2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER seat memory

loads are connected to cables and mounted in a
storage case. The cables can be directly connected to
some airbag system connectors. Jumpers are used
to convert the load tool cable connectors to the other
airbag system connectors. The adapters are con-
nected to the module harness connector to open
shorting clips and protect the connector terminal
during testing. When using the load tool follow all of
the safety procedures in the service information for
disconnecting airbag system components. Inspect
the wiring, connector and terminals for damage or
misalignment. Substitute the airbag load tool in
place of a Driver or Passenger Airbag, seat belt
tensioner, clockspring (use a jumper if needed).
Then follow all of the safety procedures in the
service information for connecting airbag system
components. Read the module active DTCs. If the
module reports NO ACTIVE DTCs the defective
components has been removed from the system and
should be replaced. If the DTC is still active, con-
tinue this process until all components in the circuit
have been tested. Then disconnect the module con-
nector and connect the matching adapter to the
module connector. With all airbags disconnected
and the adapter installed the squib wiring can be
tested for open and shorted conditions.
3.1.6 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Airbag diagnostic trouble codes consist of active
and stored codes. If more than one code exists,
diagnostic priority should be given to the active
codes. Each diagnostic trouble code is diagnosed by
following a specific testing procedure. The diagnos-
tic test procedures contain step-by-step instructions
for determining the cause of the trouble codes. It is
not necessary to perform all of the tests in this book
to diagnose an individual code. Always begin by
reading the diagnostic trouble codes with the
DRBIIIt. This will direct you to the specific test(s)
that must be performed. In certain test procedures
within this manual, diagnostic trouble codes are
used as a diagnostic tool.
3.1.6.1 ACTIVE CODES
If the lamp remains on, there could be an active
DTC in the system. The code becomes active as soon
as the malfunction is detected or key-on, whichever
occurs first. An active trouble code indicates an
on-going malfunction. This means that the defect is
currently there every time the airbag control mod-
ule checks that circuit or component. Some DTCs,
Internal Module and squib DTCs, will keep the
indicator illuminated even if they are no longer
active. If the lamp is on and no active codes are
present, cycling the ignition switch off and then on
will refresh the lamp state. It is impossible to erase
an active code.
3.1.6.2 STORED CODES
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the
ACM's memory as soon as the malfunction is de-
tected. A stored code indicates there was an active
code present at some time. Stored diagnostic trou-
ble code will remain stored until erased by the DRB.
If a malfunction is not active while performing a
diagnostic test procedure, the active code diagnostic
test will not locate the source of the problem. In this
case, the stored code can indicate an area to inspect.
Maintain a safe distance from all airbags while
performing the following inspection. If no obvious
problems are found, erase stored codes, and with
the ignition on wiggle the wire harness and connec-
tors, rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop.
Recheck for codes periodically as you work through
the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunc-
tion that is difficult to locate.
3.2 COMMUNICATION
3.2.1 COMMUNICATION K-LINES
The K-Lines are a group of circuits that connect
each control module to the Data Link Connector
(DLC). Each control module is connected to the DLC
with a single K-Line. The DRBIIItuses the K-Line
to communicate with each control module. With the
use of the K-Lines the DRBIIItis able to read each
control modules DTCs, sensor displays, I/Os etc. If
DRBIIItcommunications with a particular control
module is lost, one of the possible causes could be a
fault in the module's K-Line.
NOTE: It is important to note the DRBIIIT
uses the K-Lines for diagnostic and
monitoring functions and is no way
connected to the CAN data bus network.
The following modules that use the K-line on this
vehicle are:
²Airbag Control Module (ACM)
²Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
²Cabin Heater Module (CHM)
²Central Timer Module (CTM)
²Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
²Engine Control Module (ECM)
²Heater Booster Module (HBM)
²Instrument Cluster (IC)
²Shifter Assembly (SA)
²Security System Module (SSM)
²Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM)
²Transmission Control Module (TCM)
4
GENERAL INFORMATION

the A-pillar. The SKREEM receives radio messages
from the RKE transmitter (fob) and sends com-
mands via the RKE Interface circuit to the CTM. If
the vehicle is equipped with VTSS, the Security
System Module will be connected in series between
the SKREEM and the CTM.
Confirmation of the RKE Lock/Unlock state is
accomplished via the turn signals. When the vehicle
is locked via RKE the turn signals will flash three
times. When it is unlocked via RKE, the turn
signals will flash one time. If the vehicle has been
unlocked via RKE and no door is opened within 40
seconds, the entire vehicle will be locked again
automatically.
If a transmitter (fob) is operated more than 255
times in succession beyond the range of the receiver
(SKREEM), the RKE portion of the key will become
inoperative. In order to put it back in synchroniza-
tion it will be necessary to have ALL the other
transmitters that are used with this vehicle avail-
able and follow the following procedure:
1. Cycle the ignition on and off 2 times within 6
seconds (leave in off position).
2. Press the lock or unlock button of the disabled
transmitter within 3 seconds of turning the
ignition off.
3. Press any button (lock or unlock) 3 more times
within 6 seconds.
4. Wait 10 seconds.
5. Press any button of ALL other transmitters
belonging to this vehicle at least once within
the next 20 seconds.
For problems related to the Immobilizer function
of the SKREEM, see Service Information.
3.5.3 AUTO DOOR LOCKS
Whenever the engine is started, the CTM receives
a message to lock all doors except the drivers door.
This is accomplished through the D+ Relay. The D+
Relay is controlled by the Instrument Cluster which
receives a command from the ECM that the engine
is running. This relay supplies power to the CTM
(for auto locking), the daytime running lamps and
the rear window defogger.
3.5.4 ACCIDENT RESPONSE
The CTM is hardwired to the Airbag Control
Module through the Enhanced Accident Report
Driver circuit. Anytime the vehicle airbags are
deployed, the CTM will unlock all doors and a
9Crash9DTC will be stored in memory. The door
locks will be inoperative until that code is cleared. If
the vehicle is severly jarred, but not enough to
deploy the airbags, it is possible that the DTC could
be set and therefore the door locks would be inop-
erable. Whenever the door locks are not opera-tional, use the DRBIII and check DTC's . If the code
9ACM has unlocked the doors9appears, use the
DRBIII and erase it.
3.6 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
(VTSS)
The Security System Module (SSM) is located
under the driver's seat. The SSM communicates
with the DRBIII over the K-line. If equipped the
Vehicle Theft Security System will monitor the
following:
²door jamb switches
²hood ajar switch
²ignition switch
²interior of the vehicle for movement
²longitudinal and transverse movement of the
vehicle
²rear defogger grids for glass breakage
²trailer connector
To arm the system the hood and all of the doors
must be closed when the vehicle is locked with the
RKE transmitter or with the use of the key in the
driver door. If the key is used, it must be held in the
lock position for 2 seconds. When the system is first
activated, the hazard lamps will flash 3 times. Also
with the system armed, the Towing/Intrusion Sen-
sor On/Off Switch indicator will flash to indicate an
armed system. To disarm the system use the RKE
or the driver door lock cylinder. Unlocking and
opening one of the other doors with the system
armed will trip the vehicle theft security system.
Interior monitoring is done by the use of an
Intrusion Sensor located in the front headliner and
with one or two sensors in the ceiling of the cargo
area depending on how the vehicle is equipped.
Monitoring of the interior of the vehicle will begin
after the system has been armed for 30 seconds. The
on/off switch located on the instrument panel can be
used to turn off this feature with the ignition switch
in either the Locked/Off or ACC position. The vehi-
cle tow-monitoring feature can also be switched off
using this switch. Re-locking the vehicle a second
time will reactivate these features.
If a trailer is connected to the vehicle when the
system is armed, the SSM will sense a resistance
change on the turn signal circuits if the trailer
harness becomes disconnected and will trip the
alarm.
Tripping the vehicle theft security system will
cause the hazard lamps to flash and the siren to
sound at 30-second intervals. The siren is equipped
with it's own self-contained battery. In the event the
vehicle's battery power is disconnected the siren
will continue to sound on it's own.
10
GENERAL INFORMATION

3.2.2 ECM OPERATING MODES
As input signals to the ECM change, the ECM
adjusts its response to the output devices. For
example, the ECM must calculate a different fuel
quantity and fuel timing for engine idle condition
than it would for a wide open throttle condition.
There are several different modes of operation that
determine how the ECM responds to the various
input signals.
Ignition Switch On (Engine Off)
When the ignition is turned on the ECM activates
the glow plug relay for a time period that is deter-
mined by engine coolant temperature, intake air
temperature and battery voltage.
Engine Start-Up Mode
The ECM uses the intake air temperature sensor,
engine temperature sensor and the crankshaft po-
sition sensor (engine speed) inputs to determine
fuel injection quantity.
Normal Driving Modes
Engine idle, warm-up, acceleration, deceleration
and wide open throttle modes are controlled based
on all of the sensor inputs to the ECM. The ECM
uses these sensor inputs to adjust fuel quantity and
fuel injector timing. EGR valve control is performed
using feedback from the oxygen sensor. An oxygen
sensor is located in the exhaust manifold to sample
oxygen content exiting the engine cylinders. The
ECM uses the O2 sensor, along with other sensor
inputs, to govern the amount of exhaust gas recir-
culation to reduce HC (HydroCarbons) and CO
(Carbon Monoxide). Engine coolant is routed
through the base of the EGR valve to provide
additional cooling of the exhaust gas, which further
helps the reductions of emissions. The EGR valve
has a self-cleaning function. When the engine is
shut off, the EGR valve rotates twice to reduce
carbon deposits at the valve seat.
Overheat Production Mode
If the engine temperature is above 105ÉC (221ÉF)
and vehicle speed is above 40 km/h (25 MPH) the
ECM will limit fuel quantity for engine protection.
Limp-In Mode
The ECM utilizes different degrees of engine
limp-in. The ECM is able to limit engine rpm,
engine power output (turbo boost reduction), acti-
vate engine cooling fan or all of these functions
based on the type of fault that is detected. Critical
engine performance faults such as accelerator pedal
position sensor fault will result in a fixed idle speed
of approximately 680 rpm regardless of actual pedalposition. Other less critical faults will result in
power reduction throughout the full range of driv-
ing conditions.
Overspeed Detection Mode
If the ECM detects engine RPM that exceeds
5200 RPM, the ECM will set a DTC in memory,
limit engine RPM to no more than 2500 RPM, and
illuminate the MIL until the DTC is cleared.
After-Run Mode
The ECM transfers RAM information to ROM
and performs an Input/Output state check.
3.2.3 MONITORED CIRCUITS
The ECM is able to monitor and identify most
driveability related trouble conditions. Some cir-
cuits are directly monitored through ECM feedback
circuitry. In addition, the ECM monitors the voltage
state of some circuits and compares those states
with expected values. Other systems are monitored
indirectly when the ECM conducts a rationality test
to identify problems.
Although most subsystems of the engine control
module are either directly or indirectly monitored,
there may be occasions when diagnostic trouble
codes are not immediately identified. For a trouble
code to set, a specific set of conditions must occur
and unless these conditions occur, a DTC will not
set.
3.2.4 SKREEM OVERVIEW
The sentry key remote entry module system
(SKREEM) is designed to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. The system consists of a sentry
key remote entry module (SKREEM), ignition
key(s) equipped with a transponder chip and the
ECM. When the ignition switch is turned on, the
SKREEM interrogates the ignition key. If the igni-
tion key is Valid or Invalid, the SKREEM sends a
message to the ECM indicating ignition key status.
Upon receiving this message the ECM will termi-
nate engine operation or allow the engine to con-
tinue to operate.
3.2.5 SKREEM ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
The SKREEM has been programmed to transmit
and monitor many different coded messages as well
as CAN Bus messages. This monitoring is called
On-Board Diagnostics. Certain criteria must be met
for a DTC to be entered into SKREEM memory. The
criteria may be a range of; input voltage, CAN Bus
message or coded messages to the SKREEM. If all
the criteria for monitoring a circuit or function are
met and a fault is detected, a DTC will be stored in
the SKREEM memory and the START ERROR indi-
cator will be turned on in the instrument cluster.
2
GENERAL INFORMATION

actuators.These outputs allow the CTM the ability to
control numerous accessory systems in the vehicle.
The CTM monitors its own internal circuitry as
well as many of its input and output circuits, and
will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in elec-
tronic memory for any failure it detects. These DTCs
can be retrieved and diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
HARD WIRED INPUTS
The hard wired inputs to the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Fused B(+)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-start)
²Ground
²Key-in ignition switch sense
²Sliding door switch sense
²Passenger door switch sense
²Driver door switch sense
²PCI bus circuit
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Door lock relay output
²Door unlock relay output
²VTSS indicator driver
MESSAGING
The CTM uses the following messages received
from other electronic modules over the PCI data bus:
²Airbag Deploy (ACM)
²Beep request (CMTC)
²Charging System Failure (PCM)
²Chime request (EMIC)
²Engine RPM (PCM)
²OK to Arm VTSS (PCM)
²Security indicator request (SKIM)
²System Voltage (PCM)
²Valid/Invalid Key (SKIM)
²Vehicle Distance (PCM)
²Vehicle Speed (PCM)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CENTRAL TIMER
MODULE
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
central timer module (CTM) may be diagnosed and
tested using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the CTM. In
order to obtain conclusive testing of the CTM, the
programmable communications interface (PCI) data
bus network and all of the modules that provide
inputs to or receive outputs from the CTM must also
be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the CTM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the modules that provide inputs to, or
receive outputs from, the CTM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Slide the driver seat to the full forward posi-
tion.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector for the
seat belt latch. (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the closeout
panel beneathe the driver seat cushion and remove
the panel.
(5) Remove the screws that secure the central
timer module to the bracket.
(6) Disconnect the wire harness connectors from
the central timer module.
(7) Remove the central timer module from the
vehicle.
8E - 2 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA

Located between the rear cover and the cluster
hood is the cluster housing. The molded plastic clus-
ter housing serves as the carrier for the cluster elec-
tronic circuit board and circuitry, the cluster
connector receptacles, the gauges, a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) for each cluster indicator and general
illumination lamp, the multi-function indicator LCD
unit, electronic tone generators, the cluster overlay,
the gauge pointers, the multi-function indicator
switches and the four switch push buttons.
The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The
dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked
with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but
this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this
outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing clut-
tered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators
that are not illuminated, while the translucence of
this layer allows those indicators and icons that are
illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying
layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from
the LED for each of the various indicators and illu-
mination lamps behind it to be visible through the
outer layer of the overlay only through predeter-
mined cutouts. A rectangular opening in the overlay
at the base of the speedometer provides a window
through which the illuminated multi-function indica-
tor LCD unit can be viewed.
Several versions of the EMIC module are offered
on this model. These versions accommodate all of the
variations of optional equipment and regulatory
requirements for the various markets in which the
vehicle will be offered. The microprocessor-based
EMIC utilizes integrated circuitry, Electrically Eras-
able Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
type memory storage, information carried on the
Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, along with
several hard wired analog and multiplexed inputs to
monitor systems, sensors and switches throughout
the vehicle.
In response to those inputs, the hardware and soft-
ware of the EMIC allow it to control and integrate
many electronic functions and features of the vehicle
through both hard wired outputs and the transmis-
sion of electronic message outputs to other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the CAN data bus. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION -
CAN BUS).
Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indi-
cator support, the electronic functions and features
that the EMIC supports or controls include the fol-
lowing:
²Active Service System- In vehicles equipped
with the Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil
maintenance indicator option, the EMIC electronic
circuit board includes a second dedicated micropro-
cessor. This second microprocessor evaluates various
data including time, mileage, and driving conditionsto calculate the required engine oil service intervals,
and provides both visual and audible alerts to the
vehicle operator when certain engine oil maintenance
services are required.
²Audible Warnings- The EMIC electronic cir-
cuit board is equipped with an audible tone generator
and programming that allows it to provide various
audible alerts to the vehicle operator, including buzz-
ing and chime tones. An audible contactless elec-
tronic relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to
produce audible clicks that is synchronized with turn
signal indicator flashing to emulate the sounds of a
conventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher.
These audible clicks can occur at one of two rates to
emulate both normal and bulb-out turn or hazard
flasher operation. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHIME/BUZZER - DESCRIPTION).
²Panel Lamps Dimming Control- The EMIC
provides a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated
(PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level
of all panel lamps dimmer controlled lamps with that
of the cluster general illumination lamps and multi-
function indicator.
The EMIC houses four analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to nineteen indicators (Fig. 3). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
The EMIC includes provisions for the following
indicators (Fig. 3):
²Airbag (SRS) Indicator
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
²Brake Indicator
²Brake Wear Indicator
²Charging Indicator
²Clogged Fuel Filter Indicator
²Constant Engine Speed (ADR) Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indica-
tor
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Multi-Function Indicator (LCD)
²Park Brake Indicator
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Traction Control (ASR) Indicator
²Traction Control (ASR) Malfunction Indica-
tor
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3

and to the supplemental restraint system compo-
nents through the use of a combination of soldered
splices, splice block connectors, and many different
types of wire harness terminal connectors and insu-
lators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the standard equipment factory-in-
stalled seat belts. Seat belts are referred to as an
active restraint because the vehicle occupants are
required to physically fasten and properly 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 factory-installed 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 conjunc-
tion with the seat belts. They are referred to as pas-
sive restraints because the vehicle occupants are not
required to do anything to make them operate; how-
ever, the vehicle occupants must be wearing their
seat belts in order to obtain the maximum safety
benefit from the factory-installed supplemental
restraint system.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Airbag Control Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
illuminates for about four seconds as a bulb test each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On or Start
positions. Following the bulb test, the airbag indica-
tor is turned on or off by the ACM to indicate the
status of the supplemental restraint system. If the
airbag indicator comes on either solid or flashing at
any time other than during the bulb test, it indicates
that there is a problem in the supplemental restraint
system electrical circuits. Such a problem may cause
airbags 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 sensor(s). When an impact is severe enough,the microprocessor in the ACM 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 ACM in conjunction
with the driver and passenger airbags.
During a frontal vehicle impact, the knee blockers
work in concert with properly 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 dis-
tribute the crash energy from the driver and the
front seat passenger to the structure of the instru-
ment panel. The seat belt tensioners remove the
slack from the front seat belts to provide further
assurance that the driver and front seat passenger
are properly positioned and restrained for an airbag
deployment.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they do of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur so
rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30 mile-
per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of impact
until the airbags are fully inflated takes only a few
milliseconds. Within one to two seconds from the
moment of impact, the airbags are almost entirely
deflated. The times cited for these events are approx-
imations, which apply only to a barrier impact at the
given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.
When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
airbag system circuits or components, including the
seat belt tensioners, it stores a fault code or Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory circuit and
sends a hard wired output to the EMIC to turn on
the airbag indicator. If the EMIC detects a problem
in the airbag indicator or airbag indicator circuit, the
cluster will flash the seatbelt indicator on and off.
Proper testing of the supplemental restraint system
components as well as the retrieval or erasure of a
DTC from the ACM requires the use of a diagnostic
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passive restraints.
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSVA

Communication Interface (SCI) data bus line for sup-
plemental restraint system programming or diagno-
sis and testing through the 16-way Data Link
Connector (DLC) located on the dash panel below the
driver side end of the instrument panel. A hard wired
output from the ACM is used for control of the airbag
indicator in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Clus-
ter (EMIC). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG INDICATOR -
OPERATION).
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM
detects a monitored system fault, it sets an appropri-
ate Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and sends an out-
put to the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator. The
ACM illuminates the indicator for about four seconds
each time the ignition switch is turned to the On
position as a bulb test. If the indicator remains illu-
minated for about ten seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to the On position, the ACM has
detected a non-critical fault that poses no danger to
the vehicle occupants. If the airbag indicator illumi-
nates solid (not flashing) while driving or stays on
longer than ten seconds following the bulb test, the
ACM has detected a critical fault that may cause the
airbags not to deploy when required or to deploy
when not required. An active fault only remains for
the duration of the fault, or in some cases, for the
duration of the current ignition switch cycle, while a
stored fault causes a DTC to be stored in memory by
the ACM.
The ACM receives battery current through a fused
ignition switch output circuit. The ACM receives
ground through a ground circuit and take out of the
vehicle wire harness. This take out has an eyelet ter-
minal connector secured by a nut to a ground stud on
the floor panel directly below the ACM within the
driver side seat riser. A case ground is also provided
for the ACM through a ground circuit and eyelet ter-
minal connector secured under the left rear ACM
mounting screw. These connections allow the ACM to
be operational whenever the ignition switch is in the
On position.
The ACM also contains an energy-storage capaci-
tor. When the ignition switch is in the On position,
this capacitor is continually being charged with
enough electrical energy to deploy the supplemental
restraint components for up to one second following a
battery disconnect or failure. The purpose of the
capacitor is to provide backup supplemental restraint
system protection in case there is a loss of battery
current supply to the ACM during an impact.
Two sensors are contained within the ACM, an
electronic impact sensor and a safing sensor. These
electronic sensors are accelerometers that sense the
rate of vehicle deceleration, which provide verifica-
tion of the direction and severity of an impact. Onmodels equipped with optional side curtain airbags,
the ACM also monitors inputs from two remote side
impact sensors located within the left and right front
door step wells to control deployment of the side cur-
tain airbag units.
The safing sensor is an electronic accelerometer
sensor within the ACM that provides an additional
logic input to the ACM 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 optional side curtain airbags feature a second
safing sensor within the ACM to provide confirma-
tion to the ACM microprocessor of side impact forces.
This second safing sensor is a bi-directional unit that
detects impact forces from either side of the vehicle.
Pre-programmed decision algorithms in the ACM
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.
When the programmed conditions are met, the ACM
sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the front
airbags and seat belt tensioners and, if the vehicle is
so equipped, either side curtain airbag unit.
The ACM also provides a hard wired electrical
crash signal output following a supplemental
restraint deployment event. This output is used to
signal other electronic modules in the vehicle to pro-
vide their enhanced accident response features,
which include automatically disabling the engine
from running and unlocking all of the doors. How-
ever, these responses are each dependent upon the
circuits, components, and modules controlling these
features remaining intact from collateral damage
incurred during the vehicle impact.
A single ACM is used for all variations of the sup-
plemental restraint system available in this vehicle.
This ACM is programmable and in order to function
properly it must be programmed for the correct vehi-
cle supplemental restraint system equipment using
an initialization procedure. The initialization proce-
dure requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information. The hard
wired inputs and outputs for the ACM may be diag-
nosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools
and procedures. However, conventional diagnostic
methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of
the ACM or the supplemental restraint system. The
most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diag-
nose the ACM or the supplemental restraint system
requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 9