Airbag System Description

FUNCTIONAL OPERATION
Whenever the ignition key is turned to the "run" or "start" position, the airbag control module (ACM) performs a lamp check by turning the AIRBAG warning lamp on. The lamp stays lit for 6 to 8 seconds, then goes off. If the lamp remains off, it means that the ACM has checked the system and found it to be free of discernible malfunctions The airbag system is monitored by the ACM.

The ACM monitors critical input and output circuits within the airbag system, making sure they are operating correctly. Some circuits are tested continuously: others are checked only under certain circumstances. The ACM provides diagnostic information about the airbag system to the technician through the DRB via the CCD bus

AB, AS, and JA Bodies Only - The deceleration or g-force resulting from the impact of a front-end collision causes the electronic sensor inside of the ACM to be triggered. This causes the inflators to be actuated, thus deploying the airbags The total time between determining to deploy and deflation of the airbag is 1/10th of a second.

All Other Bodies - The deceleration or g-force resulting from the impact of a front-end collision causes the safing sensor inside of the ACM to be closed. As soon as one front sensor and the safing sensor are closed, an electrical charge is sent to the airbag module(s). This causes the inflators to be actuated, thus deploying the airbags. The total time from the closure of the switches to deployment and deflation of the airbag is 1:10th of a second.

The AIRBAG warning lamp 5 the only point at which "symptoms" of a system malfunction can be observed by the customer.

The ACM functions as described above with the exception of the added seat belt pretensioner circuits. There are four additional trouble codes for this system. The driver seat belt pretensioner is part of the shoulder belt retractor assembly. The driver pretensioner assembly is equipped with an electronically deployed pyrotechnic belt pretensioner. The drivers is deployed simultaneously with the driver airbag module by the ACM. Upon deployment, the seat belt assembly is tightened to provide restraint for the driver. After a collision in which the drivers airbag has been deployed the drivers seat belt retractor is permanently locked and must be replaced.