2004 CHRYSLER 300 M airbag off

Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•ACM (Airbag Control Module)
•AIRBAG Readiness Light
•Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
•Optional Driver and Passenger Side Airbags.
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Crash Sensors
•Knee Impact Bolsters
The side airbag system, on vehicles so equipped, consists
of the following:
•AIRBAG Readiness Light
•Side Airbag in the Driver’s Seat
•Side Airbag in the Passenger’s Seat
•ACM (Airbag Control Module)
•SIACM (Side Impact Airbag Control Module)
•Interconnecting Wiring
How the Frontal Airbag System Works
•
The front airbag control module determines if a frontal
collision is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate.
•The airbag control module will not detect side, roll
over, or rear collisions.
•The airbag control module also monitors the readiness
of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions.
These include all of the items listed above except the
knee bolsters, the instrument panel, and the steering
wheel and column. If the key is in the OFF position, in
the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate.
•The airbag control module also turns on the
AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6 to
8 seconds when the ignition is first turned on,
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

then turns the light off. If it detects a malfunction in
any part of the system, it turns on the light either
momentarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
•When the airbag control module detects an impact
requiring the front airbags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The
airbags fully inflate in about 60 milliseconds. This is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to
restrain the driver and right front passenger. The
driver’s front airbag gas is vented towards the instru-
ment panel. The passenger’s front airbag gas is ventedthrough vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.
•The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the airbags.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the airbag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe frontal col-
lision, to help restrain the driver and right front passen-
ger, and then to immediately deflate.
NOTE:A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and right
front passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. Thelight will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
4

About Your Brakes...................162,163
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 116
Accident Damage....................... 225
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 215
Adding Fuel.......................... 177
Air Conditioning....................... 146
Air Conditioning Controls................ 146
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 151
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 209
Air Conditioning System................. 209
Air Pressure, Tires...................164,165
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................36,37
Airbag Light....................37,40,48,115
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 174
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 139
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 215
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 215
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 163
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 116
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23Appearance Care....................... 223
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 54
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Headlights.................... 66
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 64
Automatic Temperature Control............ 146
Automatic Transaxle..................157,221
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 223
Fluid Level Check..................... 222
Reset Mode......................... 158
Selection Of Lubricant................. 221
Shifting............................ 158
Special Additives..................... 223
Autostick............................. 159
Ball Joints............................ 210
Battery............................189,208
Emergency Starting.................... 189
Gas Caution......................189,208
Jump Starting........................ 189
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 23
Location.........................189,208
266 INDEX

Heater............................... 146
High Beam Indicator.................... 114
Holder, Coin........................... 53
Holder, Cup........................... 53
Holder, Pencil.......................... 53
Homelink Transmitter..................75,80
Hood Release.......................... 63
Hook, Coat............................ 54
Hoses............................218,220
Ignition
Key ................................ 12
Lock............................... 13
Illuminated Entry....................... 14
Infant Restraint......................... 41
Instrument Cluster................... 112,113
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 111
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 226
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 227
Interior Fuses.......................... 228
Interior Lights.......................... 64
Introduction............................ 4Jack Operation......................... 184
Jump Starting......................... 189
Key, Programming....................... 11
Key, Sentry............................. 9
Key-In Reminder........................ 12
Keyless Entry System..................... 18
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 33
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 28
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)..... 44
Leaks, Fluid............................ 48
Light Bulbs........................... 230
Lights
Airbag.........................37,48,115
Anti-Lock........................... 116
Automatic Off......................64,65
Battery Saver.......................64,65
Brake Warning....................... 117
Check Engine........................ 115
Courtesy/Reading..................... 65
INDEX 271
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