Airbag System: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The airbag system is designed to provide increased driver and passenger protection if the vehicle is involved in a front end collision. The system is most effective when used in conjunction with the seat belt system.

The airbag control module (ACM) is an electronic module that monitors the airbag system for proper operation, stores diagnostic trouble code (DTCs), controls the airbag warning lamp and chime contains the sensor and actuator that is responsible for airbag deployment. There are no external impact sensors. The ACM is mounted on a special bracket that is fastened to the floor of the truck at the bottom of the instrument panel. It is located forward of the console. The ACM provides diagnostic information (DTCs) to the technician through the DRBIII(R) via the PCI bus. Some circuits are tested continuously; others are checked only under certain circumstances. The warning lamp and chime are driven with messages relayed to the Electro/Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC and CTM) from the ACM via the PCI bus.

The AIRBAG warning lamp and chime are the only point at which "symptoms" of a system malfunction can be observed by the customer. Whenever the ignition key is turned to the "run" or "start" position, the airbag control module performs a lamp check by turning the AIRBAG warning lamp on for 6-8 seconds. If the lamp remains 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 circuit that operates the lamp may be 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.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN 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 IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.