Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair
RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM)
Removal
WARNING: If a vehicle has been in a crash, inspect the restraints control module (RCM) and the impact sensor (if equipped) mounting areas for deformation. If damaged, restore the mounting areas to the original production configuration. A new RCM and sensors must be installed whether or not the air bags have deployed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in a crash.
CAUTION:
- Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), it is necessary to carry out programmable module installation (PMI). Failure to follow this instruction may result in system failure. Programming and Relearning
NOTE:
- When installing a new restraints control module (RCM), always make sure the correct RCM is being installed. If an incorrect RCM is installed, erroneous DTCs will result.
- The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
1. If installing a new RCM, carry out the steps necessary to prepare for programmable module installation (PMI).
2. Depower the SRS.
3. Remove the floor console.
4. Disconnect the selector lever cable from the ball stud located on the shifter and remove the cable from the retaining clips.
5. Remove the 4 bolts (2 each side) from the inner floor console support.
6. Remove the bolts from the inner floor console support-to-instrument panel.
7. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the front inner floor console support.
8. Remove the inner floor console support.
9. Press to release the locking tab and disconnect the small RCM electrical connector.
10. Disconnect the large RCM electrical connector.
1. Pinch the thumb tab and pivot the connector position assurance lever all the way back until it stops.
2. Pull out and disconnect the RCM electrical connector.
11. Remove the 3 bolts and RCM.
Installation
1. WARNING: Always tighten the fasteners of the restraints control module (RCM) and impact sensor (if equipped) to the specified torque. Failure to do so may result in incorrect restraint system operation, which increases the risk of personal injury or death in a crash.
Install the RCM and the 3 bolts.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
2. Make sure the large RCM connector position assurance lever is in the full release position before attempting to connect the connector.
3. CAUTION: Placing the large restraints control module (RCM) electrical wiring connector into the RCM on an angle, may cause bad electrical connections and damaged components.
Position the large RCM electrical connector into the RCM.
- CAUTION: Do not push the connector to the point where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the restraints control module (RCM), before using the lever to fully seat the connector. Failure to follow these instructions may cause component or connector damage.
With the large RCM electrical connector uniformly aligned to the RCM, lightly push in until a subtle audible click is heard and slight resistance is felt.
4. Connect the large RCM electrical connector.
- Using the connector position assurance lever, pivot it toward the RCM, drawing connector into the RCM.
- Make sure the thumb tab is engaged the retainer on the RCM and locked place.
5. Connect the small RCM electrical connector.
6. Install the inner floor console support.
7. Install the 4 bolts (2 each side) to the inner floor console support.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
8. Install the screws to the inner floor console support bracket-to-floor instrument panel.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
9. Install the selector lever cable in the selector lever housing.
10. NOTE: When installing the selector lever cable, make sure that the selector lever cable locking tabs are locked in place and the cable end is snapped onto the ball stud. Press the selector lever cable into the bracket and listen for the cable to click in place. Pull back on the selector lever cable to make sure that it is locked into the bracket. Also make sure that the selector lever cable end is correctly installed onto the ball stud. Pull back on the selector lever cable end to make sure that the cable end is correctly installed.
Connect the selector lever cable end to the floor shifter.
11. Attach the electrical connectors to the front inner floor console support bracket.
12. Install the floor console.
13. Repower the SRS. Do not prove out the SRS at this time.
14. When installing a new RCM, carry out the steps necessary to complete PMI.
15. Prove out the SRS as follows:
Turn the ignition switch from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to ON and visually monitor the air bag indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag indicator will:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash at a 5 Hz rate (RCM not configured).
The air bag warning indicator might not light until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag warning indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.
Clear all continuous DTCs from the RCM and occupant classification system module (OCSM) using a scan tool.