Accident With Frontal Air Bag Deployment

CAUTION: Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag(s) in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended.

After a collision involving frontal air bag deployment, replace the following components.
^ Inflatable restraint front end discriminating sensor
^ Inflatable restraint IP module
^ Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
^ Inflatable restraint steering wheel module

Perform additional inspections on the following components.
^ Steering wheel module coil and coil wiring pigtail - Inspect for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.
^ Mounting points and mounting hardware for the front end discriminating sensor, IP module, steering wheel module, and SDM - Inspect for damage and repair or replace each component as needed.

SIR Sensor Replacement Guidelines
The SIR sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of collision damage. The area of collision damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision.
^ Replace the sensor even if the air bags have not deployed.
^ Replace the sensor even if it appears to be undamaged.

Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the SIR sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged, replace the sensor.