Removal and Replacement
RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)Special Tool(s):
SPECIAL TOOL(S)
REMOVAL
WARNING:
- The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) has been involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting and bracket for deformation. If damaged, the RCM must be replaced whether or not the air bags have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original condition.
- Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage could result.
NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.
Vehicles with a center console
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Position the transmission shifter to the neutral position.
All vehicles
3. WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
The side impact sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
4. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS).
5. Remove the pin-type retainer and the carpet patch.
Vehicles with column shift
6. Remove the ash tray.
1 Release the tabs.
2 Remove the ash tray.
7. Position the ash tray bracket out of the way.
1 Remove the two screws (not shown).
- The screws can be accessed from under the instrument panel center stack.
2 Slide the ash tray bracket forward, releasing the retainers and position the ash tray bracket out of the way to access the restraint control module (RCM).
Vehicles with a center console
8. Pull out, releasing the retaining clips and position the gauges and finish panel to the side.
9. Pull up on the center console finish panel, releasing the retaining clips and rotate it out of the way.
10. Separate the shifter cable from the shifter assembly.
1 Carefully remove the shifter cable socket from the shifter ball.
2 Push in on the release tab and separate the shifter cable from the shifter assembly.
11. Separate the shift inter-lock cable from the shifter assembly.
1 Push in on the release tab and separate the shift inter-lock cable from the shifter assembly.
2 Remove the shift inter-lock cable from the shifter assembly.
All vehicles
12. Remove the RCM bolts.
13. Position the RCM out from under the instrument panel.
1 Remove the bolt.
2 Position the RCM out from under the instrument panel.
14. Disconnect and remove the RCM.
1 Slide and disengage the RCM electrical connector locking clips.
2 Push down to pivot the RCM electrical connector tabs and pull out to disconnect.
3 Remove the RCM.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions and notes at the beginning of the removal procedure.
All vehicles
1. NOTE: Make sure the battery ground cable is still disconnected before proceeding with the procedure.
Connect the RCM.
1 Connect the RCM electrical connectors.
2 Slide and engage the RCM electrical connector locking clips.
2. Install the RCM.
1 Position the RCM to the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.
2 Install the bolts.
3. Install the RCM bolt.
4. Connect the battery ground cable.
5. With the restraint system diagnostic tools installed at all deployable devices, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Prove Out Procedure
6. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
Vehicles with a center console
7. Install the shift interlock cable.
- Make sure the retaining tab is seated completely into the bracket.
8. Install the shifter cable.
- Make sure the retaining tab is seated completely into the bracket.
9. Position the center console finish panel and push down, seating be retaining clips.
- Position the shifter to the park position.
- Release the parking brake.
10. Position the gauges and finish panel and push in, seating the retaining clips.
Vehicles with column shift
11. Position the ash tray bracket, slide the retaining clips into place and install the screws.
12. Install the ash tray.
All vehicles
13. Position the carpet patch and install the pin-type retainer.
14. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
Reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS).
15. Connect the battery ground cable.
16. WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from the vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
With all the restraint system diagnostic tools removed, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Prove Out Procedure