2002 JEEP LIBERTY signal

The tailgate will lock and can not be unlocked if
the rear wiper switch is activated. The tailgate will
also lock if battery power is lost and then restored.
The tailgate/flip-up glass will not function with the
battery discharged or disconnected.
COMBINATION FLASHER
This flasher can be energized by the BCM to flash
all of the park/turn signal lamps as a optical alert for
the RKE panic function and, if the Flash Lights with
Lock programmable feature is enabled, as an optical
verification for the RKE lock event.
HORN RELAY
This relay can be energized by the BCM to sound
the horns as an audible alert for the RKE panic func-
tion and, if the Sound Horn on Lock programmable
feature is enabled, as an audible verification for the
RKE lock event.
LOW BEAM HEADLAMP RELAY
This relay can be energized by the BCM to flash
the headlamp low beams as an optical alert for the
RKE panic function.
OPERATION
POWER LOCKS
The Body Control Module (BCM) locks or unlocks
the doors when an actuation input signal from a door
lock switch or Remote Keyless Entry Module (RKE)
is received. The BCM turns on the output drivers
and provides a voltage level to the door lock motor
for a specified time. All passenger doors can be
locked or unlocked using a mechanical button
mounted on the door trim panel. The front passenger
doors and tailgate can be locked or unlocked by using
the key cylinder (tailgate cylinder does not lock/un-
lock vehicle. It only unlocks the tailgate). The tail-
gate will lock and can not be unlocked if the rear
wiper switch is activated (this prevents the wiper
from operating when the tailgate is ajar). The tail-
gate will also lock if battery power is lost and then
restored.
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS
When the automatic door locks are ENABLED the
door locks will lock when the vehicle is moving at
about 25.7 Km/h (15 mph), all doors are closed and
the accelerator pedal is depressed. This feature can
be switched ON or OFF as desired. When the system
is DISABLED the door locks will operate normally,
but will not lock automatically when the vehicle is
rolling. Once the automatic door locks have been
actuated, they will not try to lock the doors again
until a door is opened.
DOOR LOCK INHIBIT
If the key is in the ignition, in any position, and
either front door is ajar, the doors can not be locked,
but the unlock function still operates. Pressing the
RKE lock/unlock button under these conditions will
result in a normal lock/unlock activation.
After the key is removed from the Ignition Switch,
or the doors are closed, the power door locks will
operate normally.
DOOR LOCK CIRCUIT PROTECTION
The BCM controls the door lock relays. If the door
lock switch is actuated continuously for more than
five seconds the BCM will turn the output driver
OFF (the BCM would consider the switch stuck).
Each lock motor is protected with a Positive Temper-
ature Coefficient device that prevents motor burn
out.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
²LOCK: Pressing the LOCK button locks all
doors, sounds horn (chirp) if enabled, and arms the
Vehicle Theft Security System, if enabled. The chirp
verifies that the RKE receiver has sent a message to
the BCM for door lock operation. If a door has not
been closed before pressing the LOCK button, the
vehicle may not be secured and the VTSS (if
equipped) will not arm until the door is closed.
²UNLOCK: Pressing the UNLOCK button once
will unlock the driver's door and activate the illumi-
nated entry system and disarm Vehicle Theft Secu-
rity System, if equipped. Pressing the UNLOCK
button twice within five seconds will unlock all doors.
²TAILGATE: Pressing the TAILGATE BUTTON
unlocks the tailgate remotely and opens the flip-up
glass.
²PANIC: Pressing the PANIC button sounds the
horns at half second intervals, flashes the exterior
lamps, and turns ON the interior lamps. The panic
alarm will remain on for three minutes, or until the
PANIC button is actuated again or the ignition
switch is turned to the RUN position.
The Remote Keyless Entry Module is capable of
retaining the transmitter Vehicle Access Code(s) in
its memory even after vehicle power has been inter-
rupted.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER LOCKS
The Body Control Module (BCM) enters a
reduced power mode after the key is turned
OFF. All diagnosis and testing of the power lock
system must be done with the key in the ON
position unless otherwise stated.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the power lock system
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool and the
KJPOWER LOCKS 8N - 3
POWER LOCKS (Continued)

is located on the back side of each vertical member of
the radiator support.
²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the passen-
ger airbag door on the instrument panel 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.
²Seat Belt Tensioner- The seat belt tensioner
is integral to the driver side front seat belt retractor
unit on vehicles equipped with dual front airbags.
²Side Impact Airbag Control Module-Two
Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM) are
used on vehicles with the optional side curtain air-
bags, one left side and one right side. One SIACM 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, both SIACMs, and the EMIC each con-
tain a central processing unit and programming that
allow them to communicate with each other using
the Programmable 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 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIP-
TION).
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 stan-
dard equipment factory-installed seat belts. Seat
belts are referred to as an active restraint because
the vehicle occupants are required to physically fas-ten 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 fea-
tures, use and operation of all of the factory-installed
active restraints.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS The passive restraints
system is referred to as a supplemental restraint sys-
tem 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 facto-
ry-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) and, on vehicles
equipped with the side curtain airbags, both Side
Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM). An airbag
indicator in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Clus-
ter (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 problem in the supplemental restraint sys-
tem electrical circuits. Such a problem may cause air-
bags 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 or the SIACM signals
the inflator unit of the airbag module to deploy the
airbag. The seat belt tensioner is provided with a
deployment signal by the ACM in conjunction with
the driver airbag. During a frontal vehicle impact,
the knee blockers work in concert with properly fas-
tened and adjusted seat belts to restrain both the
driver and the front seat passenger in the proper
position for an airbag deployment. 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. The seat belt tensioner
removes the slack from the driver side front seat belt
to provide further assurance that the driver is prop-
erly positioned and restrained for an airbag deploy-
ment.
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSKJ
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

airbag unit, the headliner, as well as the upper A, B,
and C-pillar trim must be replaced. These compo-
nents are not intended for reuse and will be damaged
or weakened as a result of a supplemental restraint
deployment, which may or may not be obvious during
a visual inspection.
On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof
drain tubes and hoses must be closely inspected fol-
lowing a side curtain airbag deployment. It is also
critical that the mounting surfaces and/or mounting
brackets for the Airbag Control Module (ACM), Side
Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM), and front
impact sensors be closely inspected and restored to
their original conditions following any vehicle impact
damage. Because the ACM, SIACM, and each front
impact sensor are used by the supplemental restraint
system to monitor or confirm the direction and sever-
ity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or inse-
cure fastening of these components may cause
airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy
when not required. All other vehicle components
should be closely inspected following any other sup-
plemental restraint deployment, but are to be
replaced only as required by the extent of the visible
damage incurred.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
Multistage airbags with multiple initiators (squibs)
must be checked to determine that all squibs were
used during the deployment event. The driver and
passenger airbags in this model are deployed by elec-
trical signals generated by the Airbag Control Mod-
ule (ACM) through the driver or passenger squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflators. Typically, both initiators are used andall potentially hazardous chemicals are burned dur-
ing an airbag deployment event. However, it is possi-
ble for only one initiator to be used due to an airbag
system fault; therefore, it is always necessary to con-
firm that both initiators have been used in order to
avoid the improper handling or disposal of poten-
tially live pyrotechnic or hazardous materials. The
following procedure should be performed using a
DRBIIItscan tool to verify the status of both airbag
squibs before either deployed airbag is removed from
the vehicle for disposal.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initia-
tors (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not
have live pyrotechnic material within the inflator. Do
not dispose of these airbags unless you are sure of
complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Sub-
stance Control System for proper disposal proce-
dures. Dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
airbags in a manner consistent with state, provin-
cial, local, and federal regulations.
(1) Be certain that the DRBIIItscan tool contains
the latest version of the proper DRBIIItsoftware.
Connect the DRBIIItto the 16-way Data Link Con-
nector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the
steering column.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(3) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
Using the active DTC information, refer to theAir-
bag Squib Statustable to determine the status of
both driver and/or passenger airbag squibs.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
IF the Active DTC is: Conditions Squib Status
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDthe stored DTC minutes for both
Driver or Passenger squibs are within 15
minutes of each otherBoth Squib 1 and 2
were used.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 open
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDthe stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 2 open is GREATER than
the stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 1 by 15 minutes or moreSquib 1 was used;
Squib 2 is live.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 open
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDthe stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 1 open is GREATER than
the stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 2 by 15 minutes or moreSquib 1 is live; Squib
2 was used.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 open
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDDriver or Passenger Squib 2 open is
NOT an active codeSquib 1 was used;
Squib 2 is live.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 openANDDriver or Passenger Squib 1 open is
NOT an active codeSquib 1 is live; Squib
2 was used.
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

magnitude than that of the electronic impact sensors,
and must be closed in order for the airbags/seat belt
tensioner to deploy. A pre-programmed decision algo-
rithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when
the deceleration rate as signaled by the impact sen-
sors and the safing sensor indicate an impact that is
severe enough to require front supplemental
restraint system protection and, based upon the sta-
tus of the seatbelt switch inputs and the severity of
the monitored impact, determines what combination
of driver seat belt tensioner and/or front airbag
deployment is required for each front seating posi-
tion. When the programmed conditions are met, the
ACM sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the
driver seat belt tensioner and/or the multistage dual
front airbags at the programmed force levels.
The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ACM
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in
the diagnosis of the ACM, the PCI data bus network,
or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ACM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the ACM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the electronic message inputs to and out-
puts from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
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.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAM-
AGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALI-
BRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE ISACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE
MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED
WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMEN-
TAL RESTRAINT 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 center console from the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, remove the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) cover from the ACM (Fig. 7). The cover flange
is secured to the silencer pad on the floor panel
transmission tunnel with double-faced tape.
(4) Remove the ground screw that secures the
ground lug on the left rear corner of the ACM hous-
ing to the ACM bracket on the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel.
Fig. 7 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - FLANGE
2 - COVER
3 - TAPE
4 - SCREW
5 - BRACKET
6 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
7 - FLOOR PANEL TRANSMISSION TUNNEL
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 11
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with a single
lobe that is integral to the rotor. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacles that face the instrument panel,
while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pig-
tail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic shield that snaps
onto the rotor over the release button. The release
button secures the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case and the shield prevents the release
button from being inadvertently depressed during
shipment and handling, but the shield must be
removed from the clockspring after it is installed on
the steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model
the rotating electrical components include the driver
airbag, the horn switch, the speed control switches,and the remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the upper steering column housing near
the top of the steering column. The connector recep-
tacles on the tail of the fixed clockspring case connect
the clockspring to the vehicle electrical system
through two take outs with connectors from the
instrument panel wire harness. The clockspring rotor
is movable and is keyed by the tower formation that
is molded onto the upper surface of the rotor hub to
an opening that is cast into the steering wheel arma-
ture. Rubber bumper blocks on either side of the
clockspring tower formation eliminate contact noise
between the clockspring tower and the steering
wheel. The lobe of the turn signal cancel cam on the
lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub contacts a
turn signal cancel actuator of the multi-function
switch to provide automatic turn signal cancellation.
The yellow-sleeved pigtail wires on the upper surface
of the clockspring rotor connect the clockspring to the
driver airbag, while a steering wheel wire harness
connects the connector receptacle on the upper sur-
face of the clockspring rotor to the horn switch and,
if the vehicle is so equipped, to the optional speed
control switches and remote radio switches on the
steering wheel.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring is centered when it is installed on the
steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes
the clockspring tape to the movable steering compo-
nents so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components and must be re-cen-
tered following completion of the service or the tape
may be damaged. Service replacement clocksprings
are shipped pre-centered and with a plastic shield
installed over the clockspring release button. This
shield should not be removed and the release button
should not be depressed until the clockspring has
been installed on the steering column. If the release
button is depressed before the clockspring is installed
on a steering column, the clockspring centering pro-
cedure must be performed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
Fig. 11 Clockspring Latches
1 - CASE
2 - LATCH (2)
3 - ROTOR
4 - CANCEL CAM
5 - LOWER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSKJ
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

The resistive membrane-type horn switch is
secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the
driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and
the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground
pigtail wire has a female spade terminal connector
that receives a path to ground through a male spade
terminal that is integral to the driver airbag housing
stamping and is located near the upper right corner
on the back of the housing (Fig. 15). The horn switch
feed pigtail wire has a white, molded plastic insula-
tor that is secured by an integral retainer to a
mounting hole located near the lower left corner on
the back of the housing, and is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system through a take out and connec-
tor of the steering wheel wire harness.
The airbag used in this model is a multistage, Next
Generation-type that complies with revised federal
airbag standards to deploy with less force than those
used in some prior models. A 67 centimeter (26.5
inch) diameter, radial deploying fabric cushion with
tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a dual-initiator,
non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit with four mounting
studs and is secured to the stamped metal airbag
housing using four hex nuts with washers. Two
keyed and color-coded connector receptacles on the
driver airbag inflator connect the two inflator initia-
tors to the vehicle electrical system through two yel-
low-jacketed, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the
clockspring. The driver airbag and horn switch unit
cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed
or in any way damaged.OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electri-
cal signals generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the driver airbag squib 1 and squib 2
circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By
using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at
multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled
by the ACM to suit the monitored impact conditions
by providing one of three delay intervals between the
electrical signals provided to the two initiators. The
longer the delay between these signals, the less force-
fully the airbag will deploy. When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signals to each initiator, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic charge which, in turn ignites chemical
pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, these chem-
ical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity
of nitrogen gas. The inflator is sealed to the back of
the airbag housing and a diffuser in the inflator
directs all of the nitrogen gas into the airbag cush-
ion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion
inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at pre-
determined breakout lines, then fold back out of the
way along with the horn switch unit. Following an
airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the nitrogen gas towards the
instrument panel through vent holes within the fab-
ric used to construct the back (steering wheel side)
panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the nitrogen
gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, both ini-
tiators are used and all potentially hazardous chem-
icals are burned during an airbag deployment event.
However, it is possible for only one initiator to be
used during a deployment due to an airbag system
fault; therefore, it is necessary to always confirm
that both initiators have been used in order to avoid
the improper disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic
or hazardous materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SER-
VICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT). The nitrogen gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, a small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with
plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are
irritated, move to another area where there is plenty
of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not
alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
Fig. 15 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HOUSING
2 - HORN SWITCH GROUND WIRE
3 - HORN SWITCH FEED WIRE
4 - INFLATOR
5 - TRIM COVER
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSKJ
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the injection
molded, thermoplastic passenger airbag door is the
most visible part of the passenger airbag (Fig. 23).
The passenger airbag door is located above the glove
box opening in front of the front seat passenger seat-
ing position on the instrument panel. The integral
upper mounting flange is secured with five screws
and the lower mounting flange with six screws to the
instrument panel structural support. The passenger
airbag door includes an integral air conditioning
panel outlet housing and an integral side window
demister outlet. An integral stamped metal bracket
that reinforces the upper airbag door mounting
flange is secured to the back of the door unit with
heat stakes. The upper airbag door fasteners and
mounting flange are concealed beneath the instru-
ment panel top cover, while the lower fasteners and
mounting flange are concealed beneath a bezel on the
instrument panel above the glove box opening.
Located behind the passenger airbag door within
the instrument panel is the passenger airbag unit
(Fig. 24). The passenger airbag unit used in this
model is a multistage, Next Generation-type that
complies with revised federal airbag standards to
deploy with less force than those used in some prior
models. The passenger airbag unit consists of a
molded, glass-filled nylon plastic housing, a molded
plastic inner airbag cushion cover, the airbag cush-
ion, and the airbag inflator. The airbag housing con-tains the airbag inflator, while the inner cover
contains the folded airbag cushion. The inner cover
completely encloses the airbag cushion and is perma-
nently retained to the housing. The passenger airbag
unit is secured by two screws on each side to two
stamped metal mounting brackets that are fastened
with screws to the instrument panel structural sup-
port. The airbag cushion is constructed of a coated
nylon fabric. The airbag inflator is a dual-initiator,
hybrid-type unit that is secured to and sealed within
the airbag housing. A short four-wire pigtail harness
with a keyed, yellow connector insulator connects the
two inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated take out and connector of the
instrument panel wire harness.
The passenger airbag cannot be repaired, and must
be replaced if deployed, faulty, or in any way dam-
aged. The passenger airbag door and the passenger
airbag mounting brackets are available for separate
service replacement.
OPERATION
The multistage passenger airbag is deployed by
electrical signals generated by the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) through the passenger airbag squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflator. By using two initiators, the airbag can
be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level
is controlled by the ACM to suit the monitored
impact conditions by providing one of three delay
intervals between the electrical signals provided to
the two initiators. The longer the delay between
these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will
deploy.
Fig. 23 Passenger Airbag Door
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - DEMISTER OUTLET
3 - PANEL OUTLET
4 - BEZEL
5 - GLOVE BOX
Fig. 24 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
2 - RETAINER
3 - HOUSING
4 - INNER COVER
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 27

The hybrid-type inflator assembly includes a small
canister of highly compressed gas. When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the airbag infla-
tor, the initiator converts the electrical energy into
chemical energy. This chemical energy opens up a
burst disk to allow the inert gas to flow into the air-
bag cushion. The inflator is sealed to the airbag
cushion so that all of the released inert gas is
directed into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion
to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the passenger air-
bag door will split at predetermined tear seam lines
on the inside surface of the door and the door will
pivot downwards out of the way. Following a passen-
ger airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas through vent holes
within the fabric used to construct the sides of the
airbag cushion.
Typically, both initiators are used during an airbag
deployment event. However, it is possible for only one
initiator to be used during a deployment due to an
airbag system fault; therefore, it is necessary to
always confirm that both initiators have been used in
order to avoid the improper disposal of potentially
live pyrotechnic materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the passenger
airbag has been deployed, review the recommended
procedures for service after a supplemental restraint
deployment before removing the airbag from the
vehicle. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
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.WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the passenger airbag door from the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Remove the two screws on each side of the pas-
senger airbag that secure the passenger airbag to the
metal brackets on the instrument panel support
structure (Fig. 25).
(4) Disengage the passenger airbag wire harness
connector from the retainer securing the connector to
the metal bracket on the instrument panel support
structure above the airbag by sliding both halves of
the connector to the left.
(5) Disconnect the passenger airbag pigtail wire
connector from the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the airbag. To disconnect the connector:
(a) Slide the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock on the top of the connector toward the
side of the connector.
(b) Depress the connector latch tab and pull the
two halves of the connector straight away from
each other.
Fig. 25 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
8O - 28 RESTRAINTSKJ
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)