Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM)

Fig.24 Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) Location:

SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULES
Vehicles equipped with side impact airbags use two side impact airbag control modules. One is located on each side of the vehicle within the body B-pillar.

Each side impact airbag control module (SIACM) serves as the impact sensor for its seat mounted airbag. The right side SIACM controls the right seat airbag. The left side SIACM controls the left seat airbag. Each SIACM contains two accelerometers, both accelerometers must agree in order to deploy the side airbag. In the event of a side impact, the appropriate SIACM will send a electronic signal to its airbag, deploying the airbag. The SIACM communicates with the Airbag Control Module (ACM) via the PCI bus circuit.

The SIACM perform self-diagnostics and circuit tests to determine if the system is functioning properly. If the test finds a problem, the SIACM will set both active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). If a DTC is active, the SIACM will request that the airbag warning lamp be turned on. The results of the system test are transmitted on the PCI bus circuit to the ACM once each second, or on a change in lamp state (ON/OFF). If the warning lamp status message from either SIACM contains a lamp ON request, the ACM will set an active DTC. At the same time as the DTC is set, the ACM sends a PCI bus message to the mechanical instrument cluster (MIC) requesting the airbag warning lamp to be turned ON. Observe all ACM WARNING and CAUTION statements when servicing or handling the SIACM. The SIACM's are not serviceable and must be replaced even if they are dropped.

NOTE: WHEN THE AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED, INTERROGATE THE ACM.

SEAT AIRBAG MODULES
The Left and Right seat airbag modules are located in the outboard end of the front seat backs. The airbag module contains a bag, an inflator (a small canister of highly compressed argon gas) and a mounting bracket. The seat airbag module cannot be repaired and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the compressed gas it contains directly into the cushion. Upon deployment, the seat back trim cover will tear open and allow the seat airbag to fully deploy between the seat and the door.

NOTE: IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE SEAT BACK TRIM TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SEAT AIRBAG MODULE CONNECTOR WHEN DIAGNOSING THE SEAT AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE SEAT AIRBAG MODULE CONTAINS ARGON GAS PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. Do NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93 °C (200 °F). REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.