service MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

straight out from the inflator to disconnect it from
the receptacle.
(7) Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door
from the instrument panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the passenger airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the passenger airbag cushion
and the passenger airbag door. Failure to observe
this warning could result in occupant injuries upon
airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, the
passenger airbag door must never be painted.
Replacement passenger airbags are serviced with
doors in the original colors. Paint may change the
way in which the material of the airbag door
responds to an airbag deployment. Failure to
observe this warning could result in occupant inju-
ries upon airbag deployment.
(1) Carefully position the passenger airbag and
airbag door unit to the instrument panel (Fig. 29).
(2) When installing the passenger airbag, recon-
nect the vehicle wire harness connector to the airbag
inflator connector receptacle by pressing straight in
on the connector. You can be certain that the connec-tor is fully engaged by listening carefully for a dis-
tinct, audible click as the connector snaps into place.
(3) Push the passenger airbag unit forward far
enough to engage the lower edge of the airbag door
with the two lower clips in the instrument panel.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the flange of the passenger airbag housing to the
bracket on the instrument panel structural support.
Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the passenger airbag door upper clips to the instru-
ment panel base trim. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the instrument panel top cover tray
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER - TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(7) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
PASSENGER AIRBAG
BRACKET
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag bracket to the instrument panel structural
support (Fig. 30).
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 27

(3) Remove the passenger airbag bracket from the
instrument panel structural support.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Position the passenger airbag bracket onto the
instrument panel structural support (Fig. 30).
(2) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the passenger airbag bracket to the instrument panel
structural support. Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (89
in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the passenger airbag into the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
REAR SEAT BELT & RETRAC-
TOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Remove the rear bench seat containing the rear
seat belt and retractor unit to be serviced from the
vehicle.
(2) Lift the seat belt webbing to access and remove
the plastic push pin fastener that secures the rear
seat belt turning loop trim cover to the turning loop
bracket at the top of the seat back (Fig. 31).
(3) Remove the turning loop trim cover from the
turning loop bracket.
(4) Remove the push nut at the back of the turn-
ing loop bracket that secures the pin on which the
two turning loops pivot (Fig. 32).
Fig. 30 Passenger Airbag Bracket Remove/Install
1 - BRACKET
2 - STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
3 - SCREW (4)
Fig. 31 Turning Loop Trim Cover
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - SEAT BELT
3 - RETAINER
4 - REAR SEAT BACK
8O - 28 RESTRAINTSVA

INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Position the rear seat belt and retractor unit
onto the bracket of the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
35). Be certain to engage the guide on the retractor
into the locating notch on the bracket.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear seat belt retractor to the bracket on the rear
seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26
ft. lbs.).
(3) Route the rear seat belt and lower anchor
through the turning loop bracket and the turning
loop trim cover.
(4) Position the rear seat belt lower anchor to the
rear seat cushion frame (Fig. 33) or (Fig. 34).
(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear seat belt lower anchor to the rear seat cushion
frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(6) For a left outboard seating position only, rein-
stall the plastic cover onto the screw that secures the
rear seat belt lower anchor to the left outboard side
of the seat frame.
(7) Position the two seat belt turning loops to the
turning loop bracket so that one turning loop is
located behind the bracket and one is located in front
of the bracket (Fig. 32).
(8) From the front of the turning loop bracket,
insert the pin through both turning loops and the
bracket, then secure it from behind the bracket with
a new push nut.
(9) Position the turning loop trim cover over the
turning loop bracket.
(10) Lift the seat belt webbing to access and install
the plastic push pin fastener that secures the rear
seat belt turning loop trim cover to the turning loop
bracket at the top of the seat back (Fig. 31).
(11) Reinstall the plastic shield onto the back of
the rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR
SEAT BACK SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(12) Reinstall the rear bench seat into the vehicle.
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - INBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Remove the rear bench seat containing the
inboard rear seat belt buckle unit to be serviced from
the vehicle.
(2) Remove the plastic shield from the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures either the
inboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cushion
frame (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove the inboard rear seat belt buckle from
the rear seat cushion frame.
Fig. 36 Inboard Rear Seat Belt Buckle
1 - REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME
2 - INBOARD REAR SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR
3 - SCREW
4 - INBOARD REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
8O - 30 RESTRAINTSVA

REMOVAL - OUTBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Unsnap and remove the plastic cover from the
screw that secures the outboard rear seat belt buckle
to the right side of the seat cushion frame (Fig.
37).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the outboard
rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cushion frame.
(3) Remove the outboard rear seat belt buckle from
the right side of the rear seat cushion frame.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - INBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Position the inboard rear seat belt buckle to
the rear seat cushion frame (Fig. 36).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures
either the inboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear
seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26
ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the plastic shield onto the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reinstall the rear bench seat into the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - OUTBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Position the rear seat belt buckle to the right
outboard side of the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
37).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
outboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cush-
ion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the plastic cover onto the screw that
secures the rear seat belt buckle to the right out-
board side of the rear seat cushion frame.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch is a small, normally closed,
single pole, single throw, leaf contact, momentary
switch. Only one seat belt switch is installed in the
vehicle, and it is integral to the driver side front seat
belt buckle unit. The seat belt switch is connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a two-wire pig-
tail wire harness and connector to a dedicated take
Fig. 37 Outboard Rear Seat Belt Buckle
1 - REAR SEAT BACK TRIM
2 - REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
3 - REAR SEAT CUSHION TRIM
4 - SCREW & COVER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 31

deployment. A growling or grinding sound while
attempting to operate the seat belt retractor is a sure
indication that the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed and requires replacement. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioners are deployed in conjunc-
tion with the airbags by a signal generated by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the driver and
passenger seat belt tensioner line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits (Fig. 39). When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal to the tensioners, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic gas generator. The gas generator is
installed so that it directs its expelled gas at the
underside of the piston in the cylinder. The piston is
connected to a cable that is wound around a pulley
on one end of the retractor spool. As the gas expands,
it propels the piston through the tube, which pulls
the cable and rotates the retractor spool to take up
slack in the seat belt webbing.
Once a seat belt tensioning sequence has been
completed, the forward momentum of the occupantresults in deformation of the torsion bar. Removing
excess slack from the front seat belts not only keeps
the occupants properly positioned for an airbag
deployment following a frontal impact of the vehicle,
but also helps to reduce injuries that the occupant
might otherwise experience in a frontal impact event
as a result of harmful contact with the steering
wheel, steering column, instrument panel and/or
windshield. The torsion bar is designed to deform in
order to control the loads being applied to the occu-
pant by the seat belt during a frontal impact, further
reducing the potential for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance. The ACM will
illuminate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt ten-
sioners, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
ADJUSTER
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the B-pillar trim.
Fig. 39 Seat Belt Tensioner Operation
1 - TUBE
2 - PISTON
3 - CABLE
4 - CYLINDER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 33

(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the trim panel from the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
TRIM - REMOVAL).
(4) Pull the height adjuster trim away from the
upper B-pillar to disengage the driver from the lug of
the height adjuster (Fig. 40).
(5) Remove the nut that secures the front seat belt
turning loop to the height adjuster (Fig. 41).(6) Remove the front seat belt turning loop from
the height adjuster.
(7) Remove the two screws that secure the seat
belt turning loop height adjuster to the upper inner
B-pillar (Fig. 42).
Fig. 40 Turning Loop Height Adjuster
1 - HEIGHT ADJUSTER TRIM
2 - LUG
3 - HEIGHT ADJUSTER
4 - DRIVER
Fig. 41 Front Seat Belt Turning Loop
1 - HEIGHT ADJUSTER
2 - NUT
3 - FRONT SEAT BELT
Fig. 42 Seat Belt Turning Loop Adjuster Remove/
Install
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - ADJUSTER
3 - B-PILLAR
8O - 34 RESTRAINTSVA

(8) Remove the seat belt turning loop height
adjuster from the inner B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Position the seat belt turning loop height
adjuster onto the inner B-pillar (Fig. 42).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the seat belt turning loop height adjuster to the
upper inner B-pillar. Tighten the screws to 35 N´m
(26 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the front seat belt turning loop onto
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar (Fig. 41).
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
front seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
Tighten the nut to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position the height adjuster trim to the upper
B-pillar so that the driver on the back of the trim
engages the lug of the height adjuster (Fig. 40).
(6) Reinstall the trim panel onto the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Optional side curtain airbags are available for this
model when it is also equipped with dual front air-
bags. These airbags are passive, inflatable, Supple-
mental Restraint System (SRS) components (Fig. 43).
This system is designed to reduce injuries to the
vehicle occupants in the event of a side impact colli-
sion.
Vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags have
two individually controlled curtain airbag units.
These airbag units are concealed and mounted above
the front door openings where they are each secured
to one of the roof side rails. Each folded airbag cush-
ion is contained within a channel in the molded plas-
tic garnish molding that extends along the roof rail
from the A-pillar at the front of the vehicle to just
behind the B-pillar. A tether extends down the A-pil-
lar from the front of the airbag cushion, where it is
secured to the base of the pillar near the belt line
with a screw.
The hybrid-type inflator for each airbag is con-
nected to the airbag cushion by a tubular manifold.
The inflator bracket and the airbag cushion channel
are located with a stamped metal lug to a bore in the
roof rail, then secured with screws at the A-pillar in
the front and the B-pillar in the rear. A two-wire pig-
tail wire is routed from the airbag inflator down the
B-pillar where it connects the unit to a take out of
the vehicle body wire harness with a keyed and
latched connector insulator.
The side curtain airbag unit cannot be adjusted or
repaired and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
Fig. 43 Side Curtain Airbag
1 - GRAB HANDLE
2 - B-PILLAR TRIM
3 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 35

in any way damaged. Once a side curtain airbag has
been deployed, the complete airbag unit and all other
visibly damaged components must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each side curtain airbag is deployed individually
by an electrical signal generated by the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM) 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 ACM 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 side curtain
airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates it will split the gar-
nish molding at a predetermined breakout line and
drop down from the roof rail along the side glass and
body pillars to form a curtain-like cushion to protect
the vehicle occupants during a side impact collision.
The front tether keeps the front portion of the side
curtain bag taut, thus ensuring that the bag will
deploy in the proper position. Following the airbag
deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the
cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion hangs down
loosely from the roof rail.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to dischargebefore performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye
protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be
worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and
other interior surfaces. In large doses, these depos-
its may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the side curtain airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the side curtain airbag cushion
and the roof rail garnish molding. Failure to
observe this warning could result in occupant inju-
ries upon airbag deployment.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the pinch welt from the front door
opening of the vehicle as needed to access the side
curtain airbag (Fig. 44).
(3) Remove the trim from the inside of the B-pillar.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the grab handle from the headliner.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/ASSIST HANDLE -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 44 Pinch Welt
1 - GRAB HANDLE
2 - B-PILLAR TRIM
3 - PINCH WELT
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSVA

INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye
protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be
worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and
other interior surfaces. In large doses, these depos-
its may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the side curtain airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the side curtain airbag cushion
and the roof rail garnish molding. Failure to
observe this warning could result in occupant inju-
ries upon airbag deployment.
(1) Position the side curtain airbag into the vehicle
as a unit.
(2) Engage the lug that secures the side curtain
airbag bracket into the bore in the roof side rail (Fig.
50).
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear of the side curtain airbag to the B-pillar (Fig.
48). Tighten the screw to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front of the side curtain airbag to the A-pillar.
Tighten the screw to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
side curtain airbag front tether retainer to the base
of the A-pillar near the belt line (Fig. 47). Tighten
the screw to 5 N´m (44 in. lbs.).
(6) Install a new tie wrap to secure the side cur-
tain airbag pigtail wire to the inside of the B-pillar
(Fig. 46).
(7) Reconnect the pigtail wire connector for the
side curtain airbag to the vehicle wire harness con-
nector on the B-pillar. Be certain the connector is
fully engaged and latched.
(8) Reinstall the trim onto the A-pillar that con-
ceals the side curtain airbag front tether (Fig. 45).
Fig. 49 Side Curtain Airbag Remove
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
Fig. 50 Side Curtain Airbag Install
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - BORE
3 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG BRACKET
4 - LUG
8O - 38 RESTRAINTSVA

(9) Reinstall the grab handle onto the headliner.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/ASSIST HANDLE -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the trim onto the inside of the B-pil-
lar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM
- INSTALLATION).
(11) Reinstall the pinch welt to the front door
opening (Fig. 44).
(12) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain
airbags, two side impact sensors are used, one each
for the left and right sides of the vehicle (Fig. 51).
These sensors are mounted remotely from the bi-di-
rectional safing sensor that is internal to the Airbag
Control Module (ACM). The side impact sensors are
each secured with two screws to the forward vertical
surface of the right and left front door step wells and
concealed behind the step well trim paneling within
the passenger compartment.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connec-
tor receptacle and two integral mounting flanges, one
at the top and one at the bottom. An arrow on the
sensor housing provides a visual verification of the
proper orientation of the unit, and should always bepointed toward the outboard side of the vehicle. A
cavity in the center of the molded plastic impact sen-
sor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the
sensor, which includes an electronic communication
chip and an electronic impact sensor. Potting mate-
rial 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 dedicated take out and connector of
the vehicle wire harness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The side impact sensors are electronic accelerome-
ters that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which
provides verification of the direction and severity of
an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic
communication chip that allows the unit to commu-
nicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault infor-
mation to the microprocessor in the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). The ACM microprocessor continu-
ously monitors all of the passive restraint system
electrical circuits to determine the system readiness.
If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the
airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current
and ground through dedicated left and right sensor
plus and minus circuits from the ACM. The impact
sensors and the ACM communicate by modulating
the voltage in the sensor plus circuit. The hard wired
circuits between the side impact sensors and the
ACM may be diagnosed and tested using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, con-
ventional diagnostic methods will not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM or the impact
sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the impact sensors, the ACM, and
the electronic message communication between the
sensors and the ACM requires the use of a diagnostic
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Fig. 51 Side Impact Sensor
1 - MOUNTING FLANGE (2)
2 - IMPACT SENSOR
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 39