CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ERRATIC DISPLAY 1. INTERNAL CLUSTER
FAILURE.1. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
AND CHECK FOR FAULT CODES.
²IF ODOMETER PASSES THE SEGMENT TEST,
FAILURE MAY NOT BE IN THE CLUSTER. LOOK
FOR ANOTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE OF FAILURE.
2. VERIFY GOOD POWER AND GROUND
CONNECTIONS. IF CONNECTIONS ARE GOOD AND
NO OTHER PROBLEMS ARE FOUND, REPLACE
CLUSTER ASSEMBLY.
2. BAD PCI BUS
MESSAGE FROM THE
BCM.2. USE A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL TO CHECK THE BCM.
REFER TO THE PROPER BODY DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES MANUAL TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE
AND REPAIR.
ODOMETER WON'T GO
INTO TRIP MODE.TRIP SWITCH DOESN'T
WORK.IF CLUSTER WILL NOT GO INTO SELF DIAGNOSTIC
MODE AND CANNOT TOGGLE BETWEEN
ODOMETER AND TRIP ODOMETER, REPLACE
CLUSTER.
TRIP ODOMETER WON'T
RESET.RESET SWITCH
DOESN'T WORK.IF CLUSTER WILL NOT GO INTO SELF DIAGNOSTIC
MODE AND TRIP ODOMETER WILL NOT RESET,
REPLACE CLUSTER.
ELECTRONIC GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAY DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DISPLAY. 1. INTERNAL CLUSTER
FAILURE.1. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
AND CHECK FOR FAULT CODES.
²IF PRND3L (PRND1234 IF AUTOSTICK EQUIPPED)
PASSES THE SEGMENT CHECK, THEN FAILURE
MAY NOT BE IN THE CLUSTER. LOOK FOR
ANOTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE OF FAILURE. IF IT
FAILS, REPLACE CLUSTER ASSEMBLY.
ERRATIC DISPLAY. 1. INTERNAL CLUSTER
FAILURE.1. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
AND CHECK FOR FAULT CODES.
²IF PRND3L (PRND1234 IF AUTOSTICK EQUIPPED)
PASSES THE SEGMENT CHECK, THEN FAILURE
MAY NOT BE IN THE CLUSTER. LOOK FOR
ANOTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE OF FAILURE.
2. BAD PCI BUS
MESSAGE FROM THE
TCM.2. USE A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL TO CHECK THE TCM.
REFER TO THE PROPER TRANSMISSION
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES MANUAL TO
PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR.
8J - 10 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERRS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ALL SEGMENTS ARE
ON.1. NO PCI BUS
MESSAGE FROM THE
TCM.1.A. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST.
IF PRND3L (PRND1234 IF AUTOSTICK EQUIPPED)
PASSES TEST GO TO STEP 1.B. IF PRND3L
(PRND1234 IF AUTOSTICK EQUIPPED) FAILS TEST,
REPLACE CLUSTER ASSEMBLY.
1.B. CHECK THE TCM USING A DRB IIITSCAN
TOOL. REFER TO THE PROPER TRANSMISSION
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES MANUAL TO
PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove Over Steering Column Bezel by lifting
it straight up with a firm pull.
(3) Remove the four cluster bezel attaching screws.
(4) Tilt the steering column in the full down posi-
tion.
(5) Pull rearward on the cluster bezel and remove.
(6) Remove the four screws holding instrument
cluster to instrument panel.
(7) Rotate top of cluster outward.
(8) Disconnect the cluster harness connector.
(9) Remove instrument cluster from instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the instrument cluster wire connector.
(2) Rotate top of cluster inward as placing into
instrument panel opening.
(3) Install the four screws holding instrument clus-
ter to instrument panel.
(4) Position cluster bezel into place.
(5) Install the four bezel attaching screws.(6) Install the Over Steering Column Bezel by
firmly snapping into place.
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
CLUSTER LENS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the instrument cluster. Refer to Elec-
trical, Instrument Cluster, Removal.
(2) Remove the screws holding the lens to the
instrument cluster.
(3) Press down on the snap features of the lens
and remove the lens from the cluster.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the lens snap features into the cluster.
(2) Install the screws holding the lens to the
instrument cluster.
(3) Install the instrument cluster. Refer to Electri-
cal, Instrument Cluster, Installation.
RSINSTRUMENT CLUSTER8J-11
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the three retaining screws.
(3) Disconnect the central wiring harness connec-
tor from the headlamp unit.
(4) Remove the headlamp unit from the vehicle by
rotating the turn signal area out and towards the
center of the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the wiring harness to the headlamp
unit's central connector.
(2) Place the headlamp unit in the headlamp unit
pocket in front end first by placing the inboard side
behind the fascia. Complete the installation by rotat-
ing the turn signal area of the headlamp into place.
(3) Place headlamp unit into headlamp unit pocket
in front end.
(4) Install the three retaining screws.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Verify vehicle and system operation.
LICENSE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove two screws (Fig. 18).
(3) Twist bulb socket and remove (Fig. 19).
(4) Pull bulb from socket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Push bulb into socket.
(2) Install socket into lamp.
(3) Install two screws.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The turn signals are actuated with a lever on
Multi-Function Switch, located on the left side of the
steering wheel. The signals are automatically turned
off by a canceling cam (two lobes molded to the clock
spring mechanism). The cam comes in contact with
the cancel actuator on the turn signal (multi-func-
tion) switch assembly. Either cam lobe, pushing on
the cancel actuator, returns the switch to the OFF
position. The multi-function switch is a resistive
MUX switch that feeds inputs to the BCM.
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
Lane change signaling is actuated by applying par-
tial turn signal stalk movement toward the direction
desired until the indicator lamps flashes in the
instrument cluster. When the switch stalk is released
the stalk will spring back into the neutral position
turning OFF the turn signal.
With the ignition switch ON and the turn signal
switch stalk actuated left or right, current flows
through the:
²Multi-function switch
²Body Control Module
²Integrated Power Module (IPM)
²Turn indicator lamp
²Front and rear turn signal bulbs.
A chime will sound after the vehicle has traveled a
distance of approximately 1.0 mile and a speed of 15
mph, with the turn signal ON.
Fig. 18 LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNITS
1 - SCREW
2 - LICENSE PLATE LAMP
Fig. 19 LICENSE PLATE LAMP - REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT
2 - BULB
RSLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR8L-17
HEADLAMP UNIT - EXPORT (Continued)
CENTER CONSOLE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open up console lid.
(3) Remove console tray.
(4) Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755) or
equivalent, gently pry down on lamp. Make sure not
to let lamp fall into console base.
NOTE: If preferred, a 5/16 piece of hose approxi-
mately 4±6 inches long may be used to pull lamp
from socket. Push hose over end of lamp and pull
down.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If preferred, a 5/16 piece of hose approxi-
mately 4±6 inches long may be used to install the
new lamp. Push lamp into hose just far enough to
hold bulb. Locate the socket slot and push firmly
up. Make sure not to let lamp fall into console base.
When bulb is seated, twist hose 1/4 turn to remove
from lamp.
(1) Place lamp in socket slot and push firmly up.
Make sure not to let lamp fall into console base.
(2) Install the console tray.
(3) Close console lid.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
CENTER CONSOLE LAMP
SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open console lid and remove tray.
(3) Using a flat bladed tool, pry up on the switch.
(4) Remove bulb from switch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install bulb into switch.
(2) Push switch into console opening.
(3) Install tray and close lid.
(4) Connect battery negative cable.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
LAMPS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the Instrument Cluster. Refer to Elec-
trical, Instrument Cluster, Removal.
(2) Turn over cluster and expose the illumination
bulb sockets.
(3) Identify which bulb is defective and twist it out
of the cluster using a counterclockwise motion.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the new bulb socket into the cluster
using a clockwise motion.
(2) Install the Instrument Cluster. Refer to Electri-
cal, Instrument Cluster, Installation.
COURTESY LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Using a trim stick, pry lamp from door panel
(Fig. 1).
(3) Disconnect wire harness from the lamp.
(4) Remove lens from the lamp and remove bulb.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install bulb and lens to lamp.
(2) Reconnect wire harness to lamp.
(3) Press lamp into the door panel.
(4) Reconnect battery negative cable.
Fig. 1 COURTESY LAMP
1 - WIRE HARNESS
2 - COURTESY LAMP
RSLAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR8L-21
function currently displayed is a function that can be
reset. The distance to service function can also be
reset using the local reset method, but it will reset
back to the Service Interval distance that is set in
the EVIC programmable features mode. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE/ELEC-
TRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) data
is obtained from the Body Control Module (BCM) on
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
Data Bus circuit. The EVIC will display dashes (- -)
for any of the screens it did not receive the bus mes-
sages. The label corresponding to the missing infor-
mation will be lit. If no EVIC data is displayed,
check the PCI Data Bus circuit communications and
the BCM. If the dimming level is improper check the
PCI Data Bus circuit.
The use of a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper
diagnostic procedures information are recommended
for further testing of the EVIC module and the PCI
data bus circuit. Perform the SELF-DIAGNOSTIC
TEST before replacing the EVIC module (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
PROGRAMMING
EVIC PROGRAMMING MODE
Some vehicles are equipped with a Electronic Vehi-
cle Information Center (EVIC) equipped overhead
console. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) provides the vehicle operator with a user
interface, which allows the selection of several
optional customer programmable electronic features
to suit individual preferences. The EVIC must be
placed into its programming mode in order to view or
change the programmable features. To enter the
EVIC programming mode and to view or change the
selected programmable features options, proceed as
follows:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(2) Depress and release the Menu push button.
The first item in the programmable features menu
list will appear in the EVIC display.(3) Momentarily depress and release the Menu
push button to step through the programmable fea-
tures list. Each programmable feature and its cur-
rently selected option will appear on the EVIC
display in the sequence shown in the Programmable
Features list that follows.
(4) Momentarily depress and release the Step push
button to step through the available options for the
programmable feature being displayed.
(5) The option that last appears in the display
with a programmable feature before exiting the pro-
gramming mode, becomes the newly selected pro-
grammable feature option.
(6) The EVIC exits the programming mode and
returns to its normal operating mode when the C/T
push button is depressed or when the end of the pro-
grammable features menu list is reached, whichever
occurs first.
PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
NOTE: Tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system infor-
mation is not covered in this section of the service
manual. Refer to the tires/wheels section of this
manual for detailed tire pressure monitoring system
information.
²LANGUAGE?- The options include English,
Francaise, Deutsch, Italiana, or Espanol. The default
is English. All EVIC display nomenclature, including
the trip computer functions, warning messages and
the programmable features appear in the selected
language.
²DISPLAY U.S. OR METRIC?- The options
include U.S. and M. The default is U.S. This feature
toggles the trip computer temperature, fuel economy
and odometer display readings between U.S. and
metric units of measure. It also changes the odome-
ter display in the instrument cluster.
²SERVICE INTV. =- The options include from
3200 to 12000 kilometers in 800 kilometer incre-
ments (2000 to 7500 miles in 500 mile increments).
The default is 12000 kilometers (7500 miles). The
selected distance becomes the interval at which the
Perform Service warning message will be displayed
by the EVIC. If a new distance is selected, a second
programmable feature appears,RESET SERVICE
DISTANCE?- The options include No and Yes. The
default is Yes. When Yes is selected, the accumulated
distance since the last previous Perform Service
warning message will be reset to zero because the
service interval has been changed. When No is
selected, the distance until the next Perform Service
warning message is reduced by the accumulated dis-
tance since the last previous message.
8M - 8 OVERHEAD CONSOLERS
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - SECOND ROW -
RIGHT OUTBOARD
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - SECOND ROW -
RIGHT OUTBOARD WITH REAR HVAC - LWB
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - SECOND ROW -
LEFT OUTBOARD
REMOVAL.............................42INSTALLATION.........................42
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
SEAT WEIGHT BLADDER & PRESSURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................44
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle is equipped with a Frontal Impact Air-
bag System, which utilizes the driver/passenger air-
bags, two front impact sensors, and seat belt
tensioners located in the front seat belt buckles. This
system is designed to protect occupants in the event
of a front impact collision. These airbags are all ser-
viceable parts. The tensioners are integral to the
front seat belt buckles. If these pyrotechnics are
deployed or defective, they must be replaced.
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag
System utilize a curtain airbag, three side impact
sensors, and the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) to determine if the airbag should be deployed.
Following a side impact event where the side airbag
was deployed, the headliner as well as the curtain
airbag must be replaced.
The occupant restraints include both active and
passive types. Active restraints are those which
require the vehicle occupants to take some action to
employ, such as fastening a seat belt; while passive
restraints require no action by the vehicle occupants
to be employed.
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The active restraints 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 traveling end-re-
lease buckle secured to the inboard side of the seat
cushion frame. The driver side front seat belt buckle
includes an integral Hall-effect seat belt switch that
detects whether the driver side front seat belt has
been fastened.²Rear Seat Belts- Both outboard rear second
and third seating positions are equipped with three-
point seat belt systems. The outboard seating posi-
tion belts employ a lower C or D-pillar mounted
inertia latch-type retractor, a fixed position upper C
or D-pillar mounted turning loop, and a fixed lower
seat belt anchor secured to the inboard side of the
seat cushion frame.
²Child Restraint Anchors- Also equipped in
this vehicle are two, fixed-position, child seat upper
tether anchors located on the lower seat cushion, in
the rear of the lower seat cushion. There is one
anchor integral to the back of the third row seat back
panel, one on each seat back panel. Two lower second
row anchors are also provided for each rear outboard
seating position. The lower anchors are integral to
the seat cushion frame and are accessed from the
front of the second row seat where the seat back
meets the seat cushion.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints available for this model
include the following:
²Dual Front Airbags- Multistage driver. front
passenger, and driver knee blocker airbags are avail-
able for this model. This airbag system is a passive,
inflatable, Supplemental 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 on the
instrument panel above the glove box. Vehicles with
the airbag system can also be identified by 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.
A pyrotechnic-type seat belt tensioner is integral to
the driver and passenger front seat belt buckle of all
models equipped with dual front airbags.
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSRS
²Occupant Classification System- These
vehicles also include an Occupant Classification Sys-
tem (OCS) with components that are located on or in
the passenger front seat cushion. These components
include an Occupant Classification Module (OCM)
and a seat weight bladder and pressure sensor
assembly. In addition, this system includes a belt
tension sensor integral to the lower anchor of the
passenger side front seat belt. Vehicles equipped with
the OCS can be readily identified by a Passenger Air-
bag Disabled (PAD) indicator (Fig. 1) located in the
center stack on the instrument panel above HVAC
control head and radio.
²Curtain Airbags- Curtain airbags are avail-
able for this model when it is also equipped with
dual front airbags. This airbag system is a passive,
inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and
vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified
by a molded identification trim button with the ªSRS
- AIRBAGº logo (Fig. 2) located on the headliner
above each B-pillar.
This vehicle is equipped with a Frontal Impact Air-
bag System, which utilizes the driver/passenger air-
bags, driver knee blocker airbag, and seat belt
tensioners. This system is designed to protect occu-
pants in the event of a front impact collision. These
airbags and seat belt tensioners are all serviceable
parts. If these pyrotechnics are deployed or defective,
they must be replaced, as well as the OccupantRestraint Controller (ORC) must be diagnosed follow-
ing procedures outlined in the diagnostic information.
The Driver and Passenger Airbag System was
designed to reduce the likelihood of injury or death
in frontal collisions. Each separate system is supple-
mental (Fig. 2) orPassiveto the primary restraint
device, which are the seat belts.
²Airbag Indicator- The airbag indicator is inte-
gral to the Instrument Cluster, which is located on
the instrument panel in front of the driver.
²Belt Tension Sensor- Vehicles equipped with
the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include a
belt tension sensor. This sensor is integral to the pas-
senger side front seat belt lower anchor which is
secured to the floor, out board and rear of the front
passenger seat. -.....concealed beneath an access cover
on the seat belt assembly.
²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel (Fig. 3).
²Curtain Airbag- A side curtain airbag is
located on each inside roof side rail above the head-
liner, and extends from the A-pillar to just beyond
the D-pillar.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover (Fig. 3).
²Front Impact Sensor- Two front impact sen-
sors are used on vehicles equipped with dual front
airbags, one left side and one right side. The sensors
are located on the rail tips, rearward of the bumper
attachments.
²Knee Blocker Airbag- The driver knee blocker
airbag is secured to the instrument panel behind the
steering column opening cover (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 PAD INDICATOR
Fig. 2 SRS LOGO
Fig. 3 AIRBAG COMPONENT LOCATION -
INSTRUMENT PANEL
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED (PAD) INDICATOR
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
4 - OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (ORC)
5 - KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG
RSRESTRAINTS8O-3
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
²Occupant Classification Module- Vehicles
equipped with the Occupant Classification System
(OCS) include an Occupant Classification Module
(OCM) which is secured to a stamped steel mounting
bracket on the underside of the passenger side front
seat cushion frame.
²Occupant Restraint Controller- The Occu-
pant Restraint Controller (ORC) is also sometimes
referred to as the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The
ORC is located on a mount on the floor transmission
tunnel just underneath the instrument panel center
stack (Fig. 3).
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 (Fig. 3).
²Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator
- Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) include a passenger airbag disabled
(PAD) indicator which is located in the instrument
panel center stack (Fig. 3).
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door (Fig. 3).
²Seat Belt Tensioner- A seat belt tensioner is
integral to both front seat belt buckles. The seat belt
buckles are secured to the inner seat frame sides,
beneath a cushion trim panel.
²Seat Weight Bladder and Pressure Sensor
Assembly- Vehicles equipped with the Occupant
Classification System (OCS) include a seat weight
bladder that is sandwiched between an insulator pad
on the top of the passenger side front seat pan and
the seat cushion foam padding. A short hose connects
the bladder to a pressure sensor which is secured to
the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) mounting
bracket on the underside of the passenger side front
seat cushion frame.
²Side Impact Sensors- Six side impact sensors
are used on vehicles equipped with the curtain air-
bags, three left side and three right side. The first
row side impact sensor is located in the B-pillar, just
above the front seat belt retractor. The second row
side impact sensor is located in the sliding side door
track opening, just in front of the C-pillar. The third
row side impact sensor is located behind the quarter
trim panel, above the rear tire wheel well, between
the C and D-pillars.
The ORC, the OCM, and the cluster each contain a
microprocessor and programming that allow them to
communicate with each other using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. This method of communication is used by the
ORC for control of the airbag indicators.OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the seat belts and child restraint
anchors. Seat belts and child restraint anchors are
referred to as an active restraint because the vehicle
occupants are required to physically fasten and prop-
erly 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 active restraints.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints are referred to as a supple-
mental restraint system because they were designed
and are intended to enhance the protection for the
occupants of the vehicleONLYwhen used in con-
junction with the seat belts. They are referred to as
passive restraints 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 supplemental restraint system.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). An airbag indi-
cator 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 ORC to
indicate the status of the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. If the airbag indicator comes ON at any time
other than during the bulb test, it indicates that
there is a problem in the supplemental restraint sys-
tem electrical circuits. Such a problem may cause air-
bags 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 ORC signals the inflator of
the appropriate airbag units to deploy their airbag
cushions. The front seat belt tensioners are provided
with a deployment signal by the ORC in conjunction
with the front airbags. During a frontal vehicle
impact, the knee blockers work in concert with prop-
erly fastened and adjusted seat belts to restrain both
the driver and the front seat passenger in the proper
position for an airbag deployment. The knee blockers
also absorb and distribute the crash energy from the
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSRS
RESTRAINTS (Continued)