2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE rail

(14) If a plus (+) or a minus (-) is displayed next to
degree number, and/or the degree displayed is not
zero, loosen but do not remove hold-down clamp bolt.
Rotate oil pump drive until IN RANGE appears on
screen. Continue to rotate oil pump drive until
achieving as close to 0É as possible.
The degree scale on SET SYNC screen of DRB is
referring to fuel synchronization only.It is not
referring to ignition timing.Because of this, do
not attempt to adjust ignition timing using this
method. Rotating oil pump drive will have no effect
on ignition timing. All ignition timing values are con-
trolled by powertrain control module (PCM).
(15) Tighten hold-down clamp bolt to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION - 4.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V±8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 10).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten to 12 N´m
(106 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(6) Lower vehicle.
COIL RAIL
DESCRIPTION
A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three
individual coils is used on the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine
(Fig. 11). The coil rail must be replaced as one
assembly. The bottom of the coil is equipped with 6
individual rubber boots (Fig. 11) to seal the 6 spark
plugs to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring.
The spring is used for a mechanical contact between
the coil and the top of the spark plug. These rubber
boots and springs are a permanent part of the coil
and are not serviced separately.
(1) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head
(Fig. 12). One electrical connector (located at rear of
coil) is used for all three coils.
Fig. 11 Ignition Coil AssemblyÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)
Fig. 12 Coil LocationÐ4.0L Engine
1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 9
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

OPERATION
Although cylinder firing order is the same as 4.0L
Jeep engines of previous years, spark plug firing is
not. The 3 coils dual-fire the spark plugs on cylinders
1-6, 2-5 and/or 3-4. When one cylinder is being fired
(on compression stroke), the spark to the opposite
cylinder is being wasted (on exhaust stroke).
Battery voltage is supplied to the three ignition
coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil
ground circuit for ignition coil operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. The cables are integral
within the coil rail.
REMOVAL
A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three
individual coils is used on the 4.0L engine (Fig. 13).
The coil rail must be replaced as one assembly. The
bottom of the coil is equipped with 6 individual rub-
ber boots (Fig. 13) to seal the 6 spark plugs to the
coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The spring
is used for an electrical contact between the coil and
the top of the spark plug. These rubber boots and
springs are a permanent part of the coil and are not
serviced separately.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head.
Remove 4 coil mounting bolts (Fig. 14).
(3) Carefully pry up coil assembly from spark
plugs. Do this by prying alternately at each end of
coil until rubber boots have disengaged from all
spark plugs. If boots will not release from spark
plugs, use a commercially available spark plug boot
removal tool. Twist and loosen a few boots from a few
spark plugs to help remove coil.
(4) After coil has cleared spark plugs, position coil
for access to primary electrical connector. Disconnect
connector from coil by pushing slide tab outwards to
right side of vehicle (Fig. 15). After slide tab has been
positioned outwards, push in on secondary release
lock (Fig. 15) on side of connector and pull connector
from coil.
(5) Remove coil from vehicle.
Fig. 13 Ignition Coil AssemblyÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)
Fig. 14 Ignition Coil Rail LocationÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
COIL RAIL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Connect engine harness connector to coil by
snapping into position. Move slide tab towards
engine (Fig. 15) for a positive lock.
(2) Position ignition coil rubber boots to all spark
plugs. Push down on coil assembly until bolt bases
have contacted cylinder head
(3) Install 4 coil mounting bolts. Loosely tighten 4
bolts just enough to allow bolt bases to contact cylin-
der head. Do a final tightening of each bolt in steps
down to 29 N´m (250 in. lbs.) torque. Do not apply
full torque to any bolt first.
(4) Connect negative battery cable to battery.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
The 4.7L V±8 engine uses 8 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil (Fig. 16) for each spark plug. Each
coil is mounted directly to the top of each spark plug
(Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 Ignition Coil Electrical ConnectorÐ4.0L
6±Cylinder Engine
1 - REAR OF VALVE COVER
2 - COIL RAIL
3 - SLIDE TAB
4 - RELEASE LOCK
5 - COIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 16 Ignition CoilÐ4.7L Engine
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 17 Ignition Coil LocationÐ4.7L Engine
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - COIL MOUNTING STUD/NUT
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
COIL RAIL (Continued)

SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
31). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
CAUTION: If the engine is equipped with copper
core ground electrode, or platinum tipped spark
plugs, they must be replaced with the same type/
number spark plug as the original. If another spark
plug is substituted, pre-ignition will result.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If equipped with a 4.7L H.O. (High-Out-
put) engine, never substitute the original platinum
tipped spark plug with a different part number. Seri-
ous engine damage may result.
On the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine, the spark plugs are
located below the coil rail assembly. On the 4.7L V±8
engine, each individual spark plug is located under
each ignition coil.
(1) 4.0L 6±Cylinder Engine: Prior to removing
spark plug, spray compressed air around spark plug
hole and area around spark plug. This will help pre-
vent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(2) 4.7L V±8 Engine: Prior to removing spark plug,
spray compressed air around base of ignition coil at
cylinder head. This will help prevent foreign material
from entering combustion chamber.
(3) On the 4.0L engine the coil rail assembly must
be removed to gain access to any/all spark plug.
Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation. On the4.7L V-8 engine each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. If
equipped with a 4.7L V-8 engine, also check condition
of coil o-ring and replace as necessary.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
CLEANING
Except 4.7L H.O. Engine:The plugs may be
cleaned using commercially available spark plug
cleaning equipment. After cleaning, file center elec-
trode flat with a small point file or jewelers file
before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will remain
on spark plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
4.7L H.O. Engine:Never clean spark plugs on the
4.7L H.O. engine. Damage to the platinum rivet on
the center electrode will result.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The standard 4.7L V-8 engine is
equipped with copper core ground electrode spark
plugs. They must be replaced with the same type/
number spark plug as the original. If another spark
plug is substituted, pre-ignition will result.
CAUTION: If equipped with a 4.7L H.O. (High-Out-
put) engine, never substitute the original platinum
tipped spark plug with a different type/part number.
Serious engine damage may result.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into cylinder head spark plug wells. Be sure
plugs do not drop into plug wells as ground straps
may be bent resulting in a change in plug gap, or
electrodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to specified torque. Over
tightening can cause distortion resulting in a change
in spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain insulator.
(1) Start spark plug into cylinder head by hand to
avoid cross threading.
(2) 4.0L 6±Cylinder Engine: Tighten spark plugs to
35-41 N´m (26-30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) 4.7L V±8 Engine: Tighten spark plugs to 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4)
4.7L V±8 Engine: Before installing coil(s), check
condition of coil o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid
in coil installation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
(5) Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
Fig. 31 SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
SPARK PLUG (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)

ULES/DRIVER DOOR MODULE - DESCRIPTION)
for more information.
²Passenger Door Module (PDM)(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/DRIVER DOOR MODULE - DESCRIPTION)
for more information.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
The Driver Door Module (DDM) and the Passenger
Door Module (PDM) each contain the power mirror
control logic for the mirror on its respective door. The
DDM also houses the power mirror switch. Each door
module controls the positioning of its respective out-
side mirror through hard wired outputs to that mir-
ror. When the power mirror switch on the DDM is
used to position the passenger side outside mirror,
the DDM sends mirror positioning messages to the
PDM over the Programmable Communications Inter-
face (PCI) data bus. The PDM responds to these mes-
sages by sending control outputs to move the
passenger side mirror accordingly.
Both the PDM and DDM respond to the defogger
switch status messages sent by the Body Control
Module (BCM) over the PCI data bus to control the
electric heater grids of their respective mirrors.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS -
DESCRIPTION) for more information on this fea-
ture.
On models equipped with the optional memory sys-
tem, each door module also receives a hard wired
input from the two power mirror motor position
potentiometers that are integral to each power mir-
ror. Each door module then stores the Driver 1 and
Driver 2 mirror position information for its respective
mirror. When the DDM receives a Driver 1 or Driver
2 memory recall message from the memory switch on
the driver side front door trim panel or from the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver in the PDM,
the DDM positions the driver side mirror and sends
a memory recall message back to the PDM over the
PCI data bus to position the passenger side mirror.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the power mirror system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER MIRRORS
Following are tests that will help to diagnose the
hard wired components and circuits of the power mir-
ror system. However, these tests may not prove con-
clusive in the diagnosis of this system. In order toobtain conclusive testing of the power mirror system,
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus network and all of the electronic modules
that provide inputs to, or receive outputs from the
power mirror system components must be checked.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to
diagnose the power mirror system requires the use of
a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Proce-
dures manual. The DRB scan tool can provide confir-
mation that the PCI data bus is functional, that all
of the electronic modules are sending and receiving
the proper messages on the PCI data bus, that the
power mirror motors are being sent the proper hard
wired outputs, and that the mirror position potenti-
ometers are returning the proper outputs to the door
modules for them to perform their power mirror sys-
tem functions.
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT
MIRROR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - REAR VIEW MIRROR
An automatic day/night mirror system is an avail-
able factory-installed option on this model. The auto-
matic dimming inside day/night rear view mirror
system is a completely self-contained unit that
replaces the standard equipment inside rear view
mirror. This system will automatically change the
reflectance of the inside rear view mirror to protect
the driver from the unwanted headlight glare of
trailing vehicles while driving at night. The auto-
matic day/night inside mirror receives ignition
switched battery current through a fuse in the junc-
tion block, and will only operate when the ignition
switch is in the On position.
Vehicles equipped with the automatic day/night
mirror system are also available with an optional fac-
tory-installed automatic dimming outside rear view
mirror for the driver side of the vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIR-
ROR - DESCRIPTION) for more information on this
option.
The automatic day/night mirror sensitivity cannot
be repaired or adjusted. If any component of this unit
is faulty or damaged, the entire automatic day/night
inside rear view mirror unit must be replaced. Refer
to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring
information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, details of wire har-
ness routing and retention, connector pin-out infor-
mation and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
8N - 12 POWER MIRRORSWJ
POWER MIRRORS (Continued)

DESCRIPTION - OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
An automatic dimming outside rear view mirror is
an available factory-installed option for the driver
side of the vehicle, if the vehicle is also equipped
with the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror.
The automatic dimming outside mirror is completely
controlled by the circuitry of the automatic day/night
inside rear view mirror. The automatic dimming out-
side mirror will automatically change the reflectance
of the driver side outside rear view mirror to protect
the driver from the unwanted headlight glare of
trailing vehicles while driving at night. The auto-
matic dimming outside mirror will only operate when
the ignition switch is in the On position.
The automatic dimming outside mirror sensitivity
cannot be repaired or adjusted. If any component of
this unit is faulty or damaged, the entire automatic
dimming outside mirror unit must be replaced. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW
MIRROR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring infor-
mation includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and
connector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
OPERATION - REAR VIEW MIRROR
The automatic day/night mirror switch allows the
driver a manual control of whether the automatic
dimming feature is operational. This switch is a
momentary rocker-type switch located on the lower
rear-facing surface of the mirror housing. When Auto
is selected, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on the mir-
ror housing just to the right of the switch illuminates
to indicate that automatic day/night mirror is turned
on. When Off is selected, the LED is turned off. The
mirror also senses the backup lamp circuit, and will
automatically disable its self-dimming feature when-
ever the transmission gear selector is in the Reverse
position.
A thin layer of electrochromatic material between
two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of
the mirror. Two photocell sensors are used to monitor
light levels and adjust the reflectance of the mirror.
The ambient photocell sensor faces forward, to detect
the outside light levels. The headlamp sensor is
located on the mirror housing just to the left of the
switch and facing rearward, to detect the light level
received at the rear window side of the mirror. When
the difference between the two light levels becomes
too great (the light level received at the rear of themirror is much higher than that at the front of the
mirror), the mirror begins to darken.
On models with an optional driver side automatic
dimming outside mirror, the signal to control the
dimming of that mirror is generated by the auto-
matic day/night inside rear view mirror circuitry.
That signal is then delivered to the driver side out-
side rear view mirror on a hard wired circuit.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the automatic day/night mirror system.
OPERATION - OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
The automatic dimming outside mirror is operated
by the same controls and circuitry as the automatic
day/night mirror. When the automatic day/night mir-
ror is turned on or off, the automatic dimming out-
side mirror is likewise turned on or off. Like in the
automatic day/night mirror, a thin layer of electro-
chromatic material between two pieces of conductive
glass make up the face of the automatic dimming
outside mirror. However, the signal to control the
dimming of the outside mirror is generated by the
automatic day/night inside rear view mirror circuitry.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the automatic dimming outside mirror.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC DAY /
NIGHT MIRROR
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appro-
priate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing
and retention, connector pin-out information and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/
start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK,
go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch
as required.
(3) Disconnect the overhead wire harness connec-
tor from the automatic day/night mirror connector
receptacle. Check for battery voltage at the fused
ignition switch output (run/start) circuit cavity of the
overhead wire harness connector for the automatic
day/night mirror. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/
start) circuit to the fuse in the junction block as
required.
WJPOWER MIRRORS 8N - 13
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR (Continued)

²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the instru-
ment panel top pad and above the glove box on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door.
²Side Impact Sensor- Two side impact sensors
are used on vehicles with the optional side curtain
airbags, one left side and one right side. One sensor
is located behind the B-pillar trim near the base of
each B-pillar.
²Side Curtain Airbag- In vehicles equipped
with this option, a side curtain airbag is located on
each inside roof side rail above the headliner, and
extends from the A-pillar to just beyond the C-pillar.
The ACM and the EMIC each contain a central
processing unit and programming that allow them to
communicate with each other using the Programma-
ble Communication Interface (PCI) data bus network.
This method of communication is used by the ACM
for control of the airbag indicator on all models
equipped with dual front airbags. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION).
Hard wired circuitry connects the supplemental
restraint system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system,
and to the supplemental restraint system compo-
nents through the use of a combination of soldered
splices, splice block connectors, and many different
types of wire harness terminal connectors and insu-
lators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the standard equipment factory-in-
stalled seat belts. Seat belts are referred to as an
active restraint because the vehicle occupants are
required to physically fasten and properly adjust
these restraints in order to benefit from them. See
the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of all
of the factory-installed active restraints.PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints system is referred to as a
supplemental restraint system because they were
designed and are intended to enhance the protection
for the vehicle occupants of the vehicleonlywhen
used in conjunction with the seat belts. They are
referred to as passive systems because the vehicle
occupants are not required to do anything to make
them operate; however, the vehicle occupants must
be wearing their seat belts in order to obtain the
maximum safety benefit from the factory-installed
supplemental restraint systems.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Airbag Control Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
illuminates for about seven seconds as a bulb test
each time the ignition switch is turned to the On or
Start positions. Following the bulb test, the airbag
indicator is turned on or off by the ACM to indicate
the status of the supplemental restraint system. If
the airbag indicator comes on at any time other than
during the bulb test, it indicates that there is a prob-
lem in the supplemental restraint system electrical
circuits. Such a problem may cause airbags not to
deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required.
Deployment of the supplemental restraints
depends upon the angle and severity of an impact.
Deployment is not based upon vehicle speed; rather,
deployment is based upon the rate of deceleration as
measured by the forces of gravity (G force) upon the
impact sensors. When an impact is severe enough,
the microprocessor in the ACM signals the inflator
unit of the airbag module to deploy the airbag. Dur-
ing a frontal vehicle impact, the knee blockers work
in concert with properly fastened and adjusted seat
belts to restrain both the driver and the front seat
passenger in the proper position for an airbag deploy-
ment. The knee blockers also absorb and distribute
the crash energy from the driver and the front seat
passenger to the structure of the instrument panel.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they have of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur so
rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30 mile-
per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of impact
until the airbags are fully inflated takes about 40
milliseconds. Within one to two seconds from the
moment of impact, the airbags are almost entirely
deflated. The times cited for these events are approx-
imations, which apply only to a barrier impact at the
given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSWJ
RESTRAINTS (Continued)