Accident With Side Air Bag Module Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections

After a collision involving left/right side air bag module deployment, replace the following components.

• Left/right inflatable restraint side impact sensors on the side of the impact.
• Left/right inflatable restraint roof rail module on the side of the impact.
• Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).
• Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioner.
• Driver or passenger seat back cushion cover replacement, if equipped left front/right front side air bag.

Warning: Do not repair or replace the seat stitching or seams in the seat back trim cover with an internal mounted seat side airbag module. Replace the complete seat back trim cover from the OEM. Non-OEM seat stitching may cause improper airbag deployment which could result in personal injury.

Perform additional inspections on the following components.

• Mounting points or mounting hardware for the side impact sensors, and left front/right front side air bag modules on the side of impact--Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
• Mounting points, mounting hardware, headliner and trim pieces for the left/right roof rail air bag module on the side of impact-- Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
• Mounting points or mounting hardware for the SDM and seat belt pretensioners--Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
• The seat cushion frame
• The seat recliner and cover, if equipped
• The seat adjuster
• The seat back frame
• Door trim assembly
• Impacted seat cushion side covers and switches

Inflatable Restraint Impact Sensor Replacement Guidelines

The inflatable restraint impact sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of the accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision. An example of this would be a moderate collision where the front of the vehicle impacts a object. If the vehicle has an inflatable restraint impact sensor mounted forward of the radiator, it must be replaced.

• Replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed.
• Replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor even if it appears to be undamaged.

Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the inflatable restraint impact sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged, replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor. Also, if you follow a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) procedure and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the inflatable restraint impact sensor.