2002 JEEP LIBERTY Electrical

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)

(6) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel as a unit.
(7) If the passenger airbag has been deployed, both
passenger airbag mounting brackets on the instru-
ment panel must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG
MOUNTING BRACKET - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the passenger
airbag has been deployed, both passenger airbag
mounting brackets on the instrument panel must
also be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG MOUNTING
BRACKET - 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: 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.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PAS-
SENGER AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the passenger airbag unit into the
instrument panel (Fig. 25).(2) Reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail wire
connector to the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector for the airbag. Be certain that the latch on the
connector and the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock are each fully engaged.
(3) Engage the passenger airbag wire harness con-
nector onto the retainer that secures the connector to
the metal bracket on the instrument panel support
structure above the airbag by aligning the right end
of the connector slot with the left end of the retainer
and sliding both halves of the connector to the right.
(4) Carefully position the passenger airbag unit
onto the two metal brackets on the instrument panel
support structure, being certain that the alignment
pin features on each side of the airbag are engaged
in the alignment holes in the metal brackets.
(5) Install and tighten the two screws on each side
of the passenger airbag that secure the passenger
airbag to the metal brackets on the instrument panel
support structure. Tighten the screws to 6 N´m (55
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the passenger airbag door onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) 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).
PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
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.
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

PASSENGER AIRBAG
MOUNTING BRACKET
REMOVAL
The passenger airbag mounting brackets cannot be
repaired. They must be replaced if faulty or dam-
aged, or if the passenger airbag has been deployed.
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.
(1) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the inboard
and/or outboard passenger airbag mounting brack-
et(s) to the instrument panel support structure (Fig.
27).
(3) Remove the inboard and/or outboard passenger
airbag mounting bracket(s) from the instrument
panel support structure.
INSTALLATION
The passenger airbag mounting brackets cannot be
repaired. They must be replaced if faulty or dam-
aged, or if the passenger airbag has been deployed.
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.
(1) Position the inboard and/or outboard passenger
airbag mounting bracket(s) to the instrument panel
support structure (Fig. 27).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inboard and/or outboard passenger airbag mount-
ing bracket(s) to the instrument panel support struc-
ture. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the passenger airbag to the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 27 Passenger Airbag Mounting Brackets
Remove/Install
1 - INBOARD BRACKET
2 - I/P SUPPORT STRUCTURE
3 - OUTBOARD BRACKET
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - SCREW (2)
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 31

REAR CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
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 BELT
THAT 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) Remove the right center seat belt buckle unit
from the floor panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE - REMOV-
AL).
(2) Unlatch and fold the right rear seat back for-
ward and separate the cargo area carpet from the
base of the seat back panel.
(3) Reach between the base of the right rear seat
back and the forward edge of the rear cargo floor to
access and remove the screw that secures the rear
center seat belt lower anchor to the floor panel (Fig.
28).
(4) Lift the rear center seat belt lower anchor off of
the stud on the rear floor panel.
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the belt
web guide to the top of the right rear seat back
panel.
(6) Remove the right rear seat back panel from the
vehicle. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT BACK -
REAR - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the two screws that secure the belt
web guide to the top of the right rear seat back
panel.
(8) Remove the trim from the right rear seat back.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT BACK COVER -
REAR - REMOVAL).
(9) Route the rear seat belt lower anchor and belt
web guide through the top of the seat back panel.
(10) Disengage the seat back latch cable fitting
from the cable support on the retractor, which is a
light snap fit (Fig. 29).
Fig. 28 Rear Center Seat Belt Anchor Plate
Remove/Install
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - BUCKLE UNIT
3 - REAR SEAT BACK
4 - REAR FLOOR PANEL
5 - STUD (1)
6 - ANCHOR PLATE
Fig. 29 Seat Back Latch Cable Disengage/Engage
1 - LEVER
2 - PLUNGER
3 - LATCH CABLE FITTING
4 - REAR CENTER RETRACTOR
5 - SUPPORT
8O - 32 RESTRAINTSKJ

(11) Remove the screw that secures the retractor
to the rear seat back panel (Fig. 30).
(12) Remove the rear center seat belt and retractor
unit from the seat back panel.
INSTALLATION
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 BELT
THAT 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) Position the rear center seat belt and retractor
unit onto the seat back panel.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
retractor to the rear seat back panel (Fig. 30).
Tighten the screw to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the seat back latch cable plunger
against the retractor latch lever, then engage the
cable fitting into the cable support on the retractor,
which is a light snap fit (Fig. 29).
(4) Route the rear seat belt lower anchor and belt
web guide through the top of the seat back panel.(5) Reinstall the trim onto the right rear seat
back. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT BACK
COVER - REAR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the belt web guide to the top of the right rear seat
back panel. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the right rear seat back panel into
the vehicle. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT BACK
- REAR - INSTALLATION).
(8) Position the rear center seat belt lower anchor
off of the stud on the rear floor panel (Fig. 28).
(9) Reach between the base of the right rear seat
back and the forward edge of the rear cargo floor to
install and tighten the screw that secures the rear
center seat belt lower anchor to the floor panel.
Tighten the screw to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(10) Restore the cargo area carpet to the base of
the seat back panel and unfold the right rear seat
back to its upright position.
(11) Reinstall the right center seat belt buckle unit
onto the floor panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/SEAT BELT BUCKLE - INSTALLA-
TION).
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT
& RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
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 BELT
THAT 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) Unsnap and lift the trim cover to access the
screw that secures the rear outboard seat belt turn-
ing loop to the upper C-pillar (Fig. 31).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the upper C-pillar.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor to the bracket on the outboard side of the
rear seat cushion frame.
Fig. 30 Rear Center Retractor Remove/Install
1 - REAR SEAT BACK PANEL
2 - SCREW (1)
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 33
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

in parallel with the IC where the two pigtail wire
leads connect to the IC pins.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire seat belt buckle-
half unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The seat belt switches are designed to provide a
status signal to the seat belt switch sense inputs of
the Airbag Control Module (ACM) indicating whether
the front seat belts are fastened. The ACM uses the
seat belt switch inputs as a factor in determining
what level of force with which it should deploy the
multistage driver and passenger airbags. In addition,
the ACM sends electronic messages to the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) to control the
seat belt indicator based upon the status of the
driver side front seat belt switch. A spring-loaded
plastic slide with a small, enclosed permanent mag-
net is integral to the buckle latch mechanism. When
a seat belt tip-half is inserted and latched into the
seat belt buckle, the slide is pushed downward and
into close proximity of the Hall Effect Integrated Cir-
cuit (IC) chip within the buckle, which induces a cur-
rent within the chip. The chip provides this induced
current as an output to the ACM, which monitors the
current to determine the status of the front seat
belts. When the seat belt is unbuckled, the spring-
loaded slide and permanent magnet move upward
and away from the IC, causing the output current
from the seat belt switch to be reduced.
The seat belt switch receives a supply current from
the ACM, and the ACM senses the status of the front
seat belts through its pigtail wire connection to the
seat wire harness. The ACM also monitors the condi-
tion of the seat belt switch circuits through circuit
resistance created by the diagnostic resistor. The
ACM will illuminate the airbag indicator in the
EMIC and store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for
any fault that is detected in either seat belt switch
circuit. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt switches,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
A driver side seat belt tensioner supplements the
driver airbag system for all versions of this model
(Fig. 34). The seat belt tensioner is integral to the
driver side front seat belt and retractor unit, which is
secured to the B-pillar on the left side of the vehicle.
The retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists prima-
rily of a molded plastic tensioner housing, a tubularmetal piston housing, a piston, a short rack gear, a
set of pinion gears, a pyrotechnically activated gas
generator, and a short pigtail wire. All of these com-
ponents are located on one side of the retractor spool
on the outside of the retractor housing. The seat belt
tensioner is controlled by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) and is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a dedicated take out of the body wire
harness by a keyed and latching molded plastic con-
nector insulator to ensure a secure connection.
The seat belt tensioner cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire driver side front seat
belt and retractor unit must be replaced. The seat
belt tensioner is not intended for reuse and must be
replaced following a deployment. A locked retractor
that will not allow the seat belt webbing to be
retracted or extracted is a sure indication that the
seat belt tensioner has been deployed and requires
replacement. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR -
REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioner is deployed by a signal gen-
erated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM) through
the driver seat belt tensioner line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits. When the ACM sends the proper elec-
trical signal to the tensioner, the electrical energy
generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic
gas generator. The gas generator is installed in one
end of the tubular metal piston housing, which con-
tains a piston and a small rack gear. As the gas
expands, it pushes the piston and the rack gear
Fig. 34 Seat Belt Tensioner
1 - RETRACTOR
2 - TENSIONER HOUSING
3 - PISTON HOUSING
4 - PIGTAIL WIRE
5 - GAS GENERATOR
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSKJ
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)

screws. A two-wire pigtail harness is routed forward
from the airbag inflator through a trough along the
top of the plastic airbag channel on the roof rail and
down the B-pillar, where it is retained by three rout-
ing clips. The pigtail harness is connected to a take
out and connector of the body wire harness on the
B-pillar, which connects to the respective right or left
Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) on the
sill panel at the base of the B-pillar.
The side curtain airbag unit cannot be adjusted or
repaired and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged. Once a side curtain airbag has
been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the head-
liner, the upper A, B, and C-pillar trim, and all other
visibly damaged components must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each side curtain airbag is deployed individually by
an electrical signal generated by the left or right Side
Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) to which it is
connected through left or right curtain airbag line 1 and
line 2 (or squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflatorassembly for each airbag contains a small canister of
highly compressed helium gas. When the SIACM sends
the proper electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the
electrical energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical
pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, these chemicals
burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to rup-
ture a containment disk in the helium gas canister. The
inflator and helium gas canister are sealed and con-
nected to a tubular manifold so that all of the released
gas is directed into the folded curtain airbag cushion,
causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down
from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner
and the side glass/body pillars to form a curtain-like
cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side
impact collision. The front tether keeps the front por-
tion of the bag taut, thus ensuring that the bag will
deploy in the proper position. Following the airbag
deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the helium gas through the loose weave of
the cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion hangs
down loosely from the roof rail.
Fig. 37 Side Curtain Airbag
1 - INFLATOR
2 - MANIFOLD
3 - CHANNEL
4 - TETHER5 - PIGTAIL WIRE RETAINER (3)
6 - PUSH-IN FASTENER (4)
7 - BRACKET (3)
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 39
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)