(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)
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with the release button
engaged (raised) and a molded plastic shield installed
over the release button. This release button should
not be disengaged and the shield should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is disen-
gaged before the clockspring is installed on a steering
column, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Depress the release button (Fig. 12).(4) Keeping the release button depressed, rotate
the clockspring rotor clockwise to the end of its
travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise,
then release the release button. The clockspring
tower formation with the pigtail wires for the driver
airbag and the connector receptacle for the steering
wheel wire harness should end up at the top, the
blue roller should be visible through the inspection
window, and the printed arrow on the label of the
clockspring rotor should be aligned with the arrow
molded into the clockspring case. The clockspring is
now centered.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
Fig. 12 Clockspring Centering
1 - ROTOR LABEL
2 - RELEASE BUTTON
3 - ALIGNMENT ARROWS
4 - INSPECTION WINDOW
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector from the upper clockspring connector
receptacle.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt
steering column, move the tilt steering column to the
fully lowered position and leave the tilt release lever
in the released (down) position.
(6) From below the steering column, remove the
two screws that secure the lower shroud to the upper
shroud (Fig. 13).
(7) Using hand pressure, push gently inward on
both sides of the upper shroud near the parting line
between the upper and lower shrouds to release the
snap features that secure the two halves to each
other.
(8) Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from
the steering column.
(9) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the clockspring from the two con-
nector receptacles below the steering column on the
back of the clockspring housing.
(10) Using a small thin-bladed screwdriver, release
the two integral plastic latches that secure the back
of the clockspring housing to the steering column
lock housing.(11) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn lock housing. The clockspring cannot be
repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or
if the driver airbag has been deployed.
(12) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain that the release button on the clockspring
rotor is raised and latched to secure the rotor to the
clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering
until it is reinstalled on the steering column. If clock-
spring centering is not maintained, the clockspring
must be centered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
Fig. 13 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - UPPER SHROUD
2 - CLOCKSPRING
3 - LATCH (2)
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - LOWER SHROUD
6 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR (2)
7 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
8 - STEERING COLUMN
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSKJ
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with the release button
engaged (raised) and a molded plastic shield installed
over the release button. This release button should
not be disengaged and the shield should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is disen-
gaged before the clockspring is installed on a steering
column, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Carefully slide the centered clockspring down
over the steering column upper shaft until the two
integral plastic latches on the back of the clockspring
housing are fully engaged through their openings in
the steering column lock housing (Fig. 13).
(2) Reconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the clockspring to the two connec-
tor receptacles below the steering column on the back
of the clockspring housing.
(3) Position the upper and lower shrouds onto the
steering column.
(4) Align the snap features on the lower shroud
with the receptacles on the upper shroud and apply
hand pressure to snap them together.
(5) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the lower shroud
to the upper shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18
in. lbs.).
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt
steering column, move the tilt steering column back
to the fully raised position and move the tilt release
lever back to the locked (up) position.(7) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
screw is tightened to the proper torque specifica-
tion to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(8) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness con-
nector to the upper clockspring connector receptacle.
(9) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The black, injection molded, thermoplastic driver
airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part
of the driver airbag (Fig. 14). The driver airbag is
located in the center of the steering wheel, where it
is secured with two screws to the two horizontal
spokes of the four-spoke steering wheel armature.
Base models have a Jeeptlogo embossed in the cen-
ter of the trim cover, while premium models feature a
stamped, satin polished emblem with the Jeeptlogo
applied to the center of the trim cover. Concealed
beneath the driver airbag trim cover are the horn
switch, the folded airbag cushion, the airbag retainer
or housing, the airbag inflator, and the retainers that
secure the inflator to the airbag housing. The airbag
cushion, housing, and inflator are secured within an
integral receptacle molded into the back of the trim
cover.
Fig. 14 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TRIM COVER
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 17
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the driver airbag
has been deployed, review the recommended proce-
dures for service after a passive restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - 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 ONLYSURE 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 CUSHION 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) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 16).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing.
Fig. 16 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - HORN SWITCH FEED WIRE CONNECTOR
3 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - STEERING WHEEL
5 - TO CLOCKSPRING6 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
7 - STEERING COLUMN
8 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR (2)
9 - SCREW (2)
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 19
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
(4) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector for the horn switch from the horn switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wires or pry on the connector insulator to disen-
gage the connector from the driver airbag inflator
connector receptacle. Improper removal of these
pigtail wires and their connector insulators can
result in damage to the airbag circuits or connector
insulators.
(5) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nectors are secured by integral latches to the airbag
inflator connector receptacles, which are located on
the back of the driver airbag housing. Depress the
latches on each side of each connector insulator and
pull the insulators straight out from the airbag infla-
tor to disconnect them from the connector recepta-
cles.
(6) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(7) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the driver airbag
has been deployed, the clockspring must also be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - 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 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: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT AIR-
BAGS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COLORS.
PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE
MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER RESPONDS TO AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT
INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Position the driver airbag close enough to the
steering wheel to reconnect all three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing.
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the two clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connec-
tors to the airbag inflator connector receptacles by
pressing straight in on the connectors (Fig. 16). Be
certain to engage each keyed and color-coded connec-
tor to the matching connector receptacle. You can be
certain that each connector is fully engaged in its
receptacle by listening carefully for a distinct, audi-
ble click as the connector latches snap into place.
(3) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness con-
nector for the horn switch to the horn switch feed
pigtail wire connector, which is located at the back of
the driver airbag housing.
(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wires and steering wheel wire harness in the
steering wheel hub area are not pinched between the
driver airbag and the steering wheel armature.
(5) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) 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).
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSKJ
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Two front impact sensors are used on this model,
one each for the left and right sides of the vehicle
(Fig. 17). These sensors are mounted remotely from
the impact sensor that is internal to the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM). Each front sensor is secured with
two screws to the backs of the right and left vertical
members of the radiator support within the engine
compartment. The sensor housing has an integral
connector receptacle and two integral mounting
points each with a metal sleeve to provide crush pro-
tection.
The right and left front impact sensors are identi-
cal in construction and calibration with two excep-
tions:
²On models equipped with an optional 2.4L gaso-
line engine, the left front impact sensor includes a
shim that moves the sensor three millimeters toward
the rear of the vehicle on the left vertical member of
the radiator support for additional clearance that is
required for that application.
²On models equipped with an optional diesel
engine, the left front impact sensor includes a
stamped metal mounting bracket that rotates theconnector receptacle end of the sensor toward the
outboard side of the vehicle for additional clearance
that is required for that application.
A cavity in the center of the molded black plastic
impact sensor housing contains the electronic cir-
cuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic com-
munication chip and an electronic impact sensor.
Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. The
front impact sensors are each connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system through a dedicated take out
and connector of the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness.
The impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted
and, if damaged or faulty, they must be replaced. The
mounting bracket for the left front impact sensor on
models with a diesel engine is serviced as a unit with
that sensor.
OPERATION
The front impact sensors are electronic accelerom-
eters that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration,
which provides verification of the direction and sever-
ity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an elec-
tronic communication chip that allows the unit to
communicate the sensor status as well as sensor
fault information to the microprocessor in the Airbag
Control Module (ACM). The ACM microprocessor con-
tinuously monitors all of the front passive restraint
system electrical circuits to determine the system
readiness. If the ACM detects a monitored system
fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and
controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current and
ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus and
minus circuits from the ACM. The impact sensors and
the ACM communicate by modulating the voltage in the
sensor plus circuit. The hard wired circuits between the
front impact sensors and the ACM may be diagnosed
and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and pro-
cedures. However, conventional diagnostic methods will
not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM or the
impact sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accu-
rate means to diagnose the impact sensors, the ACM,
and the electronic message communication between the
sensors and the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
Fig. 17 Front Impact Sensor
1 - SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 21
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 FRONT IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE
THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRA-
TION. IF AN IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE SENSOR MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the right or
left front impact sensor, left impact sensor and shim
(2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor and bracket
unit (diesel engine only) to the back of the right or
left radiator support vertical member (Fig. 18).
(3) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the front impact sensor from the
sensor connector receptacle.
(4) Remove the right or left front impact sensor,
left impact sensor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left
impact sensor and bracket unit (diesel engine only)
from the engine compartment.
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 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 FRONT IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE
THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRA-
TION. IF AN IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE SENSOR MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Position the right or left front impact sensor,
left impact sensor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left
Fig. 18 Front Impact Sensor Remove/Install
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - IMPACT SENSOR OR LEFT IMPACT SENSOR & SHIM (2.4L
ENGINE ONLY)
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - LEFT IMPACT SENSOR & BRACKET (DIESEL ENGINE ONLY)
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSKJ
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)