Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment: Notes

Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) component deployment, must have the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel top pad must be replaced. The seat belt tensioners can be deployed independent of an airbag deployment, but must also be replaced if either front airbag has been deployed.

If a side curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the headliner, as well as the upper A, B, C and D-pillar trim must be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a SRS component deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.

On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof drain tubes and hoses must be closely inspected following a side curtain airbag deployment. It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), front impact sensors and side impact sensors be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ORC and each impact sensor are used by the SRS to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these components may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required.

Never attempt to repair the electrically conductive circuits or wiring components related to the SRS. Such repairs can compromise the conductivity and current carrying capacity of those critical electrical circuits, which may cause SRS components not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required. Any wire harness containing broken, cut, burned or otherwise damaged electrically conductive SRS wiring, terminals or connector components must be removed and replaced with an entire new wire harness. Only minor cuts or abrasions of wire and terminal insulation where the conductive material has not been damaged, or connector insulators where the integrity of the latching and locking mechanisms have not been compromised may be repaired using appropriate methods.

All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any SRS component deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.