Jeep Wrangler (2018 year). Instruction

Front Air Bag Operation

Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional protec-

tion by supplementing the seat belts. Front air bags are not

expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or

rollover collisions. The front air bags will not deploy in all

frontal collisions, including some that may produce sub-

stantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole colli-

sions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions.
On the other hand, depending on the type and location of

impact, front air bags may deploy in crashes with little

vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial

deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over

time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not

good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have

deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions,

and also are needed to help keep you in position, away

from an inflating air bag.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front air

bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of

non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the front air bags.

The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper passen-

ger side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of

the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The front air

bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your

eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate while helping

to restrain the driver and front passenger.

Occupant Classification System (OCS) — Front
Passenger Seat

The OCS is part of a Federally regulated safety system for

this vehicle. It is designed to activate or deactivate the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag depending on the

occupant’s seated weight. It is designed to deactivate the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag for an unoccupied seat

and for occupants whose seated weight classifies them in a

category other than a properly seated adult. This could be

a child, teenager, or even an adult.

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) Consists Of
The Following:
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Occupant Classification Module (OCM) and Sensor lo-

cated in the front passenger seat

• Passenger Air Bag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light – an

amber light located on the overhead sports bar

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SAFETY

• Air Bag Warning Light
• Passenger Seat Belt

Occupant Classification Module (OCM) And Sensor

The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) is located

underneath the front passenger seat. The Sensor is located

beneath the passenger seat cushion foam. Any weight on

the seat will be sensed by the Sensor. The OCM uses input

from the Sensor to determine the front passenger’s most

probable classification. The OCM communicates this infor-

mation to the ORC. The ORC uses the classification to

determine whether it should activate or deactivate the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag. In order for the OCS to

operate as designed, it is important for the front passenger

to be seated properly and properly wearing the seat belt.

Properly seated passengers are:
• Sitting upright.
• Facing forward.
• Sitting in the center of the seat with their feet comfort-

ably on or near the floor.

• Sitting with their back against the seat back and the seat

back in an upright position.

The OCS may deactivate the deployment of the Passenger

Advanced Front Air Bag if the OCS estimates that:
• The front passenger seat is unoccupied or has very light

objects in it.

• The front passenger seat is occupied by a rear-facing

child restraint.

• The front passenger seat is occupied by a child, includ-

ing a child seated in a forward-facing child restraint or

booster seat.

• The front passenger seat is occupied by a small passen-

ger, including a child or small adult.

Seated Properly

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247

• The front passenger is not properly seated or his or her

weight is taken off of the seat for a period of time.

Passenger Air Bag Disable (PAD) System

Front Passenger

Seat Occupant

Status

Front Passenger

Advanced Air

Bag Disabled

Indicator Light
(“PAD”) Status

Front Passenger

Air Bag Status

Unoccupied

seat* Unbuckled

NOT ILLUMI-

NATED

DEACTIVATED

Unoccupied

seat*Buckled

“PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF”

DEACTIVATED

Grocery bags,

heavy briefcases,

and other rela-

tively light ob-

jects

“PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF”

DEACTIVATED

Rear-facing child

restraint**

“PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF”

DEACTIVATED

Passenger Air Bag Disable (PAD) System

Front Passenger

Seat Occupant

Status

Front Passenger

Advanced Air

Bag Disabled

Indicator Light
(“PAD”) Status

Front Passenger

Air Bag Status

Child, including

a child in a

forward-facing

child restraint or

booster seat**

“PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF”

DEACTIVATED

Small adult

“PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF”

DEACTIVATED

Properly seated

adult

NOT ILLUMI-

NATED

ACTIVATED

* When the front passenger seat is empty or when very

light objects are placed on the seat and the seat belt is

unbuckled, the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag will not

deploy even though the PAD System Indicator Light is

NOT illuminated.

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SAFETY

** It is possible for a child to be classified as an adult,

allowing the deployment of the Passenger Advanced Front

Air Bag. Never allow children to ride in the front passenger

seat and never install a child restraint system, including a

rear-facing child restraint, in the front passenger seat.

WARNING!

• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can
cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or
younger, including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.

• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle

with a rear seat.

• Children 12 years or younger should always ride

buckled up in a vehicle with a rear seat.

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Disabled (PAD) Indi-
cator Light

The Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag Disabled (PAD)

Indicator Light (an amber light located on the overhead

sports bar) tells the driver and front passenger when the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag is deactivated. The PAD

Indicator light illuminates the words “PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF” to show that the Passenger Advanced Front Air

Bag will not deploy during a collision. When the front

passenger seat is empty or when very light objects are

placed on the seat and the seat belt is unbuckled, the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag will not deploy even

though the PAD indicator light is NOT illuminated.
The PAD indicator light should not be illuminated when an

adult passenger is properly seated in the front passenger

seat. The driver and adult passenger should verify that the

PAD Indicator Light is not illuminated when an adult is

riding in the front passenger seat. If an adult is not seated

properly, the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag may

deactivate and the PAD Indicator Light will be illuminated.
The PAD Indicator Light should be illuminated and the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag should be deactivated

for most properly seated and restrained children in the

passenger seat and for most properly installed child re-

straint systems. However, under certain conditions, even

with a properly installed child restraint system, the PAD

Indicator Light may not be illuminated, even though the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag is deactivated. This can

occur if the child restraint is lighter than the lightest weight

necessary to illuminate the PAD Indicator Light. NEVER

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249

assume the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag is deacti-

vated unless the PAD Indicator Light is illuminated with

the words “PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF.”

NOTE:

If the seat belt is buckled for an empty seat, the

PAD Indicator Light will illuminate.

If The Pad Indicator Light Is Illuminated For An Adult
Passenger:

If an adult passenger is seated in the front passenger seat

and the PAD Indicator Light is illuminated, the passenger

may be sitting improperly. Follow the steps below to allow

the OCS to detect the adult passenger’s seated weight to

activate the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag:
1. Turn off the vehicle and have the adult passenger step

out of the vehicle.

2. Remove any extra materials from the passenger seat,

such as cushions, pads, seat covers, seat massagers,

blankets, extra clothing, etc.

3. Place the seatback in the full upright position.
4. Have the adult passenger sit in the center of the seat,

with the passenger’s feet comfortably on or near the

floor, and with their back against the seatback.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the passenger remain in

this seated position for two to three minutes after

restarting the vehicle.

WARNING!

• If the PAD Indicator Light remains illuminated for

an adult passenger, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately. Failure to do so may
cause serious injury or death. If the PAD Indicator
Light is illuminated with the words “PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF,” the Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag will not deploy in the event of a collision.

• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can
cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or
younger, including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.

• Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle

with a rear seat.

• Children 12 years or younger should always ride

buckled up in a vehicle with a rear seat.

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SAFETY

Lighter Weight Passengers (Including Small Adults)

When a lighter weight passenger, including a small adult,

occupies the passenger seat, the Passenger Advanced Front

Air Bag may be deactivated. Therefore, the Passenger

Advanced Front Air Bag may or may not be activated for a

lighter weight passenger, including a small adult (depend-

ing on size) who is seated in the passenger seat. This does

not mean that the OCS is working improperly.
The driver and passenger must always use the PAD

Indicator Light as a determination of whether the Passen-

ger Advanced Front Air Bag is activated or deactivated. If

the PAD Indicator Light is illuminated with the words

“PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF” when an adult is in the front

passenger seat, have the passenger reposition his or her

body in the seat until the PAD Indicator Light goes out.
If the PAD Indicator Light is illuminated with the words

“PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF” the Passenger Advanced

Front Air Bag will not inflate in the event of a collision.

Do Not Decrease OR Increase The Front Passenger’s
Seated Weight On The Front Passenger Seat

The front passenger’s seated weight must be properly

positioned on the front passenger seat. Failure to do so may

result in serious injury or death. The OCS determines the

most probable classification of the occupant that it detects.

The OCS will detect the front passenger’s decreased or

increased seated weight, which may result in deactivation

or activation of the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag in a

collision. This does not mean that the OCS is working

improperly. Decreasing the front passenger’s seated weight

on the front passenger seat may result in deactivation of

the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag causing serious

injury or death. Increasing the front passenger’s seated

weight on the front passenger seat may result in activation

of the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag. Examples of

improper front passenger seating include:
• The front passenger’s weight is transferred to another

part of the vehicle (like the door, arm rest or instrument

panel).

• The front passenger leans forward, sideways, or turns to

face the rear of the vehicle.

• The front passenger’s seatback is not in the full upright

position.

• The front passenger carries or holds an object while

seated (e.g., backpack, box, etc.).

• Objects are lodged under the front passenger seat.

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251

• Objects are lodged between the front passenger seat and

center console.

• Accessories that may change the seated weight on the

front passenger seat are attached to the front passenger

seat.

• Anything that may decrease or increase the front pas-

senger’s seated weight.

The OCS determines the front passenger’s most probable

classification. If an occupant in the front passenger seat is

seated improperly, the occupant may provide an output

signal to the OCS that is different from the occupant’s

properly seated weight input, for example:

Not Seated Properly

252

SAFETY

WARNING!

• If a child restraint system, child, small teenager or

adult in the front passenger seat is seated improp-
erly, the occupant may provide an output signal to
the OCS that is different from the occupant’s prop-
erly seated weight input. This may result in serious
injury or death in a collision.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Always wear your seat belt and sit properly, with the

seatback in an upright position, your back against
the seatback, sitting upright, facing forward, in the
center of the seat, with your feet comfortably on or
near the floor.

• Do not carry or hold any objects (e.g., backpacks,

boxes, etc.) while seated in the front passenger seat.
Holding an object may provide an output signal to
the OCS that is different than the occupant’s prop-
erly seated weight input, which may result in serious
injury or death in a collision.

The Air Bag Warning Light

will illuminate whenever

the OCS is unable to classify the front passenger seat

status.
A malfunction in the OCS may affect the operation of the

air bag system. If the Air Bag Warning Light

does not

come on, or stays on after you start the vehicle, or it

comes on as you drive, take the vehicle to an authorized

dealer for service immediately.

Not Seated Properly

254

SAFETY

WARNING!

• Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-

ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not
come on as a bulb check when the ignition is first
turned on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.

• Placing an object on the floor under the front pas-

senger seat may prevent the OCS from working
properly, which may result in serious injury or death
in a collision. Do not place any objects on the floor
under the front passenger seat.

• If there is a fault present in the OCS, both the PAD

Indicator Light and the Air Bag Warning Light will
illuminate to show that the Passenger Advanced
Front Air Bag is deactivated. Should this occur, the
Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag will remain de-
activated until the fault is cleared. This indicates that
you should take the vehicle to an authorized dealer
for service immediately.

The passenger seat assembly contains critical OCS compo-

nents that may affect Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag

inflation. In order for the OCS to properly classify the

seated weight of a front seat passenger, the OCS compo-

nents must function as designed. Do not make any modi-

fications to the front passenger seat components, assembly,

or to the seat cover. If the seat, trim cover, or cushion needs

service for any reason, take the vehicle to your authorized

dealer. Only FCA US LLC approved seat accessories may

be used.
The following requirements must be strictly followed:
• Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or

components in any way.

• Do not use prior or future model year seat covers or

cushions not designated by FCA US LLC for the specific

model being repaired. Always use the correct seat cover

and cushion specified for the vehicle.

• Do not replace the seat cover or cushion with an

aftermarket seat cover or cushion.

• Do not add a secondary seat cover or mat.
• At no time should any Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) component or SRS related component or fastener

be modified or replaced with any part except those

which are approved by FCA US LLC.

SAFETY

255

WARNING!

• Unapproved modifications or service procedures to

the passenger seat assembly, its related components,
seat cover, or cushion may inadvertently change the
air bag deployment in case of a frontal collision. This
could result in death or serious injury to the front
passenger if the vehicle is involved in a collision. A
modified vehicle may not comply with required
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
and/or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(CMVSS).

• If it is necessary to modify the air bag system for

persons with disabilities, contact your authorized
dealer.

Knee Impact Bolsters

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the

driver and front passenger, and position the front occu-

pants for improved interaction with the front air bags.

WARNING!

• Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact

bolsters in any way.

• Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact

bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band
radios, etc.

Supplemental Side Air Bags

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted

Side Air Bags (SABs).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs) are

located in the outboard side of the front seats. The SABs are

marked with a “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or

on the seat trim on the outboard side of the seats.
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occupant injury

during certain side impacts, in addition to the injury

reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body

structure.

256

SAFETY

When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on the outboard

side of the seatback’s trim cover. The inflating SAB deploys

through the seat seam into the space between the occupant

and the door. The SAB moves at a very high speed and

with such a high force that it could injure occupants if they

are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in the

area where the SAB inflates. Children are at an even greater

risk of injury from a deploying air bag.

WARNING!

Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects
between you and the Side Air Bags; the performance
could be adversely affected and/or objects could be
pushed into you, causing serious injury.

Side Impacts

The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in certain side

impacts. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deter-

mines whether the deployment of the Side Air Bags in a

particular impact event is appropriate, based on the severity

and type of collision. The side impact sensors aid the ORC in

determining the appropriate response to impact events. The

system is calibrated to deploy the Side Air Bags on the impact

side of the vehicle during impacts that require Side Air Bag

occupant protection. In side impacts, the Side Air Bags deploy

independently; a left side impact deploys the left Side Air

Bags only and a right-side impact deploys the right Side Air

Bags only. Vehicle damage by itself is not a good indicator of

whether or not Side Air Bags should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side collisions,

including some collisions at certain angles, or some side

collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Location

SAFETY

257

compartment. The Side Air Bags may deploy during

angled or offset frontal collisions where the front air bags

deploy.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt restraint

system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time than it takes to

blink your eyes.

WARNING!

• Occupants, including children, who are up against or

very close to Side Air Bags can be seriously injured
or killed. Occupants, including children, should
never lean on or sleep against the door, side win-
dows, or area where the side air bags inflate, even if
they are in an infant or child restraint.

• Seat belts (and child restraints where appropriate)

are necessary for your protection in all collisions.
They also help keep you in position, away from an
inflating Side Air Bag. To get the best protection
from the Side Air Bags, occupants must wear their
seat belts properly and sit upright with their backs
against the seats. Children must be properly re-
strained in a child restraint or booster seat that is
appropriate for the size of the child.

WARNING!

• Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door or window. Sit upright in the center
of the seat.

• Being too close to the Side Air Bags during deploy-

ment could cause you to be severely injured or
killed.

• Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could lead to

more severe injuries in a collision. The Side Air Bags
work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, Side Air Bags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belt even though you have
Side Air Bags.

NOTE:

Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior

trim, but they will open during air bag deployment.

Air Bag System Components

NOTE:

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors

the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated

with electrical Air Bag System Components listed below:
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light

258

SAFETY

• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Track Position Sensors
• Occupant Classification System

If A Deployment Occurs

The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately after

deployment.

NOTE:

Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all

collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the

air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any

or all of the following may occur:
• The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions

and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the air bags

deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction

rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet

or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with

chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal

quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly

within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your

doctor immediately.

• As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like

particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the

process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air bag

inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,

eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,

rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat

irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,

see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing,

follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions for

cleaning.

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have deployed.

If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will

not be in place to protect you.

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259

WARNING!

Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor assem-
blies replaced by an authorized dealer immediately.
Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller System
serviced as well.

NOTE:
• Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,

but they will open during air bag deployment.

• After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an

authorized dealer immediately.

Enhanced Accident Response System

In the event of an impact, if the communication network

remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending

on the nature of the event, the ORC will determine whether

to have the Enhanced Accident Response System perform

the following functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine (If Equipped)
• Cut off battery power to the electric motor (If Equipped)
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power

• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as

the battery has power or for 15 minutes from the

intervention of the Enhanced Accident Response Sys-

tem.

• Unlock the power door locks.
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these

other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident

Response System:
• Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC

Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door

• Cut off battery power to the:

• Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump

260

SAFETY

NOTE:

After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to

the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key from

the ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Carefully

check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment

and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel

tank before resetting the system and starting the engine. If

there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical

devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset the system

by following the procedure described below.

Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure

In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System

functions after an event, the ignition switch must be

changed from ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF.

Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine

compartment and on the ground near the engine compart-

ment and fuel tank before resetting the system and starting

the engine.

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

WARNING!

• Modifications to any part of the air bag system could

cause it to fail when you need it. You could be
injured if the air bag system is not there to protect
you. Do not modify the components or wiring, in-
cluding adding any kind of badges or stickers to the
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side
of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front
bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.

• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag

system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on
your vehicle that it has an air bag system.

• Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag

system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may not
function properly if modifications are made. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air bag system
service. If your seat, including your trim cover and
cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (including
removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment
bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be used. If
it is necessary to modify the air bag system for persons

with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.

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Jeep Wrangler (2018 year). Instruction - part 16