Repairs and Inspections Required After an Accident

COLLISION INSPECTION
In all types of accidents, regardless of air bag deployment, visually inspect the following components and their mounting points and replace as required:
1. Inflator modules
2. Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
3. Steering wheel
4. SIR coil assembly
5. Steering column
6. Steering column foam energy absorber
7. Knee bolster and instrument panel mounting attachments
8. Driver's and passenger's seat and belts
9. Discriminating sensors
10. Arming sensors
11. DERM
12. Resistor module

Sensors in the damaged area should be replaced, even if the sensors do not appear to be damaged. Do not attempt to determine whether a sensor is OK, always replace the sensor if it is located in a damaged area.
Also inspect the SIR coil assembly wiring, steering wheel and passenger side dash panel for signs of scorching, melting, or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil assembly wiring or steering wheel is damaged, replace them. Check the steering column and wheel dimensions to determine if they are damaged.
Do not attempt to repair the forward discriminating sensors, the arming sensor, the DERM, the resistor module, the SIR coil assembly, the inflator modules, the steering wheel or the steering column. Service of these items is replacement only. Verify the replacement part numbers.
Never use SIR parts from another vehicle.

Proper operation of the sensors and the SIR system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return it to its original production configuration.

STEERING COLUMN POST-COLLISION INSPECTION
1. Inspect steering column assembly capsules. If capsules are not seated securely in bracket slots or if movement exceeds 1/16 inch, replace column.
2. Inspect steering column jacket for collapse by measuring distance between end of bearing assembly and upper bracket lower edge. If distance is below 4.76 inches, replace jacket.
3. Remove air bag inflator module as described under Component Service, then remove steering wheel and combination switch. Refer to Air Bag. Air Bag Service and Repair
4. Remove Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil and intermediate shaft, then install dial indicator tool No. SA9179NE, or equivalent, with plunger resting against upper portion of steering shaft.
5. Rotate shaft and observe dial indicator. If runout exceeds 1/16 inch, replace steering column assembly.