Service After a Supplemental Restraint Deployment

STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT

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 clockspring and the steering column must be replaced. The seat belt tensioners are deployed by the same signal that deploys the driver and passenger airbags and must also be replaced if either airbag has been deployed. 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/or mounting brackets for the Airbag Control Module (ACM) be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ACM contains impact sensors that 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 this component may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required. 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.