Airbag System

AIRBAG SYSTEM
The airbag system is designed to proved increased driver and passenger protection if the vehicle is involved in a front-end collision. The system is most effective when used in conjunction with the seat belt system. Currently, Chrysler Corporation uses two types of airbag control modules. The ASDM system is a mechanically triggered system utilizing two front impact sensors and a sensor inside the module. The AECM is an electronically triggered system that used only its own internal electronic sensor to trigger the airbags. The JX Body used only the AECM system.

Whenever the ignition key is turned to the "RUN" or "START" position, the Airbag Control Module (ACM) performs a lamp check by turning the AIRBAG warning lamp on. The lamp stays lit for six to eight seconds, then goes off. If the lamp remains off, it means that the ACM has checked the system and found it to be free of discernible malfunctions. The airbag system is monitored by the ACM.

The ACM monitors critical input and output circuits within the airbag system, making sure they are operating correctly. Some circuits are tested continuously; others are checked only under certain circumstances, The ACM provides diagnostic information about the airbag system to the technician through the DRB III via the CCD bus.

The deceleration or g-force resulting from the impact of a front-end collision causes the electronic sensor inside of the ACM to be triggered. This causes the inflators to be actuated, thus deploying the airbags. The total time between determining to deploy and deflation of the airbag is 1/10th of a second.

The AIRBAG warning lamp is the only point at which "symptoms" of a system malfunction can be Observed by the customer.

Use the test procedures in this book to find the cause of any customer complaint regarding the AIRBAG warning lamp, such as:
- Warning lamp does not come on at all
- Warning lamp stays on