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), the steering wheel and the complete steering column with lower steering column coupler 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 they have 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 SRS component 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 SRS 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.

There are two methods by which an airbag or seat belt tensioner may be connected to the vehicle electrical system. The first method involves a short pigtail harness and connector insulator that are integral to the airbag or tensioner unit and are replaced as a unit with the service replacement airbag or seat belt tensioner unit. The second method involves a wire harness takeout and connector insulator (squib circuits) that are connected directly to the air bag or tensioner initiator. The heat created by the initiator during an airbag or tensioner deployment will cause collateral damage to a directly connected wire harness take out and connector insulator. Therefore, these direct-connect type take outs and connector insulators must be repaired following an airbag or seat belt tensioner deployment. See Restraints - Standard Procedure .

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.