The ACM housing also has an integral ground lug
with a tapped hole that protrudes from the lower left
rear corner of the unit. This lug provides a case
ground to the ACM when a ground screw is installed
through the left side of the mounting bracket. Two
molded plastic electrical connector receptacles exit
the right side of the ACM housing. The smaller of the
two receptacles contains twelve terminal pins, while
the larger one contains twenty-three. These terminal
pins connect the ACM to the vehicle electrical system
through two dedicated take outs and connectors of
the instrument panel wire harness.
A molded rubber protective cover is installed
loosely over the ACM to protect the unit from con-
densation or coolant leaking from a damaged or
faulty heater-air conditioner unit housing. An inte-
gral flange on the left side of the cover is secured to
the floor panel transmission tunnel with a short
piece of double-faced tape as an assembly aid during
the manufacturing process, but this tape does not
require replacement following service removal.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to
the ACM are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and
are only serviced as a unit with the ACM. The ACM
cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced. The ACM cover is avail-
able for separate service replacement.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the front supplemental restraint sys-
tem logic circuits and controls all of the front supple-
mental restraint system components. The ACM uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as with the DRBIIItscan tool using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. This method of communication is used for
control of the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and for supplemental
restraint system diagnosis and testing through the
16-way data link connector located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG
INDICATOR - OPERATION).
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the front supplemental restraint system electrical
circuits to determine the system readiness. If the
ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets an
active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and
sends electronic messages to the EMIC over the PCI
data bus to turn on the airbag indicator. An active
fault only remains for the duration of the fault or in
some cases the duration of the current ignition
switch cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be
stored in memory by the ACM. For some DTCs, if afault does not recur for a number of ignition cycles,
the ACM will automatically erase the stored DTC.
For other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched
forever.
On models equipped with optional side curtain air-
bags, the ACM communicates with both the left and
right Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM)
over the PCI data bus. The SIACM notifies the ACM
when it has detected a monitored system fault and
stored a DTC in memory for its respective side cur-
tain airbag system, and the ACM sets a DTC and
controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The ACM also monitors a Hall effect-type seat belt
switch located in the buckle of each front seat belt to
determine whether the seatbelts are buckled, and
provides an input to the EMIC over the PCI data bus
to control the seatbelt indicator operation based upon
the status of the driver side front seat belt switch.
The ACM receives battery current through two cir-
cuits; a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
through a fuse in the Junction Block (JB), and a
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
through a second fuse in the JB. The ACM has a case
ground through a lug on the bottom of the ACM
housing that is secured with a ground screw to the
left side of the ACM mounting bracket. The ACM
also receives a power ground through a ground cir-
cuit and take out of the instrument panel wire har-
ness. This take out has a single eyelet terminal
connector that is secured by a second ground screw
to the left side of the ACM mounting bracket. These
connections allow the ACM to be operational when-
ever the ignition switch is in the Start or On posi-
tions. The ACM also contains an energy-storage
capacitor. When the ignition switch is in the Start or
On positions, this capacitor is continually being
charged with enough electrical energy to deploy the
airbags for up to one second following a battery dis-
connect or failure. The purpose of the capacitor is to
provide backup supplemental restraint system pro-
tection in case there is a loss of battery current sup-
ply to the ACM during an impact.
Two sensors are contained within the ACM, an
electronic impact sensor and a safing sensor. The
ACM also monitors inputs from two remote front
impact sensors located on the back of the right and
left vertical members of the radiator support near
the front of the vehicle. The electronic impact sensors
are accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle
deceleration, which provides verification of the direc-
tion and severity of an impact. The safing sensor is
an electromechanical sensor within the ACM that
provides an additional logic input to the ACM micro-
processor. The safing sensor is a normally open
switch that is used to verify the need for an airbag
deployment by detecting impact energy of a lesser
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSKJ
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (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)
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the ACM to
the ACM bracket that is welded onto the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel (Fig. 8).
(6) Lift the ACM from the ACM bracket on the top
of the floor panel transmission tunnel and move the
unit to the left far enough to access the ACM wire
harness connectors.
(7) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacles on the right side of the module. To discon-
nect the large instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor from the ACM:
(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
connector straight away from the ACM connector
receptacle.
(8) Remove the ACM from the left side of the floor
panel transmission tunnel.
INSTALLATION
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 THEBATTERY 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 IS
ACCIDENTALLY 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) Position the Airbag Control Module (ACM) to
the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel
near the ACM bracket (Fig. 8).
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors for the ACM to the ACM connector recep-
tacles on the right side of the module. Be certain that
the latches on both connectors and the red Connector
Position Assurance (CPA) lock on the large connector
are each fully engaged.
(3) Carefully position the ACM into the ACM
bracket on the top of the floor panel transmission
tunnel. When the ACM is correctly positioned, the
arrow on the ACM housing will be pointed forward in
the vehicle.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the ACM to the ACM bracket that is welded onto the
floor panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the screws
to 36 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the ground screw that
secures the ground lug on the left rear corner of the
ACM housing to the ACM bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel (Fig. 7). Tighten the screw to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, carefully position the ACM cover back
over the top of the ACM.
Fig. 8 Airbag Control Module Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR (2)
3 - BRACKET
4 - SCREW (2)
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSKJ
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
NOTE: The integral flange on the left side of the
ACM cover is secured to the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel with a short piece of double-faced tape
as an assembly aid during the manufacturing pro-
cess, but this tape does not require replacement
following service removal.
(7) Reinstall the center console onto the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).
(8) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
CHILD TETHER ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with three, fixed-position,
child seat tether anchors (Fig. 9). Two anchors are
integral to the back of the right rear seat back panel,
and one is integral to the left rear seat back panel.
The child seat tether anchors cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced as a unit with the rear seat back panel.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of the factory-in-
stalled child seat tether anchors.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the upper steering column
housing near the top of the steering column behind
the steering wheel (Fig. 10). The clockspring consists
of a flat, round molded plastic case with a stubby tail
that hangs below the steering column and contains
two connector receptacles that face toward the
instrument panel (Fig. 11). Within the plastic hous-
ing is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large
exposed hub and several plastic rollers. The upper
surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, a
release button, a clear plastic inspection window, two
short pigtail wires with connectors, and a connector
receptacle that faces toward the steering wheel. Two
versions of the clockspring are used on this model,
one is a seven circuit unit for vehicles not equipped
with optional remote radio switches on the steering
wheel and can be visually identified by the use of yel-
low heat-shrink tubing on the pigtail wires, while the
other is a nine circuit unit for vehicles with remote
radio switches and can be visually identified by the
use of black heat-shrink tubing on the pigtail wires.
A rubber bumper block is located on each side of
the tower formation that contains the connector
receptacle and pigtail wires on the upper surface of
the rotor hub. The lower surface of the rotor hub has
Fig. 9 Child Tether Anchors
1 - REAR SEAT BACK (LEFT)
2 - REAR SEAT BACK (RIGHT)
3 - CHILD TETHER ANCHOR (3)
Fig. 10 Clockspring
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
2 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
3 - BUMPER (2)
4 - BRACKET (2)
5 - LABEL
6 - SHIELD
7 - CASE
8 - WINDOW
9 - ROTOR
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 13
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
through the tube. The rack gear engages a pinion
gear that drives a gear set in the tensioner housing,
which drives the seat belt retractor spool causing the
slack to be removed from the driver side front seat
belt. Removing excess slack from the driver side front
seat belt not only keeps the occupant properly posi-
tioned for an airbag deployment following a frontal
impact of the vehicle, but also helps to reduce inju-
ries that the occupant of the driver side front seat
might experience in these situations as a result of a
harmful contact with the steering wheel and/or steer-
ing column. Also, the seat belt tensioner has a tor-
sion bar mechanism that is designed to deform in
order to control the loading being applied to the occu-
pant of the driver side front seat by the seat belt dur-
ing a frontal impact, further reducing the potential
for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioner through circuit resistance, and will illumi-
nate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is detected.
For proper diagnosis of the seat belt tensioner, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
ADJUSTER
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: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELTTHAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Unsnap and lift the trim cover to access the
nut that secures the front seat belt turning loop to
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar.
(3) Remove the nut that secures the seat belt turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster stud on the upper
B-pillar.
(4) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster stud.
(5) Remove the upper trim from the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop adjuster to the upper B-pillar (Fig. 35).
(7) Pull the upper end of the turning loop adjuster
away from the B-pillar far enough to disengage the
hooks on the lower end of the adjuster from the slots
in the B-pillar.
(8) Remove the seat belt turning loop adjuster
from the B-pillar.
Fig. 35 Seat Belt Turning Loop Adjuster Remove/
Install
1 - SCREW
2 - B-PILLAR
3 - ADJUSTER
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
SEAT BELT TENSIONER (Continued)