Side Airbag System

SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag System utilize two airbags mounted to 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/s will inflate, tearing open the front seat back trim cover/s protecting the passenger/s. Once a seat back mounted airbag has been deployed, all damaged parts must be replaced.

WARNINGS:
- THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM CONTAINS SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNITS. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS, YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG MODULE DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

- DO NOT PLACE A NON-DEPLOYED SIDE AIRBAG FACE DOWN ON A HARD SURFACE, THE AIRBAG WILL PROPEL INTO THE AIR IF ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED, AND COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY.

- BEFORE SERVICING A SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (SIACM), ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE APPROPRIATE (LEFT OR RIGHT) SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONNECTOR UNDER THE SEAT TO ENGAGE THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM SHORTING BAR TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.

- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE A SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING NTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING 93 °C (200 °F).

- REPLACE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE 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 SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE SIDE IMPACT 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 MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.

NOTE: If an airbag is being replaced, and is non-deployed, follow instructions in the current Mopar Hazardous Material Awareness Manual.