
As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down
from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner
and the side glass/body pillars to form a curtain-like
cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side
impact collision. The front and rear tethers keep the
side curtain bag taut, thus ensuring that the bag will
deploy in the proper position. Following the airbag
deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the
cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion hangs down
loosely from the roof rail.
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the battery
negative cable.
(2)
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.
Fig. 13 CURTAIN AIRBAG LOCATION - TYPICAL
Fig. 14 HEAD IMPACT COUNTER MEASURES
1 - SLIDING DOOR OPENING/ROOF RAIL
2 - CURTIAN AIRBAG
3 - HEAD IMPACT COUNTER MEASURES
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSRS
CURTAIN AIRBAG (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)

SIDE IMPACT SENSORS
Three side impact sensors (Fig. 22) are used on
each side of the vehicle. These sensors are mounted
remotely from the bi-directional safing sensor that is
internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
The side and front impact sensors are identical in
construction and calibration and each impact sensor
is secured with two screws. Each side impact sensor
is secured with two screws. The first row side impact
sensor is located in the B-pillar, just above the front
seat belt retractor (Fig. 23). The second row side
impact sensor is located in the sliding door opening,in the lower door track area (Fig. 23). 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 (Fig. 23).
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor. A cavity in the center of the molded black plastic
impact sensor housing contains the electronic cir-
cuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic com-
munication chip and an electronic impact sensor.
Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. The
side impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle
electrical system through a connector of the body
harness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted. If damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced. Refer to the proper body diagnostic infor-
mation for diagnosis and testing.
REMOVAL
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
The right and left front impact sensors are
mounted identically on the front rail tips.
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the battery
negative cable.
(2)
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.
Fig. 23 SIDE IMPACT SENSOR LOCATION
1 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR 3 - THIRD ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
2 - SECOND ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
Fig. 22 SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
RSRESTRAINTS8O-19
IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

(3) Hoist vehicle.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 24).
(5) Remove the two screws attaching front impact
sensor to outer rails (Fig. 24).
(6) Remove sensor from vehicle.
SIDE IMPACT SENSORS
B-PILLAR MOUNTED
The right and left front row side impact sensors,
are mounted identically, on opposite sides of the vehi-
cle, in the b-pillar.
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the battery
negative cable.
(2)
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 the B-pillar lower trim for the side of
the vehicle that you are replacing the side impact
sensor (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
LOWER TRIM - REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
impact sensor (Fig. 25).
(5) Remove the four retaining screws to the impact
sensor bracket (Fig. 25).
(6) Remove impact sensor from vehicle (Fig. 26).
SLIDING DOOR OPENING MOUNTED
The right and left second row side impact sensors,
are mounted identically, on opposite sides of the vehi-cle, in the sliding door opening lower rear where the
lower roller arm mounts in the lower door track.
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the battery
negative cable.
(2)
Fig. 24 FRONT IMPACT SENSOR REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - FRONT IMPACT SENSOR WIRE HARNESS RETAINER
2 - FRONT IMPACT SENSOR RETAINING SCREW
3 - FRONT IMPACT SENSOR WIRE HARNESS
4 - FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
5 - LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT
Fig. 25 FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR AND
BRACKET
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR
3 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR AND MOUNTING
BRACKET
4 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR RETAINING SCREW
Fig. 26 FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR/
BRACKET
1 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
2 - SENSOR TO BRACKET ATTACHMENT
3 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKET
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSRS
IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

WARNING: Wait two minutes for the system reserve
capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag
component service. Personal injury or death may
result.
(3) Open sliding door to the fullest open position.
(4) Remove the two retaining screws to the impact
sensor (Fig. 27).
(5) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
impact sensor and remove from vehicle (Fig. 27).
QUARTER PANEL MOUNTED
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the battery
negative cable.
(2)
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 the quarter trim panel for the side of
the vehicle that you are replacing the side impact
sensor (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the two retaining screws to the impact
sensor (Fig. 28).
(5) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
impact sensor and remove from vehicle (Fig. 28).
INSTALLATION
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
(1) Position sensor in vehicle (Fig. 24).
(2) Install the two retaining screws to the impact
sensor (Fig. 24). Torque screws to 7 N´m (62 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect electrical connector (Fig. 24).
(4) Lower vehicle from hoist.
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.
SIDE IMPACT SENSORS
B-PILLAR MOUNTED
(1) Position sensor bracket in vehicle (Fig. 25).
(2) Install the four retaining screws to the impact
sensor bracket (Fig. 25). Torque screws to 7 N´m (62
in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the electrical connector (Fig. 25).
(4) Install the B-pillar lower trim for the side of
the vehicle that you are replacing the side impact
sensor (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
LOWER TRIM - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 27 2ND ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
1 - 2ND ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - 2ND ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR RETAINING SCREWS
3 - SLIDING DOOR LOWER ROLLER ARM
Fig. 28 3RD ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
1 - 3RD ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
2 - 3RD ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR MOUNTING SCREWS
3 - REAR SPEAKER
4 - REAR WHEEL WELL
RSRESTRAINTS8O-21
IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

restraint system protection in case there is a loss of
battery current supply to the ORC during an impact.
Two sensors are contained within the ORC, an
electronic impact sensor and a safing sensor. The
ORC also monitors inputs from eight remote impact
sensors. Two front impact sensors are located on each
outboard side of the lower radiator support, and
three side impact sensors are located on each side of
the vehicle at the B-pillar, in the lower sliding door
opening in front of the C-pillar, and over the rear
wheel well between the C and D-pillars. The elec-
tronic impact sensors are accelerometers that sense
the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides veri-
fication of the direction and severity of an impact.
The safing sensor is an electronic accelerometer
sensor within the ORC that provides an additional
logic input to the ORC microprocessor. The safing
sensor is used to verify the need for a supplemental
restraint deployment by detecting impact energy of a
lesser magnitude than that of the primary electronic
impact sensors, and must exceed a safing threshold
in order for the airbags to deploy. Vehicles equipped
with curtain airbags, there is a second safing sensor
within the ORC to provide confirmation to the ORC
microprocessor of side impact forces. This second saf-
ing sensor is a bi-directional unit that detects impact
forces from either side of the vehicle.
Pre-programmed decision algorithms in the ORC
microprocessor determine when the deceleration rate
as signaled by the impact sensors and the safing sen-
sors indicate an impact that is severe enough to
require supplemental restraint system protection
and, based upon the severity of the monitored
impact, determines the level of front airbag deploy-
ment force required for each front seating position.
When the programmed conditions are met, the ORC
sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the dual
multistage front airbags at the programmed force
levels, the front seat belt tensioners and, if the vehi-
cle is so equipped, either curtain airbag. For vehicles
equipped with the OCS, the passenger front airbag
and seat belt tensioner will be deployed by the ORC
only if enabled by the OCM messages (PAD indicator
OFF) at the time of the impact.
To diagnose and test the ORC and all airbag sys-
tem components, use a scan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
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 - AIRBAGSYSTEM) 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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2)
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.
(3) Remove storage bin from instrument panel
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STOR-
AGE BIN - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket (Fig. 39).
(5) Disconnect the wire connectors from the ORC
(Fig. 39).
(6) Remove the ORC from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: Do not install ORC if mounting location
is deformed or damaged. This will cause the ORC
to be improperly located and could result in occu-
pant personal injury or death.
WARNING: Use correct screws when installing the
ORC.
Fig. 39 ORC - REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - ORC ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
2 - ORC
3 - ORC MOUNTING SCREWS
RSRESTRAINTS8O-29
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (Continued)

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.
(4) Clean powder residue from interior of vehicle
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER AN AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT).
(5) Remove instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove all reusable components from the
upper instrument panel and transfer to the new
instrument panel.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3)
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.
(4) Remove center console bin between front seats.
(5) Remove left front door sill plate using a trim
stick (special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, and gently
prying up on sill plate.
(6) Remove left cowl panel using a trim stick or
equivalent, and gently prying out on cowl panel.
(7) Remove four screws to lower steering column
cover and remove cover.
(8) Unsnap parking brake lever from knee blocker
reinforcement.
(9) Remove Data Link Connector (DLC) from knee
blocker.
(10) Remove screws to knee blocker.
(11) Unsnap left A-pillar lower extension trim
using a trim stick or equivalent.
(12) Remove three left side instrument panel A-pil-
lar retaining bolts and loosen the instrument panel
roll down bolt.
(13) Remove four nuts at brake pedal support
bracket to instrument panel.
(14) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
off left side upper A-pillar trim.
(15) Remove six screws and two wiring connectors
to lower instrument panel cubby bin at bottom of
center stack.
(16) Remove two left side nuts at instrument panel
center stack support to floor.(17) Remove two right side nuts at instrument
panel center stack support to floor.
(18) Remove right front door sill plate using a trim
stick or equivalent, and gently prying up on sill
plate.
(19) Remove right cowl panel using a trim stick or
equivalent, and gently prying out on cowl panel.
(20) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
out on right instrument panel end cap.
(21) Unsnap right A-pillar lower extension trim
using a trim stick or equivalent.
(22) Remove three right side instrument panel
A-pillar retaining bolts and loosen the instrument
panel roll down bolt.
(23) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
off right side upper A-pillar trim.
(24) Open glove box, pinch in sides and roll down
towards floor. With a firm pull, snap glove box door
off hinges and remove.
(25) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
up on rear of instrument panel top cover and then
pull rearward and out.
(26) Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry
off the filler bezel just above the cup holder to expose
the lower screws to center bezel.
(27) Remove two screws and then using a trim
stick or equivalent, gently pry off instrument panel
center bezel.
(28) Remove center bezel wiring connectors to
HVAC control and switch assembly (hazard, rear
wiper/washer, heated seats) and remove bezel.
(29) Slide cup holder assembly from instrument
panel.
(30) Remove nineteen screws to right lower instru-
ment panel trim (glove box surround), unplug glove
box lamp wire connector, and remove panel.
(31) Remove four screws and wiring connectors to
radio and remove radio.
(32) Remove one far left instrument panel speaker
retaining screw.
(33) Remove four screws along top front edge of
instrument panel cover/pad.
(34) Remove seven lower instrument panel cover/
pad retaining screws starting from right of vehicle
and only removing these seven, not all of them.
(35) Remove six upper fence line instrument panel
retaining bolts.
(36) Roll back instrument panel just enough to
increase access to the passenger airbag retaining
bolts at the reinforcement. Lift the instrument panel
up slightly so as not to damage the air distribution to
HVAC unit seal.
(37) Disconnect the passenger airbag electrical
connector. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently
pry electrical connector off of instrument panel rein-
forcement.
RSRESTRAINTS8O-31
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

(38) Remove the two passenger airbag to instru-
ment panel cover/pad retaining screws.
(39) Remove the three passenger airbag to instru-
ment panel reinforcement retaining bolts.
(40) Pull rearward slightly on the instrument
panel cover/pad to maneuver passenger airbag out
from reinforcement and instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
Transfer all reusable components to the new
instrument panel.
(1) Install new Passenger Airbag into instrument
panel.
(2) Install airbag attaching bolts to the instrument
panel.
(a) Torque the two bolts at instrument panel
retainer bosses to 2.7 .5 N´m (24 5 in. lbs.).
(b) Torque the three bolts that attach the pas-
senger airbag to cross-car beam to 10 2 N´m (90
15 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect yellow wire connector to passenger air-
bag and affix connector to instrument panel rein-
forcement with push pins.
(4) Install Instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
ASSEMBLY - 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.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Pull rearward slightly on the instrument panel
cover/pad to maneuver passenger airbag up onto
reinforcement and instrument panel.
(2) Install the three passenger airbag to instru-
ment panel reinforcement retaining bolts but leave
loose. This will help align the passenger airbag for
the cover/pad fit.
(3) Install the two passenger airbag to instrument
panel cover/pad retaining screws. Torque screws to
2.7 .5 N´m (24 5 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Insure that the instrument panel cover/pad
locator pins are indexed properly at center stack
area prior to reassembly.
(4) Tighten the three passenger airbag to instru-
ment panel reinforcement retaining bolts. Torque
bolts to 10 2 N´m (90 15 in. lbs.).(5) Connect the passenger airbag electrical connec-
tor. Install the connector onto the instrument panel
reinforcement with the push-pin fasteners.
(6) Roll the instrument panel forward lifting
slightly so as to seat the instrument panel air distri-
bution duct on top of the HVAC unit properly to
avoid any leaks or damage to the seal.
(7) Install six upper fence line instrument panel
retaining bolts.
(8) Install three right side instrument panel A-pil-
lar retaining bolts and tighten the right instrument
panel roll down bolt. Install the smaller 10 mm bolt
first to align the instrument panel properly.
(9) Install three left side instrument panel A-pillar
retaining bolts and tighten the left instrument panel
roll down bolt. Install the smaller 10 mm bolt first to
align the instrument panel properly.
(10) Install seven lower instrument panel cover/
pad retaining screws.
(11) Install four screws along top front edge of
instrument panel cover/pad.
(12) Install one far left instrument panel speaker
retaining screw.
(13) Install wiring connectors to radio. Install
radio and four retaining screws.
(14) Connect glove box lamp wiring connector and
place right lower instrument panel trim (glove box
surround) into position.
(15) Install nineteen right lower instrument panel
trim (glove box surround) and install panel screws.
(16) Slide cup holder assembly into instrument
panel.
(17) Install center bezel wiring connectors to
HVAC control and switch assembly (hazard, rear
wiper/washer, heated seats).
(18) Install instrument panel center bezel by align-
ing slots and firmly snapping into place.
(19) Install two screws to instrument panel center
bezel.
(20) Align filler bezel above cup holder over retain-
ing slots and firmly snap into place.
(21) Place instrument panel top cover into position
and firmly snap down rear edge of top cover.
(22) Install glove box. Align hinges, snap into
place, roll glove box upwards and push in sides to
fully install.
(23) Align right side upper A-pillar trim over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(24) Align right A-pillar lower extension trim over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(25) Align right instrument panel end cap over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(26) Align right cowl panel over retaining slots and
firmly snap into place.
(27) Align right front door sill plate over retaining
slots and firmly snap into place.
8O - 32 RESTRAINTSRS
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)