Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment: Notes

Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a supplemental restraint deployment, must have the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the Steering Control Module (SCM)/clockspring (also known as the steering column module/MRM) and the steering wheel must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel must be replaced. The seat belt tensioners can be deployed independent of an airbag deployment and must also be replaced if it has been deployed or damaged. If a side curtain or seat airbag has been deployed, their respective trim covers must also be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.

It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (also known as the lowline or highline airbag control unit/ARCADE) and the side acceleration impact sensors be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ORC and each side acceleration impact sensor are used by the supplemental restraint system to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these components may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required. The ORC must be replaced if it or the structure of the instrument panel center console immediately surrounding it is visually damaged in any way, or after three airbag deployments regardless of visual damage to the unit.

All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any supplemental restraint deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.