FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)

Special Tool(s)


Special Tool(s):






Part 1:






Part 2:






Removal

WARNING:
- Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of the safety canopy and cause serious personal injury or death.
- If a vehicle has been in a crash, inspect the restraints control module (RCM) and the impact sensor (if equipped) mounting areas for deformation. If damaged, restore the mounting areas to the original production configuration. A new RCM and sensors must be installed whether or not the air bags have deployed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in a crash.


CAUTION:
- Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), it is necessary to carry out programmable module installation (PMI). System failure may occur if PMI is not performed.


NOTE:
- The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the restraint control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraints system (SRS) fault.
- When installing a new 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.
- Carpet removed for clarity.

1. Carry out the steps necessary to prepare for programmable module installation (PMI).
2. Depower the SRS.
3. Remove the 2 RH side RCM bolts.
- Position the carpet back at the RH side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel and remove the 2 bolts.

4. Position the carpet back at the LH side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.
5. 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.







6. Remove the RCM.
1 Disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.
2 Remove the LH bolt.
3 Remove the RCM.







Installation

1. WARNING: Always tighten the fasteners of the restraints control module (RCM) and impact sensor (if equipped) to the specified torque. Failure to do so may result in incorrect restraint system operation, which increases the risk of personal injury or death in a crash.

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

- Position the carpet back at the RH side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.

2. Install the RCM.
- Install the LH side RCM bolt.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

- Connect the small RCM electrical connector.

3. Make sure the large RCM connector position assurance lever is in the full release position before attempting to connect the connector.







4. CAUTION: Placing the large restraints control module (RCM) electrical wiring connector into the RCM on an angle, can cause bad electrical connections and damaged components.

NOTE: The RCM has been removed for clarity.

Position the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM.

- CAUTION: Do not push the connector to the point where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the restraints control module (RCM), before using the lever to fully seat the connector. Damage to the connector or component may occur.

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.







5. 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 locked in place.







6. Position the carpet back at the LH side of the center tunnel area under the instrument panel.
7. Repower the SRS. Do not prove out the SRS at this time.
8. Carry out the steps necessary to prepare for PMI.
9. Prove out the SRS as follows:
Turn the ignition switch from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash at a 5 Hz rate (RCM not configured).

The air bag warning indicator might not light until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag warning indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.

Clear all continuous DTCs from the RCM and occupant classification system (OCSM) using a scan tool.