Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Removal and Replacement

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)


Diagnostic Tool, Restraint System:






SPECIAL TOOL(S)

REMOVAL

WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for correct 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 SRS components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
- The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
- The tightening torque of the air bag restraints control module (RCM) retaining bolts is critical for correct system operation.


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.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- 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.

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 on the hood latch support bracket.

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 warnings, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.

Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.

3. If equipped, remove the floor console.
4. If equipped, remove the 20 percent front seat cushion. Pull up to release the retainers on the 20 percent seat cushion and remove.







5. Remove the parts in the order indicated in the illustration and table.

Item 1: Restraints Control Module (RCM) Large Electrical Connector Removal Note







1. Disconnect the large restraints control module (RCM) electrical connector.
1 Pinch the thumb tab and pivot the connector position assurance lever all the way back until it stops.
2 Pull out and disconnect the RCM electrical connector.

INSTALLATION

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

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

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

5. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.

Reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.

6. Connect the battery ground cable.

7. WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from the vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove 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

Item 1: Restraints Control Module (RCM) Large Electrical Connector Installation Note







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







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

NOTE: The RCM has been removed for clarity.

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 a slight resistance is felt.







3. NOTE: The RCM has been removed for clarity.

Connect the large RCM electrical connector.
- Using the connector position assurance lever, pivot it toward the RCM, drawing the connector into the RCM.
- Make sure the thumb tab is engaged to the retainer on the RCM and locked in place.