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Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair

RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)







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 this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of the safety canopy and cause serious personal injury or death.
- If a vehicle has been in a crash, inspect the restraints control module (RCM) and the impact sensor (if equipped) mounting areas for deformation. If damaged, restore the mounting areas to the original production configuration. A new RCM and sensors must be installed whether or not the air bags have deployed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in a crash.
- To reduce the risk of accidental deployment, do not use any memory saver devices. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death.

CAUTION:
- Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result.
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), it is necessary to carry out programmable module installation (PMI).

NOTE:
- The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- When installing a new 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. When installing a new RCM, carry out the steps necessary to prepare for PMI.
2. Depower the SRS.

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

Vehicles with bucket seats and no center console
4. Position the carpet aside and remove the 3 RCM pushnut retainers and the RCM cover.

All vehicles
5. Disconnect the small 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.







6. 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.







7. Remove the 3 bolts and RCM.

Installation

All vehicles

1. WARNING: Always tighten the fasteners of the restraints control module (RCM) and impact sensor (if equipped) to the specified torque. Failure to do so may result in incorrect restraint system operation, which increases the risk of personal injury or death in a crash.

Install the RCM and 3 bolts.
- Tighten to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).

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







3. 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 bucket seats and no center console
6. Install the 3 RCM pushnut retainers and the RCM cover.

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

All vehicles
8. Repower the SRS. Do not prove out the SRS at this time.
9. When installing a new RCM, carry out the steps necessary to complete PMI.
10. Prove out the SRS as follows:

Turn the ignition switch from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash.

The air bag warning indicator might not light until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag warning indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.

Clear all continuous memory DTCs from the RCM.
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