Diagnostic Procedure Notes

When servicing the SIR system, observe the following precautions:

CAUTION:
PROPER OPERATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) SENSING SYSTEM REQUIRES THAT ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE RETURN THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION CONFIGURATION. NOT PROPERLY REPAIRING THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE COULD CAUSE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) IN A FRONTAL COLLISION OR DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) FOR CONDITIONS LESS SEVERE THAN INTENDED.

ACCIDENT WITH OR WITHOUT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT:
After any collision, inspect these components as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you find any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.
^ Steering Column - Refer to the "Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage" procedures.
^ I/P knee bolsters - Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any type of damage.
^ I/P brackets, braces, etc. - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
^ Seat Belts - Refer to the "Safety Belt Operational Checks."

ACCIDENT With AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT:
After any collision involving air bag deployment, replace these components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.
^ Inflatable Restraint I/P (inflator) Module
^ Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module
^ Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel (inflator) Module

After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the following components as indicated. Perform these component inspections in addition to the inspections indicated as "Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment." If you find any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.
^ Inflatable Restraint Steering Coil Assembly - Inspect the coil and the coil wiring pigtail for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.


These diagnostic procedures used are designed to find and repair SIR system malfunctions. To get the best results, it is important to use the diagnostic charts and follow the sequence listed below.

PERFORM THE SIR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK
A. The "SIR Diagnostic System Check" must be the starting point of any SIR diagnostics. The "SIR Diagnostic System Check" checks for the proper Air Bag telltale lamp operation, the ability of the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) to communicate through the serial data line, and whether any SIR diagnostic trouble codes exist.
B. Refer to the proper diagnostic chart as directed by the "SIR Diagnostic System Check." The "SIR Diagnostic System Check" will lead you to the correct chart to diagnose any SIR faults. Bypassing these procedures may result in extended diagnostic time, incorrect diagnosis and incorrect parts replacement.
C. Repeat the "SIR Diagnostic System Check" after any repair or diagnostic procedures have been performed. Performing the "SIR Diagnostic System Check" after all repair or diagnostic procedures will ensure that the repair has been made correctly and that no other malfunctions exist.