Dodge Caliber. Manual - part 500

PASSENGER AIRBAG

DESCRIPTION

The horizontal surface of the instrument panel top
panel (2) above the glove box (3) is the most visible
part of the Passenger Airbag (PAB). The PAB door/
cover is available for separate service replacement.

The PAB includes an aluminum housing (2) within
which the cushion (1) and inflator (3) are mounted and
sealed. A stamped metal bracket mounts the PAB to
the instrument panel. It is mounted directly to the
instrument panel reinforcement.

RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION

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The bottom of the PAB houses the inflater (2). It is
attached to the PAB by four nuts (1) and contains the
two squib connectors (3) which connect the PAB to
the vehicle electrical system through the instrument
panel wire harness.

Following a PAB deployment, the PAB and the PAB
cover must be replaced. The PAB cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or in any way
damaged.

OPERATION

The multistage Passenger Airbag (PAB) is deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC) through the PAB squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By using two
initiators, the airbag can be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled by the ORC to suit the
monitored impact conditions by providing one of four delay intervals between the electrical signals provided to the
two initiators. The longer the delay between these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will deploy.

When the ORC sends the proper electrical signals to each initiator, the electrical energy generates enough heat to
initiate a small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, these
chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to the airbag cushion
and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the
cushion inflates, the PAB cover will split at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the underside of the PAB
cover, then the door will pivot up over the top of the instrument panel and out of the way. Following an airbag
deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through vent holes within the fabric used to
construct the back (windshield side) of the airbag cushion.

Proper diagnosis of the PAB inflator and squib circuits requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.

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RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION

REMOVAL

NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG

1. Open hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system
reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning
any airbag system or component service. Failure
to do so may result in accidental airbag deploy-
ment, personal injury or death.

3. Remove both left and right A-pillar trim panels

(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM -
REMOVAL).

4. Remove instrument panel top cover (Refer to 23 -

BODY/INSTRUMENT

PANEL/INSTRUMENT

PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).

5. Remove the glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-

STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).

6. Remove PAB cover screws.

7. Remove two fasteners (2) retaining PAB to instru-

ment panel assembly inside glove box opening.

8. Disconnect the two PAB squib connectors (1).

9. Remove PAB from vehicle.

DEPLOYED AIRBAG

1. Open hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

3. Roll/fold PAB towards instrument panel.

4. Close door over folded airbag and tape door

closed.

5. Remove both left and right A-pillar trim panels

(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM -
REMOVAL).

6. Remove instrument panel top cover (Refer to 23 -

BODY/INSTRUMENT

PANEL/INSTRUMENT

PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).

7. Remove the glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-

STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).

8. Remove PAB cover screws.

9. Remove two fasteners (2) retaining PAB to instrument panel assembly inside glove box opening.

10. Disconnect the two PAB squib connectors (1).

11. Remove PAB from vehicle.

RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION

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INSTALLATION

1. Place PAB into instrument panel opening.

2. Install the two fasteners (2) retaining PAB to instru-

ment panel assembly inside glove box opening.
Tighten to 9.5 N·m (84 in. lbs.).

3. Connect the two PAB squib connectors (1).

4. Install PAB cover screws.

5. Install the right and left A-pillar trim panels (Refer

BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR

TRIM

INSTALLATION).

6. Install the glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-

MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).

7. Install instrument panel top cover (Refer to 23 -

BODY/INSTRUMENT

PANEL/INSTRUMENT

PANEL TOP COVER - INSTALLATION).

WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM).
Personal injury or death may result if the system
test is not performed first.

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RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION

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