Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision: Service and Repair

SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT

Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a supplemental restraint deployment, must have the deployed restraint replaced.In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring and the steering column must be replaced.If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel top pad must be replaced.If a side airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit and the door trim panel must be replaced.These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.

The passenger airbag mounting points on the instrument panel structural duct must be closely inspected for damage, and the instrument panel assembly must be replaced if structural duct damage is evident.It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and the side impact sensors must be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage.Because the ORC and each impact sensor are used by the SRS to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these components may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required.

All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any SRS deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.