2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Information

ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The active restraints for this model include:
²Front Seat Belts- Both front seating positions
are equipped with three-point seat belt systems
employing a lower B-pillar mounted inertia latch-
type retractor, height-adjustable upper B-pillar
mounted turning loops, a fixed lower seat belt anchor
secured to the lower B-pillar, and a fixed end-release
seat belt buckle secured to the side of the floor panel
transmission tunnel. Both front seat belt buckles
include an integral Hall-effect seat belt switch that
detects whether its respective seat belt has been fas-
tened.
²Rear Seat Belts- Both outboard rear seating
positions are equipped with three-point seat belt sys-
tems. The outboard seating position belts employ a
lower C-pillar mounted inertia latch-type retractor,
height-adjustable upper C-pillar mounted turning
loops, and a fixed lower seat belt anchor secured to
the floor panel. The center rear seating position of
vehicles manufactured for sale in North America has
a lap belt that is anchored to the rear floor panel
with the right outboard seat belt buckle. Vehicles
manufactured for sale outside of North America are
equipped with a three-point seat belt in the rear seat
center seating position. This seat belt has an inertia
latch-type retractor that is integral to the rear seat
back panel, and the lower belt anchor is secured to
the rear floor panel with the right outboard seat belt
buckle. A cable from the seat back latch locks the
center belt retractor spool unless the seat back is
fully latched. All three rear seat belts have fixed end-
release seat belt buckles secured to the rear floor
panel, a single buckle unit on the right side and a
double buckle unit on the left side.
²Child Seat Tether Anchors- All vehicles are
equipped with three, fixed-position, child seat upper
tether anchors and two lower anchors. Two upper
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 two lower anchors are integral to the
outboard rear seat back brackets.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints available for this model
include the following:
²Dual Front Airbags- Multistage driver and
front passenger airbags are available for this model.
This airbag system is a passive, inflatable, Supple-
mental Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles with
this equipment can be readily identified by the ªSRS
- AIRBAGº logo molded into the driver airbag trim
cover in the center of the steering wheel and also
into the passenger airbag door area of the instru-
ment panel top pad above the glove box (Fig. 2).
Vehicles with the airbag system can also be identifiedby the airbag indicator, which will illuminate in the
instrument cluster for about seven seconds as a bulb
test each time the ignition switch is turned to the On
position.
²Side Curtain Airbags- Optional side curtain
airbags are available for this model when it is also
equipped with dual front airbags. This airbag system
is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be
readily identified by a molded identification trim but-
ton with the ªSRS - AIRBAGº logo located on the
headliner above each B-pillar (Fig. 2).
The supplemental restraint system includes the
following major components, which are described in
further detail elsewhere in this service information:
²Airbag Control Module- The Airbag Control
Module (ACM) is also sometimes referred to as the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The ACM is
located on a mount on the floor panel transmission
tunnel near the park brake release mechanism,
under the center floor console.
²Airbag Indicator- The airbag indicator is inte-
gral to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster
(EMIC), which is located on the instrument panel in
front of the driver.
²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover.
²Driver Knee Blocker- The driver knee blocker
is a structural unit secured to the back side of and
integral to the instrument panel steering column
opening cover.
²Front Impact Sensor- Two front impact sen-
sors are used on vehicles equipped with dual front
airbags, one left side and one right side. One sensor
is located on a bracket on the lower inboard side of
each vertical member of the radiator support.
Fig. 2 SRS Logo
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 3
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

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

depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.
When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
airbag system circuits or components, it stores a
fault code or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its
memory circuit and sends an electronic message to
the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator. Proper
testing of the airbag system components, the Pro-
grammable Communication Interface (PCI) data bus,
the data bus message inputs to and outputs from the
EMIC or the ACM, as well as the retrieval or erasure
of a DTC from the ACM or EMIC requires the use of
a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passive restraints.
WARNING - RESTRAINT SYSTEM
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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS
CATALOG.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
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: AN AIRBAG INFLATOR UNIT MAY CON-
TAIN SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM NITRATE.
THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS AND
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH ACID,
WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARM-
FUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROXIDE
IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE) OR
COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. AN AIRBAG INFLA-
TOR UNIT MAY ALSO CONTAIN A GAS CANISTER
PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG UNIT OR
TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE,
INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 93É C (200É F).
WARNING: REPLACE ALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN
THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATA-
LOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTER-
CHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY
RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE RESTRAINT
SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH
THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG UNIT ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE COL-
UMN ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG UNIT
FACE DOWN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the PCI data bus, the
data bus message inputs to and outputs from the
ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) or the
Airbag Control Module (ACM), as well as the
retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 5
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

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.
Ifnone of the Driver or Passenger Squib 1 or 2
open are active codes, the status of the airbag squibs
is unknown. In this case the airbag should be han-
dled and disposed of as if the squibs were both live.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following a supplemental restraint deployment,
the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue.
This residue consists primarily of harmless particu-
late by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge that
initiates the propellant used to deploy a supplemen-
tal restraint. However, this residue may also contain
traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical
by-product of the propellant material that is used to
generate the inert gas that inflates the airbag. Since
sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses, rubber
gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup (Fig.
3).
Fig. 3 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
Typical
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the DRBIIItto read and record any
stored (historical) DTC data.
(7) If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) Use the DRBIIItto erase the stored DTC data.
If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not
erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase.
If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should light for six to eight seconds, and
then go out. This indicates that the supplemental
restraint system is functioning normally and that the
repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails to
light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is also some-
times referred to as the Occupant Restraint Control-
ler (ORC) (Fig. 6). The ACM is concealed underneath
the center floor console, where it is secured by four
screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded
onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel
just forward of the park brake mechanism in the pas-
senger compartment of the vehicle.
Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die
cast aluminum ACM housing is the electronic cir-
cuitry of the ACM which includes a microprocessor,
an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sen-
sor, and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped
metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of the
ACM housing with four screws to enclose and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. A
printed label on the top of the ACM housing provides
a visual verification of the proper orientation of the
unit, and should always be pointed toward the front
of the vehicle.
Two molded plastic electrical connector receptacles
exit the forward side of the ACM housing. These two
receptacles connect the ACM to the vehicle electrical
system through a dedicated take out and connector of
the instrument panel wire harness, and a dedicated
take out and connector of the airbag overlay wire
harness. For vehicles equipped with the optional side
curtain airbags, both ACM connector receptacles are
black in color and the ACM contains a second bi-di-
rectional safing sensor for the side airbags. For vehi-
cles not equipped with the optional side curtain
airbags, the ACM connector receptacles are both
gray.
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.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the supplemental restraint system
logic circuits and controls all of the supplemental
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/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
Fig. 6 Airbag Control Module
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - ORIENTATION ARROW
3 - LABEL
4 - MOUNTING HOLES (4)
5 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 9
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

CHILD TETHER ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with fixed-position, child
seat tether anchors. Vehicles manufactured for sale
in North America have two stamped steel child
tether anchor brackets, one secured with a screw to
each outboard end of the inner liftgate opening
header at the rear of the passenger compartment
(Fig. 10). These child tether anchors are concealed
behind a removable molded plastic cap that snaps
into a bezel located in the headliner over each anchorbracket position. Vehicles manufactured for sale in
Rest-Of-World (ROW) markets have two anchors that
are integral to the back of the right rear seat back
panel, and one that is integral to the left rear seat
back panel (Fig. 11). The North American child seat
tether anchor brackets are available for separate ser-
vice replacement. The ROW child seat tether anchors
cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, 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.
REMOVAL
The following service procedure applies to vehicles
manufactured for sale in North America, which have
removable child seat tether anchor brackets that are
located on the inner liftgate opening header. Vehicles
manufactured for sale in Rest-Of-World (ROW) mar-
kets have child tether anchors that are integral to,
and are only serviced with the rear seat back panels.
(1) Remove the cover from the child tether anchor
bezel in the headliner near the liftgate opening
header.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the child tether
anchor bracket to the inner liftgate opening header
(Fig. 12).
(3) Remove the child tether anchor bracket from
the inner liftgate opening header.Fig. 10 Child Tether Anchors - North America
1 - CHILD TETHER ANCHOR (RIGHT)
2 - CARGO LAMP
3 - HEADLINER
4 - BEZEL
5 - CHILD TETHER ANCHOR BRACKET
6 - D-PILLAR
7 - CAP
Fig. 11 Child Tether Anchors - Rest-Of-World
1 - REAR SEAT BACK (LEFT)
2 - REAR SEAT BACK (RIGHT)
3 - CHILD TETHER ANCHOR (3)Fig. 12 Child Tether Anchor Remove/Install
1 - INNER LIFTGATE OPENING HEADER
2 - CHILD TETHER ANCHOR BRACKET
3 - SCREW
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 13

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 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 conven-
tional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, con-
ventional diagnostic methods will not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM or the impact
sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
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 infor-
mation.
REMOVAL
The front and side impact sensors are interchange-
able except that the front impact sensors are serviced
with a right or left mounting bracket, while the side
impact sensors use no mounting bracket. If a front
impact sensor is faulty, but not damaged, the sensor
may be removed from the sensor mounting bracket
and replaced with a side impact sensor. If the front
impact sensor or the sensor mounting bracket are
damaged in any way, or if proper tightening torque of
the screws that secure the sensor to the bracket can-
not be achieved, the front impact sensor and bracket
must be replaced as a unit.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHERDIAGNOSIS 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) From the engine compartment, disconnect the
right or left headlamp and dash wire harness connec-
tor for the front impact sensor from the sensor con-
nector receptacle (Fig. 25).
Fig. 25 Front Impact Sensor Remove/Install (Right
Side Shown, Left Side Similar)
1 - BRACKET
2 - IMPACT SENSOR
3 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - SCREW (2)
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSWJ
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a three-point center
seat belt have the center seat belt lower anchor
secured to the right buckle anchor plate with a
screw instead of the center lap belt. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR CENTER SEAT
BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLATION).
(3) Fold the rear seat cushion back into the seat-
ing position.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch for this model is actually a
Hall Effect-type sensor. This sensor consists of a
fixed-position, Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC) chip
and a small permanent magnet that are integral to
each front seat belt buckle. The front seat belt buck-
les are each located on a stamped steel stanchion
within a molded plastic scabbard and secured with a
screw to the floor panel transmission tunnel on the
inboard side of each front seat cushion (Fig. 40). Theseat belt switches are connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system through a two-lead pigtail wire and
connector on the seat belt buckle-half, which is con-
nected to a wire harness connector and take out of
the body wire harness on vehicles with manual seat
adjusters, or to a connector and take out of the power
seat wire harness on vehicles with power seat adjust-
ers. A radio noise suppression capacitor is connected
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
slide with a small window-like opening 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 the window of the
slide exposes the Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC)
chip within the buckle to the field of the permanent
magnet, which induces a current 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 moves upward
and shields the IC from the field of the permanent
magnet, 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
airbag overlay wire harness. The ACM monitors the
condition of the seat belt switch circuits and will illu-
minate the airbag indicator in the EMIC then 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 appropriate diagnostic
information.
Fig. 40 Front Seat Belt Buckle
1 - SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - SEAT BELT SWITCH PIGTAIL WIRE
3 - SCREW
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)