The microprocessor in the ACM monitors the
impact sensor signal and the airbag system electri-
cal circuits to determine the system readiness. If
the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sends
messages to the instrument cluster on the PCI data
bus to turn on the airbag indicator lamp. A pre-
programmed decision algorithm in the ACM micro-
processor determines when the deceleration rate as
signaled by the sensor indicates an impact that is
severe enough to require airbag system protection.
When the programmed conditions are met, the
ACM sends an electrical signal to deploy the airbag
system components.
The impact sensor is an accelerometer that
senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which pro-
vides verification of the direction and severity of an
impact. The impact sensor is calibrated for the
specific vehicle, and is only serviced as a unit with
the ACM.
The ACM also contains an energy-storage capac-
itor. The purpose of the capacitor is to provide
airbag system protection in a severe secondary
impact if the initial impact has damaged or discon-
nected the battery, but was not severe enough to
deploy the airbags.
WARNING:
THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM
IS A
SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANI-
CAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAG-
NOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM
OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPO-
NENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND
ISOLATE
THE
BATTERY
NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE. WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING: NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN
DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT
ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL
MODULE
IS
ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED
DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE
SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW
UNIT. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER
PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT INACCIDENT-
AL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
The airbag warning lamp is the only point at
which the customer can observe ‘‘symptoms’’ of
system malfunction. Whenever the ignition key is
turned to the ‘‘run’’ or ‘‘start’’ position, the MIC
performs a lamp check by turning the airbag warn-
ing lamp on for 6-8 seconds. If the lamp turns off, it
means that the ACM has checked the system and
found it to be free of discernible malfunctions. If the
lamp remains on, there could be an active fault in
the system or the MIC lamp circuit may be inter-
nally shorted to ground. If the lamp comes on and
stays on for a period longer than 6-8 seconds then
goes off, there is usually an intermittent problem in
the system.
The ACM cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if
damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.
3.1.1
DRIVER AIRBAG (DAB)
The airbag protective trim cover is the most
visible part of the driver side airbag system. The
module is mounted directly to the steering wheel.
Located under the trim cover are the horn switch,
the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion support-
ing components. The airbag module includes a
housing to which the cushion and inflator are
attached and sealed. The airbag module cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any
way damaged. The inflator assembly is mounted to
the back of the airbag module. The inflator seals the
hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the
gas it produces directly into the cushion when
supplied with the proper electrical signal. The pro-
tective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag
module and forms a decorative cover in the center of
the steering wheel. Upon airbag deployment, this
cover will split at a predetermined breakout line.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG INFLATOR ASSEM-
BLY
CONTAINS
SODIUM
AZIDE
AND
POTASSIUM NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS
ARE POISONOUS AND EXTREMELY FLAM-
MABLE. CONTACT WITH ACID, WATER, OR
HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARMFUL
AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROX-
IDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF
MOISTURE)
OR
COMBUSTIBLE
COM-
POUNDS. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER
AIRBAG MODULE CONTAINS ARGON GAS
PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT
ATTEMPT
TO
DISMANTLE
AN
AIRBAG
MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR.
DO
NOT
PUNCTURE,
INCINERATE,
OR
BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY.
DO
NOT
STORE
AT
TEMPERATURE
EXCEEDING 93°C (200°F). FAILURE TO TAKE
THE
PROPER
PRECAUTIONS
COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
2
GENERAL INFORMATION