Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair
RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)Special Tool(s)
Special Tool(s):
Removal
WARNING:
- Always wear eye protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
- 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.
CAUTION:
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), it is necessary to carry out programmable module installation (PMI). Failure to follow this instruction may result in system failure.
- Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage can result. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.
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.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.
All vehicles
1. Carry out the steps necessary to prepare for programmable module installation (PMI).
Vehicles with front bucket seats and floor console
2. Remove the driver and passenger front bucket seats.
3. Remove the floor console.
4. Remove the 2 center console mounting brackets.
Vehicles with a 20 percent front seat
5. Remove the 20 percent front seat.
Vehicles with a front bench seat
6. Remove the front bench seat.
Vehicles with carpet
7. CAUTION: Use caution when cutting the carpet. Lift the carpet up when cutting between the perforated cuts in the carpeting to avoid damage to any wiring harnesses underneath.
Through the perforated cuts in the carpet, lift the carpet up to avoid any wiring harnesses underneath and cut the sections between the perforated cuts in the carpeting as shown.
8. Fold back the carpet flap to access the restraints control module (RCM).
All vehicles
9. Press to release the locking tab and disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.
10. Disconnect the large 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.
11. 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.
- To install, tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
2. Make sure the large RCM connector position assurance lever is in the full release position before attempting to connect the connector.
3. CAUTION: Putting the large restraints control module (RCM) electrical wiring connector into the RCM on an angle can cause bad electrical connections and damage components.
NOTE: The restraints control module (RCM) has been removed for clarity.
Position the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM.
- CAUTION: Do not push the connector to where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the restraints control module (RCM) before using the lever to fully seat the connector. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.
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 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.
5. Connect the small RCM electrical connector.
Vehicles with carpet
6. Position back the carpet flap and tuck it back in place in the carpeting to cover the RCM.
Vehicles with a front bench seat
7. Install the front bench seat.
Vehicles with a 20 percent front seat
8. Install the 20 percent front seat.
Vehicles with front bucket seats and floor console
9. Position the 2 center console mounting brackets.
10. Install the floor console.
11. Install the driver and passenger front bucket seats.
All vehicles
12. Repower the SRS. Do not prove out the SRS at this time.
13. When installing a new RCM, carry out the steps necessary to complete programmable module installation (PMI).
14. 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 at a 5 Hz rate (RCM not configured).
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 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 using a scan tool.