Passive Restraints

Fig 1: SRS Emblem

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The passive restraints available for this model include the following:

Fig 2: Passenger Airbag Disarm Switch

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

• Dual Front Airbags  - Multistage driver and front passenger airbags are used in this model. This airbag system is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by the "SRS - AIRBAG" logo molded into the driver airbag trim cover in the center of the steering wheel and also into the passenger airbag door on the top of the instrument panel above the glove box. Vehicles with the airbag system can also be identified by the airbag indicator, which will illuminate in the Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) for about seven seconds as a bulb test each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position. A pyrotechnic-type seat belt tensioner is also integral to the driver and passenger front seat belt retractors to work in conjunction with the dual front airbags.
• Occupant Classification System  - Vehicles manufactured for sale in North America (except Mexico) also include an Occupant Classification System (OCS) with components that are located on the front seats. These components include an Occupant Classification Module (OCM) and four seat weight sensors on the passenger seat, and a seat track position sensor on the driver seat. Vehicles equipped with the OCS components can be readily identified by a passenger airbag on/off indicator (2) located below the passenger side inboard air outlet on the instrument panel above the glove box.
• Side Curtain Airbags  - Optional side curtain airbags are available for this model when it is also equipped with dual front airbags. This airbag system is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by a molded identification trim button with the "SRS - AIRBAG" logo located on the headliner above each B-pillar.

Fig 3: Identifying Supplemental Restraint System Components

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The supplemental restraint system includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere in this service information:

1. Airbag Indicator  - The airbag indicator is integral to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC), which is located on the instrument panel in front of the driver.
2. Clockspring  - The clockspring is located near the top of the steering column, directly beneath the steering wheel.
3. Driver Airbag (4)  - The driver airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver airbag trim cover.
4. Driver Knee Blocker  - The driver knee blocker is a structural unit secured to the back side of and integral to the instrument panel steering column opening cover.
5. Front Impact Sensor (1)  - Two front impact sensors are used on vehicles equipped with dual front airbags, one left side and one right side. One sensor is located on the back side of each vertical member of the radiator support.
6. Occupant Classification Module (7)  - Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include an Occupant Classification Module (OCM) which is secured to the underside of the passenger side front seat cushion frame.
7. Occupant Restraint Controller (10)  - The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is located on a mount on the floor panel transmission tunnel behind the transmission gear selector, and is concealed below the center floor console.
8. Passenger Airbag (2)  - The passenger airbag is located in the instrument panel, beneath the passenger airbag door on the top of the instrument panel above the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle.
9. Passenger Airbag On/Off Indicator (3)  - The Occupant Classification System (OCS) includes a passenger airbag on/off indicator which is located below the inboard passenger side air outlet on the instrument panel above the glove box.
10. Passenger Knee Blocker  - The passenger knee blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral to and concealed within the glove box door.
11. Seat Belt Tensioner (8)  - A seat belt tensioner is integral to both front seat belt retractor units on vehicles equipped with dual front airbags. The seat belt retractor and tensioner units are secured to the right and left inner B-pillars and concealed beneath the lower B-pillar trim.
12. Seat Track Position Sensor (6)  - The Occupant Classification System (OCS) includes a seat track position sensor. This sensor is located on the inboard side of one of the seat adjuster tracks on the driver front seat.
13. Seat Weight Sensor (5)  - Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include four seat weight sensors, one on each corner of the passenger side front seat between the seat cushion frame and the seat track.
14. Side Curtain Airbag (11)  - In vehicles equipped with this option, a side curtain airbag is secured to each inside roof side rail, and extends from the A-pillar to the D-pillar. The side curtain airbags are concealed above the headliner trim.
15. Side Impact Sensor (9)  - Six side impact sensors are used on vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain airbags, three on each side of the vehicle. One sensor is located on each right and left side front door beam, lower C-pillar and lower D-pillar concealed behind the interior trim.

The ORC, the OCM, and the EMIC each contain a microprocessor and programming that allow them to communicate with each other using the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. This method of communication is used by the ORC for control of the airbag indicator in the EMIC. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION) .

Hard wired circuitry connects the supplemental restraint system components to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system, and to the supplemental restraint system components through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.