Operation - Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual

8O - 2 RESTRAINTS
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
Fig. 1 FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
LOCATION
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - CLOCK SPRING
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
4 - OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (ORC)
• Wire harness and connections.
Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual to test or diagnose a problem with any com-
ponent of the front airbag system.
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM
The Side Impact Airbag System utilizes two air-
bags, one mounted to each front seat back frame.
This system is designed to enhance protection of
occupants in the event of a side impact collision.
BELT TENSIONER SYSTEM
The seat belt system incorporates Tensioner Mod-
ules. They are integral to the seat belt retractors
(Fig. 2) and cannot be serviced. If found defective
they must be replaced.

OPERATION

FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM
The front airbag system electrical circuits are con-
tinuously monitored by a microprocessor and soft-
ware contained within the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC). The ORC also contains impact
sensing elements, which are monitored by the ORC
to determine when an impact occurs that is severe
enough to require front airbag system protection.
When a frontal impact is severe enough, the ORC
initiates the inflator units of both front airbags to
deploy.
Fig. 2 SEAT BELT TENSIONER LOCATION -
1 - SEAT BELT TENSIONER
An airbag indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights for six to eight seconds as a bulb test each
time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
Following the bulb test, the airbag indicator lamp is
turned ON or OFF by the ORC to indicate the status
of the airbag system. If the airbag indicator lamp
comes ON at any time other than during the bulb
test, it indicates that there is a problem in the airbag
system. Such a problem may cause the airbags not to
deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required.
During a frontal vehicle impact, the knee blockers
work in conjunction with properly adjusted seat belts
to restrain the driver and front seat passenger in the
proper position for an airbag deployment. The knee
blockers also work to absorb and distribute the crash
energy from the driver and front seat passenger to
the structure of the instrument panel. The driver
side knee blocker is integral to the lower instrument
panel bezel. The passenger side knee blocker is inte-
gral to the glove box door.
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM
The Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM)
control the seat back mounted airbags (one left and
one right). If a SIACM determines the impact is
severe enough, the appropriate airbag will inflate,
tearing open the front seat back trim cover protecting
the occupants. Once a seat back mounted airbag has
been deployed, the entire seat back as well as any
damaged parts must be replaced.
TYPICAL
PT