Principles of Operation: RCM

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of the Safety Canopy and cause serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: If a vehicle has been in a crash, inspect the restraints control module (RCM) and the impact sensor (if equipped) mounting areas for deformation. If damaged, restore the mounting areas to the original production configuration. A new RCM and sensors must be installed whether or not the airbags have deployed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in a crash.

The RCM carries out the following functions:

Deploys the airbag(s)/Safety Canopy® in the event of a deployable collision
Activates the retractor pretensioners to control the tension of the safety belts in the event of a crash
Monitors the SRS for faults
Sends a message to the IPC to illuminate the airbag warning indicator if a fault is detected

The RCM monitors the SRS for possible faults. If a fault is detected, the RCM requests the IPC to illuminate the airbag warning indicator. When the ignition is turned OFF and then ON, the IPC proves out the airbag warning indicator by lighting for 6 seconds. If no faults are detected by the RCM, the IPC turns the airbag warning indicator off and it remains off. If the RCM detects a fault, it sends a message to the IPC to turn the airbag warning indicator on and it remains on for the rest of the ignition cycle. If the RCM requests illumination of the airbag warning indicator and the airbag warning indicator does not function, the IPC automatically activates an audible chime.

The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the airbags in the event the ignition circuit is lost or damaged during impact. The backup power supply depletes its stored energy approximately one minute after power and/or ground has been removed from the RCM.

If a new RCM is installed on vehicles equipped with RSC® or trailer sway control, the IVD initialization sequence must be carried out using the scan tool. Failure to carry out the IVD initialization sequence will result in DTCs being set in the ABS module.

Due to different SRS configurations available for this vehicle, wiring for certain components may be present even though the component is not present. SRS wiring, whether connected to a component or not, should not be used for any other purpose, such as installation of aftermarket accessories. Installing accessories on unused SRS wiring may set RCM DTCs.