JEEP LIBERTY 2009 KK / 2.G Repair Manual

The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON position. These include all of the
items listed above except the Passenger Airbag Disable
(PAD) Indicator Light, the instrument panel, and the
steering wheel and column. If the key is in the LOCK
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and they will not inflate.
•The ORC also turns on the “Airbag Warning
Light” and “PAD Indicator Light” for six to
eight seconds as a self-check when the igni-
tion is first turned ON. After the self-check,
the “Airbag Warning Light” will turn off. The “PAD
Indicator Light” will function normally (refer to infor-
mation on Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator
Light in this section). If the ORC detects a malfunction
in any part of the system, it turns on the “Airbag Warning Light” either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound if the light comes on again
after initial startup.
WARNING!
Ignoring the “Airbag Warning Light” in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.
•The
Occupant Classification System (OCS) is part of
a Federally regulated safety system required for this
vehicle. It is designed to turn off the front passenger
airbag for an empty seat and for occupants classified
in a category other than that of an adult. This could be
a child, teenager, or even a small size adult.
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NOTE:Children 12 years and younger should always
ride buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child
restraint.
•The Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(an amber light located in the center of the instrument
panel) tells the driver and front passenger when the
front passenger airbag is turned off. The “PAD Indi-
cator Light” illuminates the words PASS AIR BAG
OFF to show that the passenger airbag will not inflate
during a collision requiring airbags. When the front
passenger seat is empty or when very light objects are
placed on the seat, the passenger airbag will not inflate
even though the “PAD Indicator Light” is not illumi-
nated.
Indicator Light Location
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The “PAD Indicator Light” should not be illuminated
when an adult passenger is properly seated in the
front passenger seat. In this case, the airbag is ready to
be inflated if a collision requiring an airbag occurs. For
all other occupants, the “PAD Indicator Light” will be
illuminated indicating that the front passenger airbag
is turned off and it will not inflate. If the “PAD
Indicator Light” is not illuminated,DO NOTassume
the airbag is turned off and move the child restraint to
the rear seat. A deploying passenger airbag can cause
death or serious injury to a child in a rear facing infant
seat.
NOTE: Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
Occupant Classification System, children 12 years and
younger should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in
an appropriate child restraint.
Front Passenger Seat Occupant Passenger Air-
bag Disable
(PAD) Indicator Light Airbag Status
Adult OFF ON
Grocery Bags, Heavy Brief-
cases, and Other Relatively Light Objects ON OFF
Empty or Very Small Objects OFF* OFF
* Since the system senses weight, some small objects will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.
The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any
weight on the seat will be sensed by the system. Objects
hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down
on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult
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will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case,
the OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an
adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position
(with their feet on or near the floor) in order to be
properly classified. Reclining the seat back too far may
change how an occupant is classified by the OCS.
Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the
“PAD Indicator Light” is not illuminated when an adult
is riding in the front passenger seat. If an adult occu-
pant’s weight is transferred to another part of the vehicle
(like the door or instrument panel), the weight sensors in
the seat may not properly classify the occupant. Objects
lodged under the seat or between the seat and the center
console can prevent the occupant’s weight from being
measured properly and may result in the occupant being
improperly classified. Ensure that the front passenger
seatback does not touch anything placed on the back seatbecause this can also affect occupant classification. Also,
if you fold down the rear seat check to be sure it doesn’t
touch the front passenger seat.
If the front passenger seat is damaged in any way, it
should only be serviced by an authorized dealer. If the
seat is removed (or even if the seat attachment bolts are
loosened or tightened in any way), take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer.
If there is a fault present in the OCS, the “Airbag Warning
Light” (a red light located in the center of the instrument
cluster directly in front of the driver) will be turned on.
This indicates that you should take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer. The “Airbag Warning Light” is turned
on whenever there is a fault that can affect the operation
of the airbag system. If there is a fault present in the OCS,
both the “PAD Indicator Light” and the “Airbag Warning
Light” are illuminated to show that the passenger airbag
is turned off until the fault is cleared. If an object is
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lodged under the seat and interferes with operation of
the weight sensors, a fault will occur which turns on both
the “PAD Indicator Light” and the “Airbag Warning
Light.” Once the lodged object is removed, the fault will
be automatically cleared after a short period of time.
•TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the
passenger side of the instrument panel. When the ORC
detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the
inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is
generated to inflate the front airbags. Different airbag
inflation rates are possible, based on collision severity
and occupant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover
and the upper passenger side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way, as the bags inflate to
their full size. The bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70
milliseconds. This is about half of the time that it takes
to blink your eyes. The bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented through the vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger’s front
airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides
of the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.•The
Occupant Classification Module (OCM) is lo-
cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into categories based on the
measurements made by the seat weight sensors. The
OCM communicates with the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC). The ORC uses the occupant category to
determine whether the front passenger airbag should
be turned off. It also determines the rate of airbag
inflation during a collision.
•Your vehicle has four Weight Sensorslocated between
the seat and the floor pan. The weight sensors measure
applied weight and transfers that information to the
OCM.
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•TheSide Impact SRS Side Curtain Airbags are de-
signed to activate only in certain side collisions and
rollover events. When the ORC detects a collision
requiring the side curtain airbag to inflate, it signals
the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle or both
sides of the vehicle for a rollover event. A quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain
airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it
takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure
you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the side curtain
airbag inflates. This especially applies to children. The
side curtain airbag is only about 3
12in (9 cm) thick
when it is inflated. The front passenger seat assembly contains critical com-
ponents that affect the front passenger airbag deploy-
ment. Correctly functioning front passenger seat compo-
nents are critical for the Occupant Classification System
(OCS) to properly classify the front passenger and calcu-
late the proper airbag deployment. Do not make any
modifications to the front passenger seat components or
assembly.
The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:
•Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way.
•At no time should any Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fas-
tener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by Chrysler LLC/Mopar.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly or its related com-
ponents may inadvertently change the airbag deploy-
ment in case of a frontal crash. This could result in
death or serious injury to the front seat passenger if
the vehicle is involved in an accident. A modified
vehicle may not comply with required Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
If a Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) detects a moderate-
to-severe collision, to help restrain the driver and front
passenger, and then to immediately deflate.
NOTE:A collision that is not severe enough to need
airbag protection will not activate the system. This does
not mean something is wrong with the airbag system. If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
•As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for
airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate
the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye
irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or
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throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in-
structions for cleaning.
•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags,
seat belt pretensioner, and seat belt retractor assem-
bly replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Also, have the Occupant Classification Sys-
tem serviced as well.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
NOTE: The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
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Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper passenger side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper or vehicle body
structure.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your ad-
vanced airbag system. The airbag may inflate
accidentally or may not function properly if modi-
fications are made. Take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer for any advanced airbag system ser-
vice. If your seat including your trim cover and
cushion needs to be serviced in any way (includ-
ing removal or loosening/tightening of seat attach-
ment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accesso-
ries may be used. If it is necessary to modify an
advanced airbag system for persons with disabili-
ties, contact your authorized dealer.(Continued)
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WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not place or hang any items such as add-on
video players on the front passenger seatback. The
additional weight may cause the Occupant Classi-
fication System to be unable to classify the front
seat passenger correctly. This could allow the
passenger frontal airbag to inflate when it is not
desired.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free. If any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on or flickers
during the six to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
•The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight
second interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
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