Chrysler 300M 1999 Manual page 13

Perform the WARNING LAMP BULB OR DRIVER procedure in this book to find the cause of any
customer complaint regarding the AIRBAG warning lamp, such as:
warning lamp does not illuminate
•
• warning lamp stays illuminated with no active DTC's
The ACM cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.
Driver Airbag Module (DAB)
The airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver side airbag system. The
module is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the trim cover are the horn
switch, the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The airbag module
includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached and sealed. The airbag module
cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The inflator
assembly is mounted to the back of the airbag module. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag
cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the
proper electrical signal. The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag module and
forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. Upon airbag deployment, this cover
will split at a predetermined breakout line.
THE AIRBAG MODULE INFLATOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND POTAS-
SIUM NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
CONTACT WITH ACID, WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARMFUL AND
IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE)
OR COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO
CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93°C
(200°F).
Clockspring
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel. This assembly
consists of a plastic housing which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that
winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation. The clockspring is used to maintain a
continuous electrical circuit between the instrument panel wire harness and the driver side airbag
module, the horn switch, and the vehicle speed control switches on vehicles that are so equipped.
The clockspring must be properly centered when it is installed on the steering column following
any service removal, or it will be damaged. The clockspring cannot be repaired it must be
replaced.
Passenger Airbag Module (PAB)
The airbag door in the instrument panel top cover above the glove box is the most visible part of
the passenger side airbag system. Located under the airbag door is the airbag cushion and it's
supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator
are attached and sealed. The airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if
deployed or in any way damaged. The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the airbag
module. The inflator includes a small canister of highly compressed argon gas. The inflator seals
the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the compressed gas it contains directly into the
cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. The airbag door has a living hinge at the
top, which is secured to the instrument panel top cover. The door also has predetermined
breakout lines concealed beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deployment, the airbag door
will split at the breakout lines and the door will pivot out of the way.
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