Dodge Neon 2001 Service Manual page 84

PL
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of
the airbag and forms a decorative cover in the center
of the steering wheel. The inside of the trim cover
has locking blocks molded into it that engage a lip on
the airbag metal housing. Two stamped metal retain-
ers then fit over the inflator mounting studs on the
back of the airbag housing and are engaged in slots
on the inside of the cover, securely locking the trim
cover into place. The trim cover will split at predeter-
mined breakout lines, then fold back out of the way
along with the horn switch and tray unit upon airbag
deployment.
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG
CONTROL MOD
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 2 SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
(SIACM) LOCATION
1 - SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
Vehicles equipped with side impact airbags use two
side impact airbag control modules. One is located on
each side of the vehicle within the body B-pillar (Fig.
2).
OPERATION
Each side impact airbag control module (SIACM)
serves as the impact sensor for its seat mounted air-
bag. The right side SIACM controls the right seat
airbag. The left side SIACM controls the left seat air-
bag. Each SIACM contains two accelerometers, both
accelerometers must agree in order to deploy the side
airbag. In the event of a side impact, the appropriate
SIACM will send a electronic signal to its airbag,
2001 NEON
deploying the airbag. The SIACM communicates with
the Airbag Control Module (ACM) via the PCI bus
circuit.
The SIACM perform self-diagnostics and circuit
tests to determine if the system is functioning prop-
erly. If the test finds a problem, the SIACM will set
both active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTC's). If a DTC is active, the SIACM will request
that the airbag warning lamp be turned on. The
results of the system test are transmitted on the PCI
bus circuit to the ACM once each second, or on a
change in lamp state (ON/OFF). If the warning lamp
status message from either SIACM contains a lamp
ON request, the ACM will set an active DTC. At the
same time as the DTC is set, the ACM sends a PCI
bus message to the cluster requesting the airbag
warning lamp to be turned ON. Observe all ACM
WARNING and CAUTION statements when servic-
ing or handling the SIACM. The SIACM's are not
serviceable and must be replaced even if they are
dropped.
REMOVAL
The removal and installation of the driver side and
passenger side modules is identical. The orientation
of the modules is the only difference (which way they
are tilted).
WARNING: THE MODULES CANNOT BE INTER-
CHANGED. THEY ARE UNIQUE TO EACH SIDE.
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 14).
(3) Remove the lower seat trim. Locate the connec-
tor for the seat airbag which is under the seat on the
outboard side, attached to the seat frame. Disconnect
the harness side of the connector. This is to engage
the shorting clips to disable the side impact air-
bag system.
(4) Remove the lower B-pillar trim from the appro-
priate side of the vehicle. Refer to Body, Interior,
B-Pillar Trim, Removal.
(5) Remove the seat belt retractor. Refer to Electri-
cal, Restraints, Front Seat Belt Retractor, Removal.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE SIACM FROM THE
MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS IS SERVICED WITH
THE BRACKET AND A NEW ONE WILL COME WITH
THE REPLACEMENT SIACM.
(6) Remove the SIACM retaining nuts and ground
eyelet (Fig. 2).
(7) Pull SIACM out of B-pillar (Fig. 2).
(8) Disconnect the SIACM electrical connector
(Fig. 3).
(9) Remove the SIACM from the vehicle.
RESTRAINTS 8Os - 3