Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONSWARNING:
- THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE BEFORE BEGINNING AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
- ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR ONE MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING AIRBAG COMPONENTS.
- DO NOT PLACE AN INTACT UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG FACE DOWN ON A SOLID SURFACE, THE AIRBAG WILL PROPEL INTO THE AIR IF ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED AND COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN CARRYING OR HANDLING AN UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, THE TRIM SIDE OF THE AIRBAG SHOULD BE POINTING AWAY FROM THE BODY TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY IF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OCCURS.
- REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS WITH MOPAR(R) REPLACEMENT PARTS. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
- WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RUBBER GLOVES, AND LONG SLEEVES CLOTHING WHEN CLEANING POWDER RESIDUE FROM VEHICLE AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. SODIUM HYDROXIDE POWDER RESIDUE EMITTED FROM A DEPLOYED AIRBAG CAN CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. FLUSH AFFECTED AREA WITH COOL WATER IF IRRITATION IS EXPERIENCED. IF NASAL OR THROAT IRRITATION IS EXPERIENCED, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.
- DO NOT USE A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG THAT IS IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, IMPROPER DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
- THE FACTORY INSTALLED FASTENERS, SCREWS AND BOLTS USED TO FASTEN AIRBAG COMPONENTS HAVE A SPECIAL COATING AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. DO NOT USE SUBSTITUTE FASTENERS, USE ONLY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS CATALOG WHEN FASTENER REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED.
NOTE:
- Airbags should be stored in a cool dry location away from excessive heat and static electrical activity with the fabric airbag facing UP, or a premature deployment can result.
- If the Driver/Passenger Airbag Module is defective and not deployed, refer to Daimler Chrysler Corporation current return list for proper handling procedures.
Airbag Control Module (ACM) Location - Typical:
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the sensing element, safing sensor, and energy reserve capacitor. The module is mounted on the tunnel/floor pan between the gear shift lever and the park brake lever. The ACM monitors the system to determine the system readiness. The ACM contains on-board diagnostics, and Will illuminate the AIRBAG warning lamp in the cluster when a fault occurs. The warning equipment is tested for six to eight seconds every time the vehicle is started.
Clockspring Location:
CLOCKSPRING
The clockspring is mounted to the steering column behind the steering wheel. The clockspring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the wiring harness and the:
- Driver's airbag module
- Speed control switches
- Horn switch
The clockspring consists of a flat, ribbon like, electrically conductive tape which winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation.
DRIVER and PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULES, THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS WITH IN THE MODULES.
Driver/Passenger Airbag Modules:
The Driver Airbag Module located on the steering wheel is the most visible part of the system. The airbag module contains a housing to which the cushion, inflator and cover are attached to.
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. The Driver Airbag Module is mounted directly to the steering wheel.
The Passenger Airbag Module is located beneath the decorative cover of the instrument panel, facing the passenger seat.
The passenger inflator assembly is within the module housing. The module is mounted to the instrument panel retainer and support structure. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cushion. A protective cover is fitted over the airbag module and forms a decorative cover.