Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation

SYSTEM OPERATION
Airbag Control Module
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the accelerometer and energy reserve capacitor. The ACM is mounted on the tunnel floor pan, forward of the center console. The accelerometer is located inside the ACM. The accelerometer provides confirmation of a crash, discriminating severity. The ACM monitors the system to determine the system readiness. The ACM ma store sufficient energy to deploy the airbags for only two minutes after the battery is disconnected. The ACM contains on-board diagnostics, and will illuminate the AIRBAG warning lamp on the cluster when a fault occurs. The warning equipment is tested for a few seconds every time the vehicle is started.

Driver And Passenger Airbag Modules

WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULES, THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS WITHIN THE MODULES.

Driver Airbag Module

Airbag System Component Location:

The Driver Airbag Module is packaged in the steering wheel. It contains the airbag cushion and its supporting components. The drivers airbag module contains a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. A membrane horn switch is integral to the airbag module cover.

The driver side inflator assembly is mounted from the back of the module housing. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator assembly will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cushion. A protective cover is fitted to the front of the Driver Airbag Module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. This cover incorporates the integral horn switch The driver airbag module is mounted directly to the steering wheel.

Passenger
The Passenger Airbag Module is located beneath the instrument panel and pad assembly.

The passenger inflator assembly is within the module housing. The module is mounted to the upper and lower instrument panel. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cushion. Upon deployment, the instrument panel upper cover will tear open and allow the passenger airbag to fully inflate.