FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)







Removal

WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for correct 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.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.
- The tightening torque of the air bag restraints control module (RCM) retaining bolts is critical for correct system operation.


CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage could result.

NOTE:
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), always make sure the correct RCM is being installed. If an incorrect RCM is installed, erroneous DTCs will result.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

Vehicles with floor shifter
1. Apply the parking brake and place the transmission in position 1.

All vehicles
2. Depower the system.







3. Remove the pin-type retainer and the carpet patch.

Vehicles with column shifter







4. Remove the ashtray.
1 Release the tabs.
2 Remove the ashtray.







5. Position the ashtray bracket out of the way.
1 Remove the 2 screws (not shown).
- The screws can be accessed from under the instrument panel center stack.

2 Slide the ashtray bracket forward, releasing the retainers and position the ashtray bracket out of the way to access the RCM.

Vehicles with floor shifter







6. Release the retaining clips and detach the storage compartment.







7. Disconnect the power point electrical connector and remove the storage compartment.







8. Detach the retaining clips and remove the floor console finish panel.

All vehicles
9. Remove the 2 RCM bolts on the RH side.







10. Disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.
1 Pinch the thumb tab and pivot the connector position assurance lever all the way back until it stops.
2 Pull out and disconnect the RCM electrical connector.

11. Disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.
12. Remove the RCM bolt on the LH side and the RCM.

Installation

All vehicles

1. WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag RCM retaining bolts is critical for correct system operation.

Position the RCM and install the 2 RCM bolts on the RH side.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

2. Connect the small RCM electrical connector.
3. Install the RCM bolt on the LH side.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).







4. Make sure the connector position assurance lever is all the way back and in the full release position before attempting to connect the connector.







5. CAUTION: Putting the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM on an angle can cause bad electrical connections and damage components.

NOTE: The RCM has been removed for clarity.

Position the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM.

- CAUTION: Do not push the connector on to where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the RCM before using the lever to fully seat the connector.

With the large RCM electrical connector uniformly aligned to the RCM, lightly push in until a subtle audible click is heard and slight resistance is felt.







6. NOTE: The RCM has been removed for clarity.

Connect the large RCM electrical connector.
- Using the connector position assurance lever, pivot it toward the RCM, drawing the connector into the RCM.
- Make sure the thumb tab is engaged to the retainer on the RCM and is locked in place.

Vehicles with column shifter
7. Position the ashtray bracket, slide the retaining clips into place and install the 2 screws.
8. Install the ashtray.

Vehicles with floor shifter
9. Connect the storage compartment power point electrical connector.
10. Align the retaining clips and install the storage compartment.
11. Align the retaining clips and install the floor console finish panel
12. Place the transmission in PARK and release the parking brake.

All vehicles
13. Position the carpet patch and install the pin-type retainer.
14. Repower the system.