Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation

SYSTEM OPERATION

Airbag Control Module Location:

The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the safing sensor and energy reserve capacitor. The safing sensor is located inside the ACM. The module is mounted on the tunnel/floor pan between the gear shift lever and the park brake lever. The safing sensor provides confirmation of a crash, but does not discriminate severity. 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 6 to 8 Seconds every time the vehicle is started.

Driver And Passenger Airbag Module

WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE, THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS WITH IN THE MODULES.

Driver Airbag:

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.

Passengers Airbag:

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 into the instrument panel over the airbag module and forms a decorative cover.