Airbag Control Module: Operation

The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the front supplemental restraint system logic circuits and controls all of the supplemental restraint system components. The ACM uses On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well as with the DRBIII® scan tool using the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. This method of communication is used for control of the airbag indicator in the Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and for supplemental restraint system diagnosis and testing through the 16-way data link connector located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG INDICATOR - OPERATION) .

The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all of the front supplemental restraint system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets an active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and sends electronic messages to the EMIC over the PCI data bus to turn on the airbag indicator. An active fault only remains for the duration of the fault, or in some cases, the duration of the current ignition switch cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be stored in memory by the ACM. For some DTCs, if a fault does not recur for a number of ignition cycles, the ACM will automatically erase the stored DTC. For other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched forever.

In models not equipped with a rear seat, the ACM also monitors a resistor multiplexed input from the passenger airbag on/off switch and provides a control output for the Off indicator in the switch through a passenger airbag indicator driver circuit. If the passenger airbag on/off switch is set to the Off position, the ACM turns on the passenger airbag on/off switch Off indicator and will internally disable the passenger airbag from being deployed if an impact is detected that is sufficient for an airbag deployment. The ACM also turns on the on/off switch Off indicator for about seven seconds each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position as a bulb test. Following the bulb test, the ACM controls the status of the Off indicator based upon the resistance of the input from the on/off switch. The ACM will also set and/or store a DTC for faults it detects in the passenger airbag on/off switch circuits, and will turn on the airbag indicator in the EMIC if a fault has been detected.

The ACM receives battery current through two circuits; a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit through a fuse in the fuse block, and a fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit through a second fuse in the fuse block. The ACM receives ground through a ground circuit and take out of the body wire harness. This take out has a single eyelet terminal connector that is secured by a ground screw to the right cowl side inner panel below the instrument panel. These connections allow the ACM to be operational whenever the ignition switch is in the Start or On positions. The ACM also contains an energy-storage capacitor. When the ignition switch is in the Start or On positions, this capacitor is continually being charged with enough electrical energy to deploy the front supplemental restraint components for up to one second following a battery disconnect or failure. The purpose of the capacitor is to provide backup supplemental restraint system protection in case there is a loss of battery current supply to the ACM during an impact.

Two sensors are contained within the ACM; an electronic impact sensor, and a safing sensor. The electronic impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides verification of the direction and severity of an impact. The safing sensor is an electromechanical sensor within the ACM that provides an additional logic input to the ACM microprocessor. The safing sensor is a normally open switch that is used to verify the need for a front supplemental restraint deployment by detecting impact energy of a lesser magnitude than that of the electronic impact sensor, and must be closed in order for the front airbags to deploy. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when the deceleration rate as signaled by the impact sensor and the safing sensor indicate an impact that is severe enough to require front supplemental restraint system protection and, based upon the status of the passenger airbag on/off switch input and the severity of the monitored impact, determines what combination of front airbag deployment is required for each front seating position. When the programmed conditions are met, the ACM sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the dual front airbags.

The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ACM may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM, the PCI data bus network, or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from the ACM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the ACM, the PCI data bus network, and the electronic message inputs to and outputs from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIII® scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.