Page 37 of 293

Airbag System Components
The front airbag system consists of the following:
•Airbag Control Module
•AIRBAGReadiness Light
•Driver Airbag
•Passenger Airbag
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Knee Impact Bolsters
•Left and Right Window Bags Above Side Windows—
If Equipped
•Left and Right Side Impact Sensors—If Equipped
•Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners
How The Airbag System Works
•
The airbag control module determines if a frontal
collision is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate. The control module receives the level of colli-
sion severity, determines the proper level of airbag to
be deployed. The frontal airbag inflators are designed
to provide three different rates of air bag inflation.
•The airbag control module will not detect rollover 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 bolster, 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2
Page 40 of 293

Side Airbag System
The airbag control module determines if a side collision is
severe enough to require the airbag to inflate. The control
module receives the level of collision severity from the
side impact sensors. The airbag control module will not
detect rollover or rear impacts.
The side impact SRS Airbags are designed to activate
only in certain side collisions. When the airbag control
module detects a collision requiring the window bags to
inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the
vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the window bag. The inflating window bag pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way and inflates
(in about the same time it takes to blink your eyes) with
enough force to injure you if you are not belted and
seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 3
1⁄2inches (83⁄4
cm) thick when it is inflated.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 241 of 293
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove the
bulb and socket assembly.
3. Pull the bulb out of the socket, replace the bulb, and
reinstall the bulb and socket to the headlight assembly.
Reinstall the headlight assembly.Fog Light Bulb Replacement
1. Remove the screw securing the light assembly to the
front fascia.
2. Pull the light assembly away from the vehicle to
expose the bulb and socket assembly.
3. Disconnect the wiring connector from the bulb and
socket assembly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7
Page 242 of 293
4. Turn the bulb and socket assembly counterclockwise
to remove it from the housing.
5. Install the new bulb and socket assembly, reattach the
wiring connector, and reinstall the fog light assembly.Center Stoplight Bulb Replacement
1. Open the trunk. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise
to remove it from the housing.
2. Pull the bulb out of the socket, replace the bulb and
reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
242 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 243 of 293
Rear Light Bulb Replacement
1. Open the trunk and pull the trunk liner away to
expose the wiring connector and light housing plastic
retainers.
2. Disconnect the wiring connector and remove the plas-
tic retainers. Remove the light housing from the vehicle.3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the housing. Remove and replace the bulb then
reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
4. Reinstall the light housing and reconnect the wiring
connector. Push the trunk liner back into place.
License Plate Bulb Replacement
1. Locate both small slots on the outboard side of the
license lamp. Using a small screwdriver, remove the
entire housing.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the housing. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace
the bulb and snap it back into place on the housing of the
chrome appliqué.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 243
7