2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN steering wheel

The second row seats have lower anchors for each
rear outboard seating position (Fig. 8). These anchors
are welded to the seat cushion frame. They are each
accessed from the front of their respective seats, at
each side where the seat back meets the seat cush-
ion. These lower anchors cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the seat must be
replaced as a unit.
WARNING: During, and following, any child restraint
anchor service, due to impact event or vehicle
repair, carefully inspect all mounting hardware,
tether straps and anchors for proper installation,
operation, or damage. If a child restraint anchor is
found damaged in any way, the anchor must be
replaced with the seat assembly. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or death.
REAR SEAT DELETE
If the vehicle is ordered without rear seats (rear
seat delete), then there will be a tether strap
included. This is to be looped under the second seat
anchor and then extended forward (Fig. 9) to clip to
the tether strap of the child seat in the front passen-
ger seat (Fig. 10). There will be no lower anchor
loops for child seat anchoring in the front passenger
seat. Use the seat belt for lower child seat attach-
ment in this instance.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of all of the fac-
tory-installed child restraint anchors.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column
behind the steering wheel. It is used to maintain a
continuous electrical circuit between the wiring har-
ness and the drivers airbag.
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the upper steering column
housing near the top of the steering column behind
the steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat,
round molded plastic case with a stubby tail that
hangs below the steering column. The tail contains
two connectors that face toward the instrument
panel. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded
plastic rotor with a large exposed hub and several
plastic rollers.
A rubber bumper block is located on each side of
the tower formation that contains the connector
receptacle and pigtail wires on the upper surface of
the rotor hub. The lower surface of the rotor hub has
a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with a single
lobe that is integral to the rotor. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacles that face the instrument panel,
while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pig-
tail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Fig. 9 TETHER STRAP PLACEMENT - REAR SEAT
DELETE
Fig. 10 TETHER STRAP INSTALLED- REAR SEAT
DELETE
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSRS
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic shield that snaps
onto the rotor over the release button. The release
button secures the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case and the shield prevents the release
button from being inadvertently depressed during
shipment and handling, but the shield must be
removed from the clockspring after it is installed on
the steering column (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. The rotating
electrical components include the driver airbag, the
horn switch, the speed control switches, and the
remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so equipped.
The clockspring case is positioned and secured to the
upper steering column housing near the top of the
steering column. The connector receptacles on the
tail of the clockspring case connect the clockspring to
the vehicle electrical system through two connectors
from the instrument panel wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
the tower formation that is molded onto the upper
surface of the rotor hub to an opening that is cast
into the steering wheel armature. Rubber bumper
blocks on either side of the clockspring tower forma-
tion eliminate contact noise between the clockspring
tower and the steering wheel. The lobe of the turn
signal cancel cam on the lower surface of the clock-
spring rotor hub contacts a turn signal cancel actua-
tor of the multi-function switch to provide automatic
turn signal cancellation. The yellow or black-sleeved
pigtail wires on the upper surface of the clockspring
rotor connect the clockspring to the driver airbag,
while a steering wheel wire harness connects the
connector receptacle on the upper surface of the
clockspring rotor to the horn switch and, if the vehi-
cle is so equipped, to the optional speed control
switches and remote radio switches on the steering
wheel.
The clockspring tape has travel limits and can be
damaged by being wound too tightly during full stop-
to-stop steering wheel rotation. To prevent this from
occurring, the clockspring is centered when it is
installed on the steering column. Centering the clock-
spring indexes the clockspring tape to the movable
steering components so that the tape can operatewithin its designed travel limits. However, if the
clockspring is removed from the steering column or if
the steering shaft is disconnected from the steering
gear, the clockspring spool can change position rela-
tive to the movable steering components and must be
re-centered following completion of the service or the
tape may be damaged (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a plastic shield installed over the
clockspring release button. This shield should not be
removed and the release button should not be
depressed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is
depressed before the clockspring is installed on a
steering column, the clockspring centering procedure
must be performed (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
If the rotating tape (wire coil) in the clockspring is
not positioned properly with the steering wheel and
the front wheels, the clockspring may fail. The fol-
lowing procedure MUST BE USED to center the
clockspring if it is not known to be properly posi-
tioned, or if the front wheels were moved from the
straight ahead position.
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Wait two minutes for the system reserve capac-
itor to discharge before beginning any airbag compo-
nent service.
(5) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(7) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness (if equipped).
(8) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control (if equipped)/horn harness to the
clockspring.
(9) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(10) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise until
the rotor stops. Do not apply excessive force.
(11) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two
turns counterclockwise until the wires end up at the
top.
RSRESTRAINTS8O-11
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

(12) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(14) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness.
(15) Install the driver airbag (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION). Torque the two screws to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Personal injury or
death may result if the system test is not performed
properly.
REMOVAL
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4)
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system
reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning
any airbag system or component service. Failure to
do so may result in accidental airbag deployment,
personal injury or death.
(5) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(7) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(8) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(9) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove steering column shrouds and discon-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL).
(11) Disconnect 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(12) Remove clockspring from column assembly by
removing the two retaining screws that attach the
clock spring to the column.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the clockspring on the column.
(2) Connect the 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(3) Install the steering column shrouds and con-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(6) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness (if equipped).
(7) Install the driver airbag (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION). Torque the two screws to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Curtain Airbags (Fig. 11) are available when it is
also equipped with dual front airbags. These airbags
are passive and inflatable, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) components, and vehicles with this
equipment can be readily identified by a molded
identification trim button with the ªSRS - AIRBAGº
logo (Fig. 12) located on the B-pillar and C-pillar
upper trim panels. This system is designed to reduce
injuries to the vehicle occupants in the event of a
side impact collision.
Curtain airbags have two individually controlled
curtain airbag units. These airbag units are con-
cealed and mounted above the headliner where they
are each secured to one of the roof side rails (Fig.
13). Each airbag cushion is contained within a fabric
wrap that extends along the roof rail from the A-pil-
lar at the front of the vehicle to just behind the
D-pillar at the rear of the vehicle. One tether extends
down the A-pillar from the front of the airbag cush-
ion, and a second tether extends to the roof rail at
the D-pillar. The end of the A-pillar tether is secured
to a slot in the sheet metal with a metal hook
retained by a bolt. The D-pillar tether is attached to
the d-pillar.
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSRS
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position curtain airbag over retaining holes in
roof rail and firmly snap into place (Fig. 17).
(2) Install the curtain airbag retaining bolts (Fig.
17).
(3) Engage the side curtain airbag front tether in
the A-pillar and install retaining bolt (Fig. 16).
(4) Install the bolt in the curtain airbag inflator
mounting bracket (Fig. 18).
(5) Install the retaining bolts at the d-pillar (Fig.
19).
(6) Connect the curtain airbag squib connector
(Fig. 15).
(7) Install the headliner into the vehicle (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(8) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(9) Close hood.
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The injection molded, thermoplastic driver airbag
protective trim cover is the most visible part of the
driver airbag. The driver airbag is located in the cen-
ter of the steering wheel, where it is secured to the
steering wheel armature. Concealed beneath the
driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, thefolded airbag cushion, the airbag cushion retainer,
the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the
retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag hous-
ing. The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are
secured within an integral receptacle molded into the
back of the trim cover.
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is
secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the
driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and
the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground
pigtail wire has a female spade terminal connector
that receives a path to ground through a male spade
terminal that is integral to the driver airbag housing
stamping and is located near the upper right corner
on the back of the housing. The horn switch feed pig-
tail wire has a white, molded plastic insulator that is
secured by an integral retainer to a mounting hole
located near the lower left corner on the back of the
housing, and is connected to the vehicle electrical
system through a take out and connector of the steer-
ing wheel wire harness.
The airbag is a multistage unit that deploys with
less force than those previously used. The airbag
inflator is a dual-initiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-
type unit with four mounting studs and is secured to
the stamped metal airbag housing using four hex
nuts with washers. Two keyed and color-coded con-
nector receptacles on the driver airbag inflator con-
nect the two inflator initiators to the vehicle
electrical system through two yellow or black-jack-
eted, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
The driver airbag, trim cover, and horn switch unit
cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed
or in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The Driver Airbag Trim Cover contains the horn
switch, inflator device, and a fabric bag. The driver
airbag trim cover/horn switch is not serviced sepa-
rately from the driver airbag components.
When the front airbag system is deployed, the fol-
lowingMUSTbe replaced:
²Complete Steering Column Assembly
²Lower Steering Column Coupler
²Steering Wheel.
²Clockspring.
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Knee Blocker Airbag
²Upper Instrument Panel with Pad
²Front Seat Belt Buckles, both driver and passen-
ger with integral tensioners.
Fig. 19 CURTAIN AIRBAG D-PILLAR ATTACHMENT
1 - CURTAIN AIRBAG D-PILLAR ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS
2 - D-PILLAR
3 - ROOF RAIL AT REAR QUARTER GLASS
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSRS
CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)

CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
WARNING: Airbags must be stored in their original
special container until used for service. At no time
should a source of electricity be permitted near the
inflator on the back of an airbag. When carrying or
handling an undeployed airbag, the trim side of the
airbag should be pointing toward the body to mini-
mize possibility of injury if accidental deployment
occurs. Do not place undeployed airbag face down
on a solid surface, the airbag will propel into the air
if accidental deployment occurs.
REMOVAL
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Clean powder residue from interior of vehicle
(Fig. 4).
(2) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(3) Release hood latch and open hood.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(5)
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system
reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning
any airbag system or component service. Failure to
do so may result in accidental airbag deployment,
personal injury or death.
(6) Remove two screws retaining driver airbag to
steering wheel.
(7) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(8) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(9) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(10) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove steering column shrouds and discon-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL).
(12) Disconnect 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(13) Remove clockspring from column assembly by
removing the two retaining screws that attach the
clockspring to the column.
WARNING: The clockspring, steering wheel, and
complete steering column assembly w/lower steer-
ing column coupler must be replaced also in theevent of a driver airbag deployment. Personal injury
or death may result if not replaced.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the system reserve
capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag
component service. Personal injury or death may
result.
(3) Remove two screws retaining driver airbag to
steering wheel.
(4) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag (Fig. 20).
(5) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(6) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(7) Remove driver airbag from vehicle.
WARNING: When carrying or handling an unde-
ployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should be
pointing toward the body to minimize the possibility
of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid sur-
face, the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs. Failure to do this may result in
personal injury or death.
Fig. 20 DRIVER AIRBAG WIRE CONNECTIONS
1 - AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTORS
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG
3 - HORN/SPEED CONTROL CONNECTOR
4 - CLOCK SPRING
RSRESTRAINTS8O-17
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

INSTALLATION
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Perform clean up procedure (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- SERVICE AFTER AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT).
(2) Install a new steering column assembly and
lower steering column coupler (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the new clockspring.
(4) Connect the 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(5) Install the steering column shrouds and con-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(8) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness.
(9) Install the driver airbag and the two screws
retaining the airbag. Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90
in. lbs.)
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Connect the harness connector on the driver
airbag trim cover (horn, speed controls) to the clock-
spring.
(2) Connect the squib connectors to the driver air-
bag.
(3) Position the driver airbag into the steering
wheel.
(4) Install the two screws retaining the airbag.
Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.)
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS
There are two front impact sensors (Fig. 21), one
on the left, and one on the right front sides of the
vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from
the impact sensor that is internal to the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC). The right and left front
and side impact sensors are identical in construction
and calibration and each front impact sensor is
secured with two screws. The front impact sensors
are secured with two screws to the outboard sides of
the right and left front rail tips.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor and two mounting ears, each with a metal sleeve
to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of
the molded black plastic impact sensor housing con-
tains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which
includes an electronic communication chip and an
electronic impact sensor. Potting material fills the
cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic cir-
cuitry and components. The front impact sensors are
each connected to the vehicle electrical system
through the headlamp to dash wire harness.
The front impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced. If a front impact sensor is faulty, only the
sensor needs to be replaced. If the sensor is damaged
or faulty, or if proper tightening torque of the screws
that secure the sensor to the bracket cannot be
achieved, the sensor and bracket must be replaced.
Refer to the proper body diagnostic information for
diagnosis and testing.
Fig. 21 FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSRS
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

WARNING: Never replace both the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) and the Occupant Clas-
sification Module (OCM) at the same time. If both
require replacement, replace one, then perform the
Airbag System test (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM) before replacing the other. Both the ORC
and the OCM store Occupant Classification System
(OCS) calibration data, which they transfer to one
another when one of them is replaced. If both are
replaced at the same time, an irreversible fault will
be set in both modules and the OCS may malfunc-
tion and result in personal injury or death.
(1) Install the ORC into vehicle (Fig. 39).
(2) Connect the wire connector to the ORC (Fig.
39).
(3) Install three bolts holding ORC to floor bracket
(Fig. 39). Torque bolts to 7.3 - 9.6 N´m (65 to 85 in.
lbs.)
(4) Install the storage bin onto the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
STORAGE BIN - INSTALLATION).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(5) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(6) Close hood.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: Never disassemble the passenger air-
bag. The passenger airbag has no serviceable
parts. If tampered with internally, the airbag could
deploy and result in personal injury or death.
The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the
instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is
mounted to the back side of the instrument panel
reinforcement.
The instrument panel top pad is the most visible
part of the passenger airbag system. Located under
the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the
passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion
supporting components.
The passenger airbag includes a magnesium hous-
ing within which the cushion and inflator are
mounted and sealed.
Following a passenger airbag deployment, the pas-
senger airbag and the instrument panel must bereplaced. The passenger airbag cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or damaged in any
way.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is equipped with two infla-
tors, each with three levels of pressure output. The
inflators seal the hole in the airbag cushion so it can
discharge the gas it produces directly into the cush-
ion when supplied with the proper electrical signal.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting this gas through the
cushion material towards the instrument panel.
The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the
instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top
pad and above the glove box opening. The instrument
panel top pad above the glove box opening conceals
the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line
beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deploy-
ment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the
door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the
instrument panel.
When the front airbag system is deployed, the fol-
lowingMUSTbe replaced:
²Complete Steering Column Assembly.
²Lower Steering Column Coupler.
²Steering Wheel.
²Clock Spring.
²Driver Airbag.
²Passenger Airbag.
²Upper Instrument Panel with Pad.
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
REMOVAL
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3)
8O - 30 RESTRAINTSRS
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (Continued)

SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt system incorporates Seat Belt Ten-
sioners. The tensioner is designed to hold the occu-
pant in their respective seat by retracting the seat
belt up to four inches. They are integral to the front
seat belt buckles and cannot be serviced. If found
defective they must be replaced. After an airbag
deployment, the tensioner must be replaced.
Seat Belt Tensioners supplement the dual front air-
bag system. The seat belt tensioners are integral to
the front seat belt buckles, which are secured to the
seat cushion frame on the inboard side. The seat belt
tensioners are controlled by the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) and are connected to the vehicle
electrical system through the body wire harness.
The seat belt tensioners cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire front seat belt buckle
must be replaced. The seat belt tensioners are not
intended for reuse and must be replaced following
any front airbag deployment.
OPERATION
WARNING: When the front airbag is deployed, the
tensioner will have deployed also and should be
replaced. Failure to do so could result in occupant
personal injury or death.
The seat belt tensioners are deployed by a signal
generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) through the driver or passenger seat belt ten-
sioner line 1 and line 2 (or squib) circuits. When the
ORC sends the proper electrical signal to the tension-
ers, the electrical energy generates enough heat to
initiate a small pyrotechnic gas generator.
Removing excess slack from the front seat belts not
only keeps the occupants properly positioned for an
airbag deployment following a frontal impact of the
vehicle, but also helps to reduce injuries that the
occupants of the front seat might experience in these
situations as a result of a harmful contact with the
steering wheel, steering column, instrument panel
and/or windshield.
The ORC monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance, and will illumi-
nate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is detected.
For proper diagnosis of the seat belt tensioners, use a
scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic information.
SEAT WEIGHT BLADDER &
PRESSURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) have a seat weight bladder and pres-
sure sensor unit (Fig. 54) that is integral to the pas-
senger front seat cushion. The bladder is sandwiched
between the seat cushion pan and seat cushion foam.
The bladder consists of two rectangular sheets of
an elastomeric material and a molded plastic elbow
fitting. The two sheets of material are sealed
together around their perimeter and heat staked to
each other at numerous regular points within their
field. The elbow fitting is sealed to a small round
hole in the lower surface of the bladder and is
pointed downward where it passes through a clear-
ance hole in the insulator pad and extends to just
below the seat cushion. The bladder is then filled
with a silicone fluid to become a pliable, quilted
membrane.
Under the seat cushion a short tube is securely
clamped at one end to the bladder nipple, and at the
other end to a nipple on the electronic pressure sen-
sor. The sensor housing features an integral mount
that snaps over a tab integral to the stamped steel
Occupant Classification Module (OCM) mounting
bracket welded to the underside of the passenger
front seat cushion frame.
Fig. 54 SEAT WEIGHT BLADDER AND PRESSURE
SENSOR - TYPICAL
1 - FASTENER (2)
2 - BLADDER
3-PAD
4 - TUBE
5 - PRESSURE SENSOR
RSRESTRAINTS8O-43