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.
After any collision,
inspect the following components: If you detect any damage, replace the component.
If you detect any damage to the mounting points or to the mounting hardware,
repair the component, or replace the hardware if necessary:
| • | The Steering Column -- Inspect the Steering Column for Accident
Damage. Refer to Inspections Required After an Accident
in Steering Wheel and Column -- Standard. |
| • | The IP Knee Bolsters -- Inspect the knee bolsters for any
damage. |
| • | The Brackets and the Braces in the IP -- Inspect the components
for any damage. |
| • | The Reinforcement Plate in the IP Steering Column -- Inspect
the plate for any damage. |
| • | The Seat Belts -- Perform the Operational Check and the Functional
Check. Refer toOperational and Functional Checks
in Seat Belts. |
Accident With Air Bag Deployment - Component Replacement and
Inspections
After a collision involving air bag deployment, replace the following
components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or to the mounting
hardware, repair the components, or replace the components:
| • | The inflatable restraint IP module |
| • | The inflatable restraint steering wheel module |
| • | The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) |
After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the inflatable
restraint steering wheel module coil. Inspect the coil and the coil wiring
pigtail for heat damage.
Perform this component inspection and the inspections in Accident With
or Without Air Bag Deployment. If you detect any damage, replace the component.
If you detect any damage to the mounting points or to the mounting hardware,
repair the component, or replace the hardware.
Sensor Replacement Guidelines
The SIR sensor replacement policy requires that you replace the sensors
in the area of accident damage. The area of accident damage is the portion
of the vehicle that was damaged in a collision. For example, a moderate
collision is where the front of the vehicle hits a tree. If the vehicle has
an SIR sensor mounted forward of the radiator, replace the sensor:
| • | Even if the inflatable restraints did not inflate |
| • | Even if you do not find damage to the sensor |
Some sensor damage may not be easily visible. The mounting bracket may
be bent, or the wire insulation may be cut. Such damage can also cause incorrect
operation of the SIR system. Do not search for damage in the sensor. Replace
the sensor! If a diagnostic trouble code table indicates a malfunctioning
sensor, replace the sensor!
