When the ORC monitors a problem in any of the
dual front airbag system circuits or components,
including the seat belt tensioners, it stores a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory and sends
an electronic message to the EMIC to turn on the
airbag indicator. Proper testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, the elec-
tronic message inputs to and outputs from the EMIC
or the ORC, as well as the retrieval or erasure of a
DTC from the ORC or the EMIC requires the use of
a scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) auto-
matically suppresses or enables passenger airbag and
seat belt tensioner operation based upon whether or
not the passenger side front seat is occupied and, if
the seat is occupied, classifies the size of the occu-
pant and whether the seat is occupied by a child
seat.
The OCS has an Occupant Classification Module
(OCM) that monitors inputs from the seat weight
bladder pressure sensor under the passenger side
front seat cushion and from the belt tension sensor
on the passenger side front seat belt lower anchor.
Based upon those inputs the microprocessor within
the OCM classifies the occupant of the passenger
side front seat. The OCM then sends electronic occu-
pant classification messages to the ORC. The micro-
processor and programming of the ORC uses these
occupant
classification
messages
to
determine
whether to enable or disable the deployment circuits
for the passenger airbag and seat belt tensioner.
The OCS electrical circuits and components are
continuously monitored by the OCM, and the OCM is
continuously monitored by the ORC. A passenger air-
bag ON/OFF indicator is located in the instrument
panel center stack area. This indicator receives bat-
tery current whenever the ignition switch is in the
ON or START positions, and illuminates only when
the ORC pulls the indicator control circuit to ground.
The indicator illuminates for about seven seconds as
a bulb test each time the ignition switch is turned to
the ON or START positions. Following the bulb test,
the indicator is turned ON or OFF by the ORC based
upon the electronic occupant classification messages
received from the OCM. This indicator is illuminated
whenever the passenger airbag and seat belt ten-
sioner operation has been suppressed, and is turned
OFF whenever they are enabled or when the passen-
ger seat is classified as empty.
When the OCM monitors a problem in any of the
OCS circuits or components, it stores a fault code or
DTC in its memory circuit and sends an electronic
message to the ORC. The ORC then sends an elec-
tronic message to the EMIC to turn ON the airbag
indicator. If for any reason the OCM is unable to
classify the occupant it sends an electronic message
to the ORC, and the ORC suppresses passenger air-
bag and seat belt tensioner operation. Proper testing
of the OCS components, the Programmable Commu-
nications Interface (PCI) data bus, the electronic
message inputs to and outputs from the OCM, the
EMIC or the ORC, as well as the retrieval or erasure
of a DTC’s, requires the use of a scan tool. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
WARNINGS
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable before beginning any airbag system com-
ponent diagnosis, testing, removal, or installa-
tion procedures. Allow system capacitor to
discharge for two minutes before beginning any
component testing or service. This will disable
the airbag system. Failure to disconnect the
battery negative cable may result in accidental
airbag deployment, personal injury, or death.
Do not place an intact undeployed airbag
face down on a solid surface. The airbag will
propel into the air if accidentally deployed and
may result in personal injury or death.
When carrying or handling an undeployed
airbag, the trim side (face) of the airbag should
be pointing towards the body to minimize pos-
sibility
of
injury
if
accidental
deployment
occurs. Failure to do this may result in per-
sonal injury or death.
Replace
airbag
system
components
with
Mopar
t replacement parts. Substitute parts
may appear interchangeable, but internal dif-
ferences may result in inferior occupant protec-
tion. Failure to do so may result in occupant
personal injury or death.
Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long
sleeved clothing when cleaning powder residue
from vehicle after airbag deployment. Sodium
hydroxide
powder
residue
emitted
from
a
deployed
airbag
can
cause
skin
irritation.
Flush affected area with cool water if irritation
is experienced. If nasal or throat irritation is
experienced, exit the vehicle for fresh air until
the irritation ceases. If irritation continues, see
a physician.
Do not use a replacement airbag that is not in
the original packaging. This may result in
improper
deployment,
personal
injury,
or
death.
The factory installed fasteners, screws and
bolts used to fasten airbag components have a
special coating and are specifically designed
RS
RESTRAINTS
8O - 5
RESTRAINTS (Continued)