WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the
instrument panel and disconnect the instrument
panel wire harness for the instrument cluster from
the cluster connector receptacle.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Activate
the hazard warning system by moving the hazard
warning switch button to the On position. Check for
battery voltage at the inoperative (right or left) turn
signal circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the instrument cluster. There
should be a switching (on and off) battery voltage sig-
nal present. If OK, replace the faulty (right or left)
turn signal indicator bulb. If not OK, repair the open
(right or left) turn signal circuit between the instru-
ment cluster and the combination flasher in the
Junction Block (JB) as required.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A voltage gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The voltage gauge is located in
the upper left corner of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the tachometer. The voltage gauge consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree
scale on the gauge dial face that reads left-to-right
from 9 volts to 19 volts. An International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging Condi-
tionº is located on the gauge dial face.
The voltage gauge graphics are either white, gray
and orange against a black gauge dial face (base
cluster) or black, gray and red against a taupe gauge
dial face (premium cluster), making them clearly vis-
ible within the instrument cluster in daylight. When
illuminated from behind by the panel lamps dimmer
controlled cluster illumination lighting with the exte-rior lamps turned On, the base cluster white gauge
graphics appear blue-green and the orange graphics
still appear orange, while the premium cluster taupe
gauge dial face appears blue-green with the black
graphics silhouetted against the illuminated back-
ground and the red graphics still appear red. The
gray gauge graphics for both versions of the cluster
are not illuminated. The orange gauge needle in the
base cluster gauge is internally illuminated, while
the black gauge needle in the premium cluster gauge
is not.
Base cluster gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. Premium cluster gauge illumination is pro-
vided by an integral electro-luminescent lamp that is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster. The
voltage gauge is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The voltage gauge gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator of the electrical system voltage. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
voltage gauge is an air core magnetic unit that
receives battery current on the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board through the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On or Start positions. The clus-
ter is programmed to move the gauge needle back to
the low end of the scale after the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position. The instrument cluster
circuitry controls the gauge needle position and pro-
vides the following features:
²System Voltage Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a message from the PCM indicating the
system voltage, the cluster moves the gauge needle to
the relative voltage level position on the gauge scale.
²System Voltage Low Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
the system voltage is low (system voltage is about
eleven volts or lower), the gauge needle is moved to
the relative voltage position in the red zone of the
gauge scale and the check gauges indicator is illumi-
nated. The gauge needle remains in the red zone and
the check gauges indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing there is no low system voltage condition (system
voltage is above about eleven volts, but lower than
about sixteen volts).
²System Voltage High Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
8J - 34 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR (Continued)
INSTALLATION - CHMSL
(1) Connect the wire harness connector.
(2) Position the CHMSL on liftgate.
(3) Install the screws attaching the CHMSL to the
liftgate.
COMBINATION FLASHER
DESCRIPTION
The combination flasher is located in the Junction
Block (JB) (Fig. 6). The JB is located underneath the
driver side of the instrument panel outboard of the
steering column. The combination flasher is a smart
relay that functions as both the turn signal system
and the hazard warning system flasher. The combi-
nation flasher contains active electronic Integrated
Circuitry (IC) elements. This flasher is designed to
handle the current flow requirements of the factory-
installed lighting. If supplemental lighting is added
to the turn signal lamp circuits, such as when towing
a trailer with lights, the combination flasher will
automatically try to compensate to keep the flash
rate the same.The combination flasher has nine blade-type termi-
nals that connect it to the vehicle electrical system.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
Because of the active electronic elements within
the combination flasher, it cannot be tested with con-
ventional automotive electrical test equipment. If the
combination flasher is believed to be faulty, test the
turn signal system and hazard warning system cir-
cuits.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING
- EXTERIOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN
SIGNAL & HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM). The com-
bination flasher cannot be repaired or adjusted and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The combination flasher controls the following
inputs and outputs: B(+), fused ignition switch out-
put, left turn switch sense, right turn switch sense,
hazard switch sense, left front turn signal circuit,
right front turn signal circuit, left rear turn signal
circuit and right rear turn signal circuit. Constant
battery voltage is supplied to the flasher so that it
can perform the hazard warning function, and igni-
tion switched battery voltage is supplied for the turn
signal function. However, when the flasher is idle no
current is drawn through the module. The unit does
not become active until it is provided a signal ground
from the turn signal switch, hazard warning switch
or the Body Control Module (BCM).
The IC within the combination flasher (Fig. 7) con-
tains the logic that controls the flasher operation and
the flash rate. When a bulb is burnt out, or when a
circuit for a lamp is open, the turn signal flash rate
will increase. However, an open lamp circuit or burnt
out bulb does not change the hazard warning flash
rate.
Fig. 6 Combination Flasher
1 - COMBINATION FLASHER
2 - JUNCTION BLOCK
WJLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 7
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP (Continued)
Turn signal inputs that actuate the combination
flasher are low current grounds, each drawing a
maximum of 300 milliamperes.The hazard warning
signal input is a low current ground drawing a max-
imum of 600 milliamperes.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the steering column cover. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COL-
UMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the combination flasher from the Junc-
tion Block (JB) (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Align the terminals of the combination flasher
with the terminal cavities in the JB. (Fig. 8)
(2) Push in firmly and evenly on the combination
flasher until the terminals are fully seated.
(3) Reinstall the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Daytime Running Lights (Headlamps) System
is installed on vehicles manufactured for sale in Can-
ada only. A separate module, mounted in the junction
block under the dash, controls the DRL.
OPERATION
The headlamps are illuminated at a reduced inten-
sity when the engine is running, headlamp switch
off, and the parking brake released.
REMOVAL
(1) Lower the junction block. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/JUNCTION
BLOCK - REMOVAL) for service procedures.
(2) Remove the module from the junction block.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the module in the junction block and
press to secure.
(2) Install the junction block. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/JUNCTION
BLOCK - INSTALLATION) for service procedures.
Fig. 8 Combination Flasher
1 - COMBINATION FLASHER
2 - JUNCTION BLOCK
WJLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 9
COMBINATION FLASHER (Continued)
INSTALLATION - BULB
CAUTION: Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Position the bulb into socket and push into
place.
(2) Position the bulb socket in headlamp and turn
the bulb socket one quarter turn clockwise.
(3) Install the headlamp.
HEADLAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The headlamp switch is part of the left multi-func-
tion switch. A knob on the end of the multi-function
switch control stalk controls all of the exterior light-
ing switch functions. The exterior lighting switch is
hard wired to the Body Control Module (BCM).
The exterior lighting switch cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire left
multi-function switch unit must be replaced. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERI-
OR/TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITCH - REMOVAL)
for the service procedures. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/BODY
CONTROL/CENTRAL TIMER MODUL - DESCRIP-
TION) for more information on this component.
OPERATION
The exterior lighting switch uses a hard wired five
volt reference circuit from the BCM, resistor multi-
plexing and a hard wired switch output circuit to
provide the BCM with a zero to five volt signal thatindicates the status of all of the exterior lighting
switch settings. The BCM then uses control outputs
to energize the headlamp and park lamp relays that
activate the exterior lighting circuits.
The BCM monitors the exterior lighting switch sta-
tus, then sends the proper switch status messages to
other modules over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus network. The exterior
lighting switch status is also used by the BCM as an
input for chime warning system operation.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING Ð HEADLAMP
SWITCH
Before testing the headlamp switch, turn on the
exterior lighting and open the driver side front door.
If the exterior lamps of the vehicle operate, but there
is no chime warning issued with the driver side front
door open, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - INTERIOR/DOOR AJAR SWITCH -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the exterior lamps
of the vehicle are inoperative, but the chime warning
is issued, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
If the exterior lamps and the chime warning are
both inoperative, test the left multi-function switch.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the
multi-function switch tests OK, proceed as follows.
The following tests will help to locate a short or open
in the hard wired circuits between the multi-function
switch and the Body Control Module (BCM). For
complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the left multi-function switch connec-
tor. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the Body Control Module (BCM).
Check for continuity between the headlamp switch
mux circuit of the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the multi-function switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted headlamp
switch mux circuit.
(2) Check for continuity between the headlamp
switch mux circuit of the instrument panel wire har-
Fig. 13 Headlamp Bulb
1 - HIGH BEAM BULB
2 - LOW BEAM BULB
3 - MARKER BULB
4 - PARK/TURN SIGNAL BULB
WJLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 15
HEADLAMP (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the license plate lamps, and the flip up
glass switch, if equipped.
(2) Connect the wire harnesses for the license
plate lamps and the flip up glass switch.
(3) Install the lamp housing/trim panel on the lift-
gate.
LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The left multi-function switch, its mounting provi-
sions, and its electrical connections are all concealed
beneath the steering column shrouds, just below the
steering wheel (Fig. 22).
A single connector with eleven terminal pins is
located on the back of the switch housing and con-
nects the switch to the vehicle electrical system. The
left multi-function switch supports the following exte-
rior lighting functions:
²Auto Headlamps
²Front Fog Lamps
²Hazard Warning Control
²Headlamps
²Headlamp Beam Selection
²Headlamp Optical Horn
²Park Lamps
²Rear Fog Lamps
²Turn Signal Control
The left multi-function switch also supports the fol-
lowing interior lighting functions:
²Panel Lamps Dimming
²Interior Lamps Defeat²Interior Lamps On
²Parade Mode
The left multi-function switch cannot be adjusted
or repaired. If any function of the switch is faulty, or
if the switch is damaged, the entire switch unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The left multi-function switch uses a combination
of resistor multiplexed and conventionally switched
outputs to control the many functions and features it
provides using a minimal number of hard wired cir-
cuits. The switch is grounded to the chassis beneath
the center floor console, just forward of the Airbag
Control Module (ACM). Following are descriptions of
the how the left multi-function switch operates to
control the many exterior lighting functions and fea-
tures it provides:
²Auto Headlamps- The automatic headlamps
feature is provided by the Body Control Module
(BCM), which monitors an input from a photodiode
sensor located on the top of the instrument panel to
detect ambient light levels whenever the ignition
switch is in the On position. Based upon the multi-
plexed input from the left multi-function switch and
the input of the photodiode sensor, the BCM controls
outputs to the park lamp and headlamp relays to
illuminate or extinguish all exterior lighting.
²Front Fog Lamps- The Body Control Module
(BCM) monitors the left multi-function switch then,
based upon that switched ground input, controls an
output to the front fog lamp relay to illuminate or
extinguish the front fog lamps.
Fig. 21 License Plate Lamp Housing
1 - LICENSE PLATE LAMP
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - LIFTGATE
Fig. 22 Left (Lighting) Multi-Function Switch
1 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROL
2 - INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROL
3 - CONTROL STALK
4 - HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
5 - CANCEL ACTUATOR
6 - LEFT (LIGHTING) MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
WJLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 19
LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT (Continued)
²Hazard Warning Control- The hazard warn-
ing push button is pressed down to activate the haz-
ard warning system, and pressed down again to turn
the system off. The left multi-function switch pro-
vides a ground to the hazard warning sense input of
the combination flasher to control activation of the
hazard warning lamps.
²Headlamps- The Body Control Module (BCM)
monitors the left multi-function switch then, based
upon that multiplexed input, controls an output to
the headlamp low or high beam relays to illuminate
or extinguish the headlamps.
²Headlamp Beam Selection- The Body Control
Module (BCM) monitors the left multi-function
switch then, based upon that switched ground input,
controls an output to the headlamp low or high beam
relays to activate the selected headlamp beam.
²Headlamp Optical Horn- The Body Control
Module (BCM) monitors the left multi-function
switch then, based upon that switched ground input,
controls an output to the headlamp high beam relay
to activate the headlamp high beams.
²Park Lamps- The Body Control Module (BCM)
monitors the left multi-function switch then, based
upon that multiplexed input, controls an output to
the park lamp relay to illuminate or extinguish the
parking lamps.
²Rear Fog Lamps- The Body Control Module
(BCM) monitors the left multi-function switch then,
based upon that multiplexed input, controls an out-
put to the rear fog lamp relay to illuminate or extin-
guish the rear fog lamps.
²Turn Signal Control- The left multi-function
switch control stalk actuates the turn signal switch.
The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the left
multi-function switch then, based upon that multi-
plexed input, provides a variable voltage output to
control the lighting of the turn signals.
Following are descriptions of the how the left
multi-function switch operates to control the many
interior lighting functions and features it provides:
²Panel Lamps Dimming- The Body Control
Module (BCM) monitors the left multi-function
switch then, based upon that multiplexed input, pro-
vides a variable voltage output through several panel
lamps driver circuits to control the lighting of many
incandescent panel lamps. The BCM also sends panel
lamps dimming messages over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus to other
modules to control Display lighting levels in those
modules.²Interior Lamps Defeat- The Body Control
Module (BCM) monitors the left multi-function
switch then, based upon that multiplexed input,
internally disables the function the BCM normally
provides to control the illumination of the interior
lamps.
²Interior Lamps On- The Body Control Module
(BCM) monitors the left multi-function switch then,
based upon that multiplexed input, provides a control
output to activate all of the interior lamp circuits.
²Parade Mode- The Body Control Module
(BCM) monitors the left multi-function switch then,
based upon that multiplexed input, provides a volt-
age output through several panel lamps driver cir-
cuits to control the lighting of many incandescent
panel lamps. The BCM also sends panel lamps dim-
ming messages over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus to other modules on
the bus to control lighting levels in those modules.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LEFT MULTI -
FUNCTION SWITCH
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the multi-function switch connector.
(2) Using an ohmmeter, perform the continuity
and resistance tests at the terminals in the multi-
function switch connector as shown in the Left Multi-
Function Switch Test chart (Fig. 23).
8L - 20 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORWJ
LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)
OPERATION
The front impact sensors are electronic accelerom-
eters that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration,
which provides verification of the direction and sever-
ity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an elec-
tronic communication chip that allows the unit to
communicate the sensor status as well as sensor
fault information to the microprocessor in the Airbag
Control Module (ACM). The ACM microprocessor con-
tinuously monitors all of the passive restraint system
electrical circuits to determine the system readiness.
If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the
airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current
and ground through dedicated left and right sensor
plus and minus circuits from the ACM. The impact
sensors and the ACM communicate by modulating
the voltage in the sensor plus circuit. The hard wired
circuits between the front impact sensors and the
ACM may be diagnosed and tested using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, con-
ventional diagnostic methods will not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM or the impact
sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the impact sensors, the ACM, and
the electronic message communication between the
sensors and the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
REMOVAL
The front and side impact sensors are interchange-
able except that the front impact sensors are serviced
with a right or left mounting bracket, while the side
impact sensors use no mounting bracket. If a front
impact sensor is faulty, but not damaged, the sensor
may be removed from the sensor mounting bracket
and replaced with a side impact sensor. If the front
impact sensor or the sensor mounting bracket are
damaged in any way, or if proper tightening torque of
the screws that secure the sensor to the bracket can-
not be achieved, the front impact sensor and bracket
must be replaced as a unit.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHERDIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE
THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRA-
TION. IF AN IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE SENSOR MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) From the engine compartment, disconnect the
right or left headlamp and dash wire harness connec-
tor for the front impact sensor from the sensor con-
nector receptacle (Fig. 25).
Fig. 25 Front Impact Sensor Remove/Install (Right
Side Shown, Left Side Similar)
1 - BRACKET
2 - IMPACT SENSOR
3 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - SCREW (2)
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSWJ
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor receptacle and two integral mounting ears, each
with a metal sleeve to provide crush protection. A
cavity in the center of the molded black plastic
impact sensor housing contains the electronic cir-
cuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic com-
munication chip and an electronic impact sensor.
Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. The
side impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle
electrical system through a dedicated take out and
connector of the airbag overlay wire harness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The side impact sensors are electronic accelerome-
ters that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which
provides verification of the direction and severity of
an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic
communication chip that allows the unit to commu-
nicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault infor-
mation to the microprocessor in the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). The ACM microprocessor continu-
ously monitors all of the passive restraint system
electrical circuits to determine the system readiness.
If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the
airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current and
ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus
and minus circuits from the ACM. The impact sensors
and the ACM communicate by modulating the voltage
in the sensor plus circuit. The hard wired circuits
between the side impact sensors and the ACM may bediagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic
tools and procedures. However, conventional diagnos-
tic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis
of the ACM or the impact sensors. The most reliable,
efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the impact
sensors, the ACM, and the electronic message commu-
nication between the sensors and the ACM requires
the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR-
BAG. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE SIDE IMPACT
SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SEN-
SOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN IMPACT
SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING
SERVICE, THE SENSOR MUST BE SCRAPPED AND
REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER SIDE CUR-
TAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the trim from the lower right or left
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
LOWER TRIM - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the airbag overlay wire harness
connector for the right or left side impact sensor from
the sensor connector receptacle (Fig. 47).
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the right or
left side impact sensor to the B-pillar.
(5) Remove the side impact sensor from the B-pil-
lar.
Fig. 46 Side Impact Sensor
1 - SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 43
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)