Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Removal and Replacement

RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE


Special Tool(s):






SPECIAL TOOL(S)

REMOVAL

WARNING:
- Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the inadvertent deployment of the safety canopy and risk of personal injury.
- The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for proper air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) operation. If a vehicle equipped with an SRS system has been involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting and bracket for deformation. If damaged, the RCM must be replaced whether or not the air bags have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original condition.
- Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.


CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.

NOTE:
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), always make sure the correct RCM is being installed. If an incorrect RCM is installed, erroneous DTCs will result.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

All vehicles

1. WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

The front impact severity sensor is located at the bottom of the hood latch support bracket.

The first row side impact sensors (if equipped) are located in the first row doors, behind the door trim panel.

The second row side impact sensors (if equipped) are located at or near the base of the C-pillars.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).


Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.

2. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warning, cautions, note, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.


Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS).

Vehicles with a center console
3. Remove the center console.

Vehicles with 60/40 front bench seat
4. Remove the 60 percent portion of the front bench seat.







5. Remove the nuts and the restraints control module (RCM) top bracket.







6. WARNING: Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is on. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the inadvertent deployment of the safety canopy and risk of personal injury.

Separate the RCM from the bracket.
1 Remove the nuts.
2 Separate the RCM from the bracket.

All vehicles







7. Disconnect the small restraints control module (RCM) electrical connector.
1 Push down to release the retaining tab.
2 While releasing the retaining tab, pull out and disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.







8. Disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.
1 Pinch the thumb tab and pivot the connector position assurance lever away from the RCM, disengaging the lever.
2 Pull out and disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.

Vehicles with 60/40 front bench seat
9. Remove the RCM.

Vehicles with a center console







10. Remove the RCM.
1 Remove the RCM bracket bolts.
2 Remove the RCM with bracket.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warning, cautions and note at the beginning of the removal procedure.

Vehicles with a center console







1. WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag restraints control module (RCM) bracket retaining bolts is critical for correct system operation.

NOTE: Make sure the battery negative cable is still disconnected before continuing with the installation portion of this procedure.

Install the RCM.
1 Position the RCM with bracket.
2 Install the bolts.

All vehicles







2. NOTE: Make sure the battery negative cable is still disconnected before continuing with the installation portion of this procedure.

Make sure the connector position assurance lever is in the full release position before attempting to connect the connector.







3. WARNING: Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is on. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the inadvertent deployment of the safety canopy and risk of personal injury.

CAUTION: Putting the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM on an angle can cause bad electrical connections and damage components.

Position the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM.

- CAUTION: Do not push the connector on to where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the RCM before using the lever to fully seat the connector.

With the large RCM electrical connector uniformly aligned to the RCM, lightly push in until a subtle audible click is heard and slight resistance is felt.







4. Connect the RCM electrical connector.
- Pivot the connector position assurance lever toward the RCM, drawing the connector in to the RCM.
- Make sure the thumb tab is engaged to the retainer on the RCM and locked in place.







5. Connect the small RCM electrical connector.

Vehicles with 60/40 front bench seat







6. WARNING: The tightening torque of the air bag restraints control module (RCM) to bracket retaining nuts is critical for correct system operation.

Install the RCM.
1 Position the RCM to the bracket.
- While positioning the RCM onto the bracket, make sure the wire harness is positioned between the RCM and the bracket shield.

2 Install the nuts.







7. Position the RCM top bracket and install the nuts.

All vehicles

8. Connect the battery ground cable.
9. With the restraint system diagnostic tools installed at all deployable devices, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Prove Out Procedure
10. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.

Vehicles with a center console
11. Install the center console.

Vehicles with 60/40 front bench seat
12. Install the 60 percent portion of the front bench seat.

All vehicles

13. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warning, cautions, note, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.

Reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS).

14. Connect the battery ground cable.

15. WARNING: Restraint system diagnostic tools are for service only. Tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road. Failure to remove restraint system diagnostic tools could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.

With all the restraint system diagnostic tools removed, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Prove Out Procedure