Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation
Fig. 1 Side Airbag Location - Typical (Part 1 Of 2):
Fig.1 Side Airbag Location - Typical (Part 2 Of 2):
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag System utilize an airbag mounted to the outer part of each front seat back frame. This system is designed to protect occupants in the event of a side impact collision.
The Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) controls the seat back mounted airbags. If the SIACM determines the impact is severe enough, the appropriate airbag will inflate, tearing open the front seat back trim cover protecting the passengers. Once a seat back mounted airbag has been deployed, the complete seat back assembly and all damaged parts must be replaced.
WARNING:
- THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRONIC UNIT. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE REMOTE 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 TWO MINUTES 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, 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 MOPARL REPLACEMENT PARTS. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
- WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RUBBER GLOVES, AND LONG SLEEVED CLOTHING WHEN CLEANING POWDER RESIDUE FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER AN 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 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.
- AIRBAGS SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL, DRY PLACE, AWAY FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT AND STATIC ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY WITH THE FABRIC AIRBAG FACING UP IF NOT, A PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT.
- IF THE DRIVER/PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND DEPLOYED, REFER TO CHRYSLER CORPORATIONS CURRENT RETURN LIST FOR PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES.
NOTE: Please refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System for Proper Disposal. Dispose of deployed air bags in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local, and federal regulations.
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ZONES - POLICE
WARNING: IT IS CRITICAL THAT WHEN INSTALLATION OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT ON POLICE VEHICLES IS DONE, THE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH ANY OF THE AIRBAGS OR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ZONES. THE IGNITION MUST BE OFF WHILE WORKING ON OR AROUND ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS. DO NOT DISTURB OR MODIFY THE MOUNTING OF THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER TO ENSURE PROPER IMPACT SENSING.
There are three zones to be aware of:
Fig.2 Driver Airbag Deployment Zone:
Driver Airbag/Steering Wheel Specifications:
Fig.3 Driver Airbag Lateral Deployment Zone:
1. Driver Airbag Deployment Zone, and DRIVER AIRBAG/STEERING WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS table.
Fig.4 Passenger Airbag Deployment Zone:
Fig.5 Passenger Airbag Lateral Deployment Zone:
2. Passenger Airbag Deployment Zone and
Fig.6 Seat Airbag Deployment Zone:
3. Driver and Passenger Seat Airbag Deployment Zone
Fig.8 Clock Spring Location:
CLOCK SPRING
The clock spring is mounted to the steering column behind the steering wheel. The clock spring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the wiring harness and the:
- Driver's airbag
- Speed control switches
- Horn switch
- BCM - Remote Radio Switches (optional)
The clock spring consists of a flat, ribbon like, electrically conductive tape which winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation.
Fig.11 Airbag Component Location:
DRIVER AIRBAG
The driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver airbag. The driver airbag is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the airbag trim cover are the horn switch, the folded airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The resistive membrane-type horn switch is secured beneath a plastic tray that is mounted to the back side of the driver airbag trim cover.
The driver airbag cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed. The driver airbag trim coven horn switch are serviced separately from the driver airbag (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/ DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER - REMOVAL).
The driver airbag includes a stamped metal housing to which the cushion and an inflator unit are attached and sealed. The inflator assembly is mounted to studs on the back of the airbag housing. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting this gas towards the instrument panel.
The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The inside of the trim cover has locking blocks molded into it that engage a lip on the airbag nylon housing. Upon airbag deployment, the trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of the way along with the horn switch and tray unit.
Fig. 1 Side Airbag Location - Typical (Part 1 Of 2):
Fig.1 Side Airbag Location - Typical (Part 2 Of 2):
Fig.25 Seat Airbag - Typical:
SEAT AIRBAG
The side impact airbag system Seat Airbags are located in the outboard side of the front seat backs. One in each front seat. The seat airbag inflator assembly is within the airbag housing. Each airbag is mounted to the seat back frame.
Only the Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) can deploy the side airbags. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the seat airbag inflator will produce a gas and discharge the bag directly between the occupant and the side of the vehicle, protecting the occupant. Upon deployment, the seat back trim cover will tear open and allow the side airbag to fully inflate and quickly deflate.
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
Fig.31 Siacm Position/Orientation:
Vehicles equipped with side impact airbags use two Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM). One is located on each respective side body B-pillar.
Fig.32 Side Impact Airbag System Component Location:
Each Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) serves as the impact sensor for its seat mounted air- bag. 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 occupant restraint controller via the PCI bus circuit.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is also sometimes referred to as the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The ORC contains the accelerometer and energy reserve capacitor. The ORC is mounted on the tunnel floor pan, forward of the center console.
The accelerometer is located inside the ORC. The accelerometer provides confirmation of a crash, discriminating severity. The ORC monitors the system to determine the system readiness. The ORC may store sufficient energy to deploy the airbags for only two minutes after the battery is disconnected. The ORC 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.