Airbag System: Notes

The Airbag system is designed to provide increased driver and passenger protection if the vehicle is involved in a front-end collision. The airbag system is designed to be used in conjunction with the seat belt system.

Whenever the ignition switch is turned to the Run or Start position, the ACM performs a warning indicator bulb-check via a PCI bus request to the instrument cluster to illuminate the Airbag Warning Indicator. The indicator remains illuminated for 6 to 8 seconds, and then turns off. If the indicator remains off, the ACM has checked the system and found it to be free of discernable malfunctions.

The ACM monitors critical input and output circuits within the airbag system, ensuring the circuits are operating properly. Some circuits are tested continuously; other circuits are tested only under certain circumstances. The ACM provides diagnostic information about the airbag system to the technician through the DRBIII® via the PCI bus.

The deceleration of g-forces resulting from the impact of a front-end collision causes the electronic sensor inside of the ACM to be triggered. This causes the inflators to be actuated, thus deploying the airbag(s). The total time between determining to deploy and deflation of the air bag is 1/10th of one second (100ms).

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) may be equipped with a Passenger Airbag (PAB) On - Off Switch. This switch has an ACM-controlled light that will illuminate when the switch is in the Off position.

Use the test procedures in this manual to diagnose the cause of any customer complaint regarding the Airbag Warning Indicator (located in the instrument cluster), such as:

• Airbag warning indicator does not illuminate at any time
• Airbag warning indicator is illuminated at all times