ECU CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2005 Manual Online

This sensor is integral to the passenger side front
seat belt lower anchor which is secured to the lower
B-pillar, on the passenger side (Fig. 6). The belt ten-
sion sensor consists of a molded plastic housing, a
metal seat belt anchor loop, and a short pigtail wire.
The electronic circuitry of the belt tension sensor is
concealed and protected within the molded plastic
housing.
The belt tension sensor cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire passenger side front
seat belt and retractor unit must be replaced (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT
OUTBOARD FRONT - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The belt tension sensor is designed to sense the
relative cinch load applied to the passenger side front
seat belt, which provides a logic input to the micro-
processor of the Occupant Classification Module
(OCM). When a load is applied to the seat belt, the
changes in the load are measured by the belt tension
sensor through the seat belt lower anchor. As the
load changes, the circuitry of the belt tension sensor
changes the output voltage of the sensor.
The belt tension sensor receives a nominal five
volts and a ground from the OCM. The OCM then
monitors the belt tension sensor output voltage.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery before per-
forming the OCS Verification Test using the scantool and the appropriate diagnostic information.
Personal injury or death may occur.
For further diagnosis and testing of the belt ten-
sion sensor, the OCM, and related occupant classifi-
cation system components, use a scan tool and the
appropriate diagnostic information.
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION
TheLower Anchors and Tether for CHildren,
or LATCHchild restraint anchorage system provides
for the installation of suitable child restraints in cer-
tain seating positions without using the seat belt pro-
vided for that seating position. The second seat in
these models are equipped with a fixed-position child
restraint upper tether anchor (Fig. 7) and child
restraint lower anchors (Fig. 8). The third seat is
equipped with only a fixed-position child restraint
upper tether anchor in the middle seating position.
Export vehicles are equipped with fixed-position child
restraint upper tether anchors only.
Fig. 6 BELT TENSION SENSOR LOCATION
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - SEAT BELT ANCHOR/BELT TENSION SENSOR
3 - BELT TENSION SENSOR CONNECTOR
Fig. 7 CHILD RESTRAINT UPPER TETHER/ANCHOR
- 2ND ROW
Fig. 8 CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORS
SECOND ROW
RSRESTRAINTS8O-9
BELT TENSION SENSOR (Continued)

The second row seats have lower anchors for each
rear outboard seating position (Fig. 8). These anchors
are welded to the seat cushion frame. They are each
accessed from the front of their respective seats, at
each side where the seat back meets the seat cush-
ion. These lower anchors cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the seat must be
replaced as a unit.
WARNING: During, and following, any child restraint
anchor service, due to impact event or vehicle
repair, carefully inspect all mounting hardware,
tether straps and anchors for proper installation,
operation, or damage. If a child restraint anchor is
found damaged in any way, the anchor must be
replaced with the seat assembly. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or death.
REAR SEAT DELETE
If the vehicle is ordered without rear seats (rear
seat delete), then there will be a tether strap
included. This is to be looped under the second seat
anchor and then extended forward (Fig. 9) to clip to
the tether strap of the child seat in the front passen-
ger seat (Fig. 10). There will be no lower anchor
loops for child seat anchoring in the front passenger
seat. Use the seat belt for lower child seat attach-
ment in this instance.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of all of the fac-
tory-installed child restraint anchors.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column
behind the steering wheel. It is used to maintain a
continuous electrical circuit between the wiring har-
ness and the drivers airbag.
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the upper steering column
housing near the top of the steering column behind
the steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat,
round molded plastic case with a stubby tail that
hangs below the steering column. The tail contains
two connectors that face toward the instrument
panel. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded
plastic rotor with a large exposed hub and several
plastic rollers.
A rubber bumper block is located on each side of
the tower formation that contains the connector
receptacle and pigtail wires on the upper surface of
the rotor hub. The lower surface of the rotor hub has
a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with a single
lobe that is integral to the rotor. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacles that face the instrument panel,
while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pig-
tail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Fig. 9 TETHER STRAP PLACEMENT - REAR SEAT
DELETE
Fig. 10 TETHER STRAP INSTALLED- REAR SEAT
DELETE
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSRS
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic shield that snaps
onto the rotor over the release button. The release
button secures the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case and the shield prevents the release
button from being inadvertently depressed during
shipment and handling, but the shield must be
removed from the clockspring after it is installed on
the steering column (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. The rotating
electrical components include the driver airbag, the
horn switch, the speed control switches, and the
remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so equipped.
The clockspring case is positioned and secured to the
upper steering column housing near the top of the
steering column. The connector receptacles on the
tail of the clockspring case connect the clockspring to
the vehicle electrical system through two connectors
from the instrument panel wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
the tower formation that is molded onto the upper
surface of the rotor hub to an opening that is cast
into the steering wheel armature. Rubber bumper
blocks on either side of the clockspring tower forma-
tion eliminate contact noise between the clockspring
tower and the steering wheel. The lobe of the turn
signal cancel cam on the lower surface of the clock-
spring rotor hub contacts a turn signal cancel actua-
tor of the multi-function switch to provide automatic
turn signal cancellation. The yellow or black-sleeved
pigtail wires on the upper surface of the clockspring
rotor connect the clockspring to the driver airbag,
while a steering wheel wire harness connects the
connector receptacle on the upper surface of the
clockspring rotor to the horn switch and, if the vehi-
cle is so equipped, to the optional speed control
switches and remote radio switches on the steering
wheel.
The clockspring tape has travel limits and can be
damaged by being wound too tightly during full stop-
to-stop steering wheel rotation. To prevent this from
occurring, the clockspring is centered when it is
installed on the steering column. Centering the clock-
spring indexes the clockspring tape to the movable
steering components so that the tape can operatewithin its designed travel limits. However, if the
clockspring is removed from the steering column or if
the steering shaft is disconnected from the steering
gear, the clockspring spool can change position rela-
tive to the movable steering components and must be
re-centered following completion of the service or the
tape may be damaged (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a plastic shield installed over the
clockspring release button. This shield should not be
removed and the release button should not be
depressed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is
depressed before the clockspring is installed on a
steering column, the clockspring centering procedure
must be performed (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
If the rotating tape (wire coil) in the clockspring is
not positioned properly with the steering wheel and
the front wheels, the clockspring may fail. The fol-
lowing procedure MUST BE USED to center the
clockspring if it is not known to be properly posi-
tioned, or if the front wheels were moved from the
straight ahead position.
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Wait two minutes for the system reserve capac-
itor to discharge before beginning any airbag compo-
nent service.
(5) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(7) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness (if equipped).
(8) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control (if equipped)/horn harness to the
clockspring.
(9) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(10) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise until
the rotor stops. Do not apply excessive force.
(11) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two
turns counterclockwise until the wires end up at the
top.
RSRESTRAINTS8O-11
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

(12) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(14) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness.
(15) Install the driver airbag (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION). Torque the two screws to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Personal injury or
death may result if the system test is not performed
properly.
REMOVAL
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4)
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system
reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning
any airbag system or component service. Failure to
do so may result in accidental airbag deployment,
personal injury or death.
(5) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(7) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(8) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(9) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove steering column shrouds and discon-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL).
(11) Disconnect 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(12) Remove clockspring from column assembly by
removing the two retaining screws that attach the
clock spring to the column.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the clockspring on the column.
(2) Connect the 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(3) Install the steering column shrouds and con-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(6) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness (if equipped).
(7) Install the driver airbag (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION). Torque the two screws to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Curtain Airbags (Fig. 11) are available when it is
also equipped with dual front airbags. These airbags
are passive and inflatable, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) components, and vehicles with this
equipment can be readily identified by a molded
identification trim button with the ªSRS - AIRBAGº
logo (Fig. 12) located on the B-pillar and C-pillar
upper trim panels. This system is designed to reduce
injuries to the vehicle occupants in the event of a
side impact collision.
Curtain airbags have two individually controlled
curtain airbag units. These airbag units are con-
cealed and mounted above the headliner where they
are each secured to one of the roof side rails (Fig.
13). Each airbag cushion is contained within a fabric
wrap that extends along the roof rail from the A-pil-
lar at the front of the vehicle to just behind the
D-pillar at the rear of the vehicle. One tether extends
down the A-pillar from the front of the airbag cush-
ion, and a second tether extends to the roof rail at
the D-pillar. The end of the A-pillar tether is secured
to a slot in the sheet metal with a metal hook
retained by a bolt. The D-pillar tether is attached to
the d-pillar.
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSRS
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

The hybrid-type inflator for each airbag is secured
to the roof rail just behind the C-pillar. The inflator
bracket and the airbag cushion are secured with both
plastic push-in fasteners and screws to the roof rail.
A short pigtail wire harness connects the curtain air-
bag inflator to the body wire harness.
The curtain airbag cannot be adjusted or repaired
and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or in any
way damaged. Once a curtain airbag has been
deployed, the complete airbag unit (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - SERVICE AFTER AN AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT), headliner, upper A/B/C and D-pillar trim,
and all other visibly damaged components must be
replaced (Refer to Section 23 - BODY/INTERIOR for
complete body interior Removal and Installation pro-
cedures). Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion for complete diagnosis and testing or the curtain
airbags.The curtain airbags also contain Head Impact
Counter Measures (Fig. 14). These injection molded
plastic components help to reduce the likelihood of
injury or death in the event of a side impact event.
They are attached to the curtain airbag and are also
used to mount the curtain to the inside roof rail.
Their purpose is to maintain a flat surface in which
the deployed airbag to be pressed against when inte-
rior occupants/forces are pushing outwards.
OPERATION
Each curtain airbag is deployed individually by an
electrical signal generated by the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) to which it is connected through
left or right curtain airbag line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly for
each airbag contains a small canister of highly com-
pressed inert gas. When the ORC sends the proper
electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical
energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical pellets
within the inflator. Once ignited, these chemicals
burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to
rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister.
The inflator and inert gas canister are sealed and
connected to a tubular manifold so that all of the
released gas is directed into the folded curtain airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
Fig. 11 CURTAIN AIRBAG
Fig. 12 SRS LOGO
RSRESTRAINTS8O-13
CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)

(3) Remove the headliner from the vehicle (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER -
REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the curtain airbag squib connector
(Fig. 15).
(5) Remove the bolt from the curtain airbag front
tether and unclip from the A-pillar (Fig. 16).(6) Remove the screws that secure the curtain air-
bag to the spring nuts in the roof side rail (Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the bolt from the curtain airbag infla-
tor mounting bracket (Fig. 18).
(8) Remove the bolts retaining the curtain airbag
to the roof rail in the d-pillar area (Fig. 19).
(9) Grasp the curtain airbag, using a trim stick
(special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, gently pry out on
push fasteners to disengage the curtain airbag and
remove it from its mounting location in the side roof
rail (Fig. 17).
(10) Remove the curtain airbag from the vehicle as
a unit.
Fig. 15 CURTAIN AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTION
1 - CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR
2 - CURTAIN AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR
3 - C-PILLAR
Fig. 16 CURTAIN AIRBAG FRONT TETHER
ATTACHMENT
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - CURTAIN AIRBAG PUSH FASTENER
3 - CURTAIN AIRBAG FRONT TETHER
4 - CURTAIN AIRBAG FRONT TETHER ATTACHMENT HOOK/
BOLT
Fig. 17 CURTAIN AIRBAG REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - CURTAIN AIRBAG ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS
2 - SLIDING DOOR OPENING/ROOF RAIL
3 - CURTAIN AIRBAG
Fig. 18 CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MOUNTING
BRACKET ATTACHMENT
1 - CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MOUNTING BRACKET
2 - CURTAIN AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR
3 - C-PILLAR
RSRESTRAINTS8O-15
CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position curtain airbag over retaining holes in
roof rail and firmly snap into place (Fig. 17).
(2) Install the curtain airbag retaining bolts (Fig.
17).
(3) Engage the side curtain airbag front tether in
the A-pillar and install retaining bolt (Fig. 16).
(4) Install the bolt in the curtain airbag inflator
mounting bracket (Fig. 18).
(5) Install the retaining bolts at the d-pillar (Fig.
19).
(6) Connect the curtain airbag squib connector
(Fig. 15).
(7) Install the headliner into the vehicle (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(8) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(9) Close hood.
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The injection molded, thermoplastic driver airbag
protective trim cover is the most visible part of the
driver airbag. The driver airbag is located in the cen-
ter of the steering wheel, where it is secured to the
steering wheel armature. Concealed beneath the
driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, thefolded airbag cushion, the airbag cushion retainer,
the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the
retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag hous-
ing. The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are
secured within an integral receptacle molded into the
back of the trim cover.
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is
secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the
driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and
the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground
pigtail wire has a female spade terminal connector
that receives a path to ground through a male spade
terminal that is integral to the driver airbag housing
stamping and is located near the upper right corner
on the back of the housing. The horn switch feed pig-
tail wire has a white, molded plastic insulator that is
secured by an integral retainer to a mounting hole
located near the lower left corner on the back of the
housing, and is connected to the vehicle electrical
system through a take out and connector of the steer-
ing wheel wire harness.
The airbag is a multistage unit that deploys with
less force than those previously used. The airbag
inflator is a dual-initiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-
type unit with four mounting studs and is secured to
the stamped metal airbag housing using four hex
nuts with washers. Two keyed and color-coded con-
nector receptacles on the driver airbag inflator con-
nect the two inflator initiators to the vehicle
electrical system through two yellow or black-jack-
eted, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
The driver airbag, trim cover, and horn switch unit
cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed
or in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The Driver Airbag Trim Cover contains the horn
switch, inflator device, and a fabric bag. The driver
airbag trim cover/horn switch is not serviced sepa-
rately from the driver airbag components.
When the front airbag system is deployed, the fol-
lowingMUSTbe replaced:
²Complete Steering Column Assembly
²Lower Steering Column Coupler
²Steering Wheel.
²Clockspring.
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Knee Blocker Airbag
²Upper Instrument Panel with Pad
²Front Seat Belt Buckles, both driver and passen-
ger with integral tensioners.
Fig. 19 CURTAIN AIRBAG D-PILLAR ATTACHMENT
1 - CURTAIN AIRBAG D-PILLAR ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS
2 - D-PILLAR
3 - ROOF RAIL AT REAR QUARTER GLASS
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSRS
CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)

INSTALLATION
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Perform clean up procedure (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- SERVICE AFTER AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT).
(2) Install a new steering column assembly and
lower steering column coupler (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the new clockspring.
(4) Connect the 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(5) Install the steering column shrouds and con-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(8) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness.
(9) Install the driver airbag and the two screws
retaining the airbag. Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90
in. lbs.)
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Connect the harness connector on the driver
airbag trim cover (horn, speed controls) to the clock-
spring.
(2) Connect the squib connectors to the driver air-
bag.
(3) Position the driver airbag into the steering
wheel.
(4) Install the two screws retaining the airbag.
Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.)
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS
There are two front impact sensors (Fig. 21), one
on the left, and one on the right front sides of the
vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from
the impact sensor that is internal to the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC). The right and left front
and side impact sensors are identical in construction
and calibration and each front impact sensor is
secured with two screws. The front impact sensors
are secured with two screws to the outboard sides of
the right and left front rail tips.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor and two mounting ears, each with a metal sleeve
to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of
the molded black plastic impact sensor housing con-
tains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which
includes an electronic communication chip and an
electronic impact sensor. Potting material fills the
cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic cir-
cuitry and components. The front impact sensors are
each connected to the vehicle electrical system
through the headlamp to dash wire harness.
The front impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced. If a front impact sensor is faulty, only the
sensor needs to be replaced. If the sensor is damaged
or faulty, or if proper tightening torque of the screws
that secure the sensor to the bracket cannot be
achieved, the sensor and bracket must be replaced.
Refer to the proper body diagnostic information for
diagnosis and testing.
Fig. 21 FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSRS
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

SIDE IMPACT SENSORS
Three side impact sensors (Fig. 22) are used on
each side of the vehicle. These sensors are mounted
remotely from the bi-directional safing sensor that is
internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
The side and front impact sensors are identical in
construction and calibration and each impact sensor
is secured with two screws. Each side impact sensor
is secured with two screws. The first row side impact
sensor is located in the B-pillar, just above the front
seat belt retractor (Fig. 23). The second row side
impact sensor is located in the sliding door opening,in the lower door track area (Fig. 23). The third row
side impact sensor is located behind the quarter trim
panel, above the rear tire wheel well, between the C
and D-pillars (Fig. 23).
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor. A cavity in the center of the molded black plastic
impact sensor housing contains the electronic cir-
cuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic com-
munication chip and an electronic impact sensor.
Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. The
side impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle
electrical system through a connector of the body
harness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted. If damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced. Refer to the proper body diagnostic infor-
mation for diagnosis and testing.
REMOVAL
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
The right and left front impact sensors are
mounted identically on the front rail tips.
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the battery
negative cable.
(2)
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system
reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning
any airbag system or component service. Failure to
do so may result in accidental airbag deployment,
personal injury or death.
Fig. 23 SIDE IMPACT SENSOR LOCATION
1 - FRONT ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR 3 - THIRD ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
2 - SECOND ROW SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
Fig. 22 SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
RSRESTRAINTS8O-19
IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(5) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(6) Close hood.
SLIDING DOOR OPENING MOUNTED
(1) Connect electrical connector (Fig. 27).
(2) Position sensor in vehicle (Fig. 27).
(3) Install the two retaining screws to the impact
sensor (Fig. 27). Torque screws to 7 N´m (62 in. lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(4) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(5) Close hood.
QUARTER PANEL MOUNTED
(1) Position sensor in vehicle (Fig. 28).
(2) Connect electrical connector (Fig. 28).
(3) Install the two retaining screws to the impact
sensor (Fig. 28). Torque screws to 7 N´m (62 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the quarter trim panel for the side of
the vehicle that you are replacing the side impact
sensor (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(5) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(6) Close hood.
KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The Knee Blocker Airbag (Fig. 29) is located on the
driver side of the vehicle beneath the instrument
panel under steering column cover (Fig. 30).
The knee blocker airbag includes one reaction plate
and one load plate, within which the cushion and
inflator are mounted and sealed. Following a knee
blocker airbag deployment, the knee blocker airbag
and instrument panel assembly must be replaced.
Refer to the proper diagnostic information for diagno-
sis and testing.
OPERATION
The knee blocker airbag is equipped with a single
inflator. When the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) sends the proper electrical signals to the initi-
ator, the electrical energy generates enough heat to
initiate a small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn
ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once
ignited, these chemical pellets burn rapidly and pro-
duce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is
sealed to the back of the airbag housing and a dif-
fuser in the inflator directs all of the inert gas into
the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As
the cushion inflates, the knee blocker airbag trim
deploy. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag
cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas
towards the instrument panel through vent holes
within the fabric used to construct the back panel of
the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, the poten-
tially hazardous chemicals are burned during an air-
bag deployment event.
WARNING: The inert gas that is produced when the
chemicals are burned is harmless. However, a small
amount of residue from the burned chemicals may
cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the
skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin or eye irri-
tation is noted, rinse the affected area with plenty
of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are irri-
tated, move to another area where there is plenty of
clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not alle-
viated by these actions, contact a physician.
Fig. 29 KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSRS
IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)