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 and the steering column must be inspected. Refer to Steering/Column - Diagnosis and Testing . 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 headliner as well as the upper A, B, C and D-pillar trim on the same side of the vehicle as the deployed airbag 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.

There are two methods by which an airbag or seat belt tensioner may be connected to the vehicle electrical system. The first method involves a short pigtail harness and connector insulator that are integral to the airbag or tensioner unit and are replaced as a unit with the service replacement airbag or seat belt tensioner unit. The second method involves a wire harness takeout and connector insulator (squib circuits) that are connected directly to the air bag or tensioner initiator. The heat created by the initiator during an airbag or tensioner deployment will cause collateral damage to a directly connected wire harness take out and connector insulator. Therefore, these direct-connect type take outs and connector insulators must be repaired following an airbag or seat belt tensioner deployment. See Restraints - Standard Procedure .

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.