Parts Replacement Procedures

While repairing an air bag equipped vehicle that has been involved in an accident, check sensors and wiring.

Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a crash where the fenders or grille area have been damaged, inspect the sensor mounting brackets for damage. If damaged, the sensor should be replaced whether or not the air bag is deployed. In addition, ensure that body structure in the area of the sensor mounting is restored to its original condition.

Inspect the sensor wiring and the wiring harness for any damage that may have occurred due to the accident. Repair or replace any damaged wiring, terminals, insulation, or connectors, as required. If splices are required in adjacent wiring, the splices should be staggered 50 mm (2 inches), twisted, and soldered as follows:





1. Strip and flare both wire ends.

CAUTION: Ensure all wires are correctly matched according to their respective color codes. Do not use butt splice connectors.

2. Twist stripped wire ends together.
3. Using high heat, apply solder to all splices.

CAUTION: Do not use acid core solder.





4. Wrap all splices with electrical tape.
5. Using convolute tubing (1/4-inch wiring shield, D4FZ-14A099-A), apply 150 mm (6 inches) of tubing to each wire to isolate circuit from adjacent circuits.
6. Apply electrical ta pe to the center and each end of convolute.

If the accident involved an air bag deployment, the steering column may have been loaded sufficiently to deform steering column mounting brackets or damage column wiring. An inspection should be made of the column structure and clockspring wiring to ensure that any damaged components are replaced.

After all service, verify the air bag lamp. This means turn the ignition switch to RUN and count the flashes only after the code (series of flashes) has cycled twice. If the air bag lamp comes on continuously for 4 to 8 seconds and then goes out, the system is functioning properly and all faults have been repaired.