRIVER AIRBAG
²PASSENGER AIRBAG
²UPPER INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PAD
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DEPLOYED DRIVER
AIRBAG CLEAN UP
Roll or fold the driver airbag towards the steering
wheel and then tape the bag to the steering wheel.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
HVAC was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag
deployment, operate HVAC blower on low speed/heat
and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heat
outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may be necessary
to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.
SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG
If a Driver Airbag has been deployed, but not due
to a collision, replace the following:
²Driver Airbag
²Clock Spring Assembly
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSRS
CLOCK SPRING (Continued)
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The components above must be replaced because
they cannot be reused. Replace any other driver air-
bag system components if damaged.
REMOVAL
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
The Driver Airbag and Driver Airbag Cover/Horn
Pad are serviced separately from each other.
(1) Clean powder residue from interior of vehicle,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - STANDARD PROCEDURE ) Cleanup.
(2) Remove two screws attaching Driver Airbag to
steering wheel.
(3) Remove the driver airbag from steering wheel.
(4) Disconnect wire connectors from Airbag and
Clock Spring.
(5) Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are
in a straight ahead position. Remove steering wheel,
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING
WHEEL - REMOVAL)
(6) Disconnect the 2-way and 4-way connectors
between the clock spring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(7) Remove upper and lower steering column
shrouds.
(8) Remove clock spring from the housing assem-
bly by depressing the 2 tabs on the clock spring.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Remove screws attaching airbag/horn switch to
steering wheel.
(2) Remove Driver Airbag from steering wheel.
(3) Disconnect wire connectors from driver airbag
and clock spring.
INSTALLATION
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Perform cleanup procedure.(Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Install a new steering column assembly and
lower steering column coupler. Refer to Steering, Col-
umn, Installation.
(3) Install the clock spring.
(4) Install the driver airbag and the two screws
retaining the airbag. Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90
in. lbs.)
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS,
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM FIRST.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Position a new airbag into the airbag cavity.(2) Install the two screws retaining the airbag.
Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.)
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS,
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM FIRST.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
CONTROLLER
DESCRIPTION
The front driver and passenger airbag system is
designed to reduce the risk of fatality or serious
injury, caused by a frontal impact of the vehicle.
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) contains
the impact sensor and energy reserve capacitor. It is
mounted on a bracket, under the instrument panel,
just forward of the storage bin. The ORC monitors
the system to determine the system readiness. The
ORC contains on-board diagnostics and will light the
AIRBAG warning lamp in the message center when a
problem occurs.
OPERATION
The impact sensor provides verification of the
direction and severity of the impact. One impact sen-
sor is used. It is located inside the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC). The impact sensor is an
accelerometer that senses deceleration. The decelera-
tion pulses are sent to a microprocessor which con-
tains a decision algorithm. When an impact is severe
enough to require airbag protection, the ORC micro-
processor sends a signal that completes the electrical
circuit to the driver and passenger airbags. The
impact sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle
and reacts to the severity and direction of an impact.
REMOVAL
(1)Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
(2) Remove storage bin from instrument panel.
Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Storage Bin,
Removal.
(3) Remove three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket.
(4) Disconnect the wire connector from ORC.
(5) Remove the ORC w/bracket assembly from
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL ORC IF MOUNTING
LOCATION IS DEFORMED OR DAMAGED.
RSRESTRAINTS8O-5
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
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CAUTION: Use correct screws when installing the
ORC.
(1) Install the ORC assembly into vehicle.
(2) Connect the wire connector to the ORC.
(3) Install three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket. Torque bolts to 7.3 - 9.6 N´m (65 to 85 in.
lbs.)
(4) Install the storage bin onto the instrument
panel. Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Storage Bin,
Installation.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS NO
SERVICEABLE PARTS.
The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the
instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is
mounted to the back side of the instrument panel
reinforcement.
The instrument panel top pad is the most visible
part of the passenger airbag system. Located under
the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the
passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion
supporting components.
The passenger airbag includes a magnesium hous-
ing within which the cushion and inflator are
mounted and sealed.
Following a passenger airbag deployment, the pas-
senger airbag and the instrument panel must be
replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or damaged in any
way.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is equipped with two infla-
tors, each with three levels of pressure output. The
inflators seal the hole in the airbag cushion so it can
discharge the gas it produces directly into the cush-
ion when supplied with the proper electrical signal.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting this gas through the
cushion material towards the instrument panel.
The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the
instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top
pad and above the glove box opening. The instrumentpanel top pad above the glove box opening conceals
the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line
beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deploy-
ment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the
door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the
instrument panel.
WHEN THE FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM IS
DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF A COLLISION, THE
FOLLOWING MUST BE REPLACED:
²COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
²LOWER STEERING COUPLER
²STEERING WHEEL
²STEERING COLUMN CLOCK SPRING
²DRIVER AIRBAG COVER/HORN SWITCH
²DRIVER AIRBAG
²PASSENGER AIRBAG
²UPPER INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PAD
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DEPLOYED
PASSENGER AIRBAG CLEAN UP
Roll or fold the passenger airbag towards the
instrument panel surface and close the door over the
folded bag. Then tape the door shut.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
HVAC was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag
deployment, operate HVAC blower on low speed/heat
and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heat
outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may be necessary
to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.
SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG
If a Passenger Airbag has been deployed, but not
due to a collision, replace the following:
²Passenger Airbag
²Upper instrument panel with pad
The component above must be replaced because
they cannot be reused. Inspect the heat duct near the
passenger airbag for any damage replace as neces-
sary. Replace any other passenger airbag system
components if damaged.
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSRS
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (Continued)
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