Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 495

8M - 2 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
A I R B A G S Y S T E M G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
NDEX
page
Airbag Clean-Up Procedure 3
Airbag Clockspring 2
Airbag Control Module , 2
Airbag Impact Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Airbag Module
2
Airbag Module Handling (Deployed) . . 2
AIRBAG MODULE
The airbag module is the most visible part of the
system. I t contains the airbag cushion and its sup­
porting components. The airbag module contains a
housing to which the cushion and inflator are at­
tached and sealed.
The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the
module. I t seals the hole so i t can discharge the gas
it produces directly into the cushion when supplied
with the proper electrical signal. A protective cover is
fitted to the front of the airbag module and forms a
decorative cover i n the center of the steering wheel.
The airbag module is mounted directly to the steer­
ing wheel.
AIRBAG IMPACT SENSOR
The airbag system is a safety device designed to
protect the driver from serious injury, caused by a
frontal impact of the vehicle.
The impact sensors provide verification of the di­
rection and severity of the impact. Three impact sen­
sors are used. One is called a safing sensor. The
safing sensor is located inside the airbag control
module (ACM), which is below the center of the in­
strument panel on the transmission tunnel. The
other two sensors are mounted on the inner fender
extensions behind the grille opening reinforcement
on the left and right side of the vehicle.
The impact sensors are threshold sensitive
switches that complete an electrical circuit when an
impact provides a sufficient deceleration force to
close the switch. The sensors are calibrated for the
specific vehicle and react to the severity and direc­
tion of the impact.
AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column
behind the steering wheel. I t is used to maintain a
continuous electrical circuit between the wiring har­
ness and the driver's side airbag module. This assem­
bly consists of a flat, ribbon-like electrically
conductive tape which winds and unwinds with the
steering wheel rotation.
page
Airbag Module Handling (Undeployed)
2
Airbag Module Storage
2
Airbag Service (Deployed) 3
Airbag System Check 3
Airbag System Schematic 4
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
The airbag control module (ACM), contains the saf­
ing sensor, and monitors the system to determine the
readiness of the system. The ACM contains on-board
diagnostics (OBD), and will illuminate the airbag
warning lamp i n the instrument cluster when a fault
occurs.
AIRBAG MODULE STORAGE
The airbag module must be stored i n its original
special container until used for service. Additionally,
it must be stored in a clean, dry environment, away
from sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high elec­
trical energy. Always place or store the module on a
surface with the trim cover facing up to minimize
movement i n case of accidental deployment.
AIRBAG MODULE HANDLING (UNDEPLOYED)
At no time should any source of electricity be per­
mitted near the inflator on the back of the module.
When carrying an undeployed module, the trim cover
should be pointed away from the body to minimize
injury i n the event of accidental deployment. I f the
module is placed on a bench or other surface, the
plastic trim cover should be face up to minimize
movement i n case of accidental deployment.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG MODULE ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE
COLUMN ON THE FLOOR OR OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG MODULE
FACE DOWN.
AIRBAG MODULE HANDLING (DEPLOYED)
The vehicle interior will contain sodium hydroxide
powder, a chemical byproduct of the generant used
for airbag deployment. Since this powder can irritate
the skin, eyes, nose or throat, be sure to wear safety
glasses, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt during
cleanup (Fig. 1).
I f you experience skin irritation during cleanup,
run cool water over the affected area. Also, i f you ex­
perience irritation of the nose and throat, exit the ve­
hicle for fresh air until the irritation ceases. I f
irritation continues, see a physician.