Passive Restraints

The passive restraints available for this model include the following:

• Dual Front Airbags  - Multistage driver. front passenger, and driver knee blocker airbags are available for this model. This airbag system is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by the "SRS - AIRBAG" logo molded into the driver airbag trim cover in the center of the steering wheel and also into the passenger airbag door on the instrument panel above the glove box. Vehicles with the airbag system can also be identified by the airbag indicator, which will illuminate in the instrument cluster for about seven seconds as a bulb test each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. A pyrotechnic-type seat belt tensioner is integral to the driver and passenger front seat belt retractor of all models equipped with dual front airbags.
• Occupant Classification System  - These vehicles also include an Occupant Classification System (OCS) with components that are located on or in the passenger front seat cushion. These components include an Occupant Classification Module (OCM) and a seat weight bladder and pressure sensor assembly. In addition, this system includes a belt tension sensor integral to the lower anchor of the passenger side front seat belt. Vehicles equipped with the OCS can be readily identified by a Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) indicator. See Fig 1 located in the instrument panel switch pod, below the hazard switch, above the center stack a/c outlets.
• Curtain Airbags  - Curtain airbags are available for this model when it is also equipped with dual front airbags. This airbag system is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified by a molded identification trim button with the "SRS - AIRBAG" logo. See Fig 2 located on the headliner above each B-pillar.

Fig 1: PAD INDICATOR

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: SRS LOGO

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

This vehicle is equipped with a Frontal Impact Airbag System, which utilizes the driver/passenger airbags, driver knee blocker airbag, and seat belt tensioners. This system is designed to protect occupants in the event of a front impact collision. These airbags and seat belt tensioners are all serviceable parts. If these pyrotechnics are deployed or defective, they must be replaced, as well as the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) must be diagnosed following procedures outlined in the diagnostic information.

Fig 3: AIRBAG COMPONENT LOCATION - INSTRUMENT PANEL

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The Driver and Passenger Airbag System was designed to reduce the likelihood of injury or death in frontal collisions. Each separate system is supplemental. See Fig 2 or Passive  to the primary restraint device, which are the seat belts.

1. Airbag Indicator  - The airbag indicator is integral to the Instrument Cluster, which is located on the instrument panel in front of the driver.
2. Belt Tension Sensor  - Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include a belt tension sensor. This sensor is integral to the passenger side front seat belt lower anchor which is secured to the lower B-pillar, out board and rear of the front passenger seat, concealed beneath an access cover on the seat belt assembly.
3. Clockspring  - The clockspring is located near the top of the steering column, directly beneath the steering wheel. See Fig 3.
4. Curtain Airbag  - A side curtain airbag is located on each inside roof side rail above the headliner, and extends from the A-pillar to just beyond the D-pillar.
5. Driver Airbag  - The driver airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver airbag trim cover. See Fig 3.
6. Front Impact Sensor  - Two front impact sensors are used on vehicles equipped with dual front airbags, one left side and one right side. The sensors are located on the rail tips, rearward of the bumper attachments.
7. Knee Blocker Airbag  - The driver knee blocker airbag is secured to the instrument panel behind the steering column opening cover. See Fig 3.
8. Occupant Classification Module  - Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include an Occupant Classification Module (OCM) which is secured to a stamped steel mounting bracket on the underside of the passenger side front seat cushion frame.
9. Occupant Restraint Controller  - The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is also sometimes referred to as the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The ORC is located on a mount on the floor transmission tunnel just underneath the instrument panel center stack. See Fig 3.
10. Passenger Airbag  - The passenger airbag is located on the instrument panel, beneath the instrument panel top pad and above the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Fig 3.
11. Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator  - Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include a passenger airbag disabled (PAD) indicator which is located in the instrument panel switch pod, next to the cluster. See Fig 3.
12. Passenger Knee Blocker  - The passenger knee blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral to and concealed within the glove box door. See Fig 3.
13. Seat Belt Tensioner  - A seat belt tensioner is integral to both front seat belt retractors. The seat belt retractors are secured to the lower B-pillars.
14. Seat Weight Bladder and Pressure Sensor Assembly  - Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include a seat weight bladder that is sandwiched between an insulator pad on the top of the passenger side front seat pan and the seat cushion foam padding. A short hose connects the bladder to a pressure sensor which is secured to the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) mounting bracket on the underside of the passenger side front seat cushion frame.
15. Side Impact Sensors  - Six side impact sensors are used on vehicles equipped with the curtain airbags, three left side and three right side. The first row side impact sensor is located in the B-pillar, just above the front seat belt retractor. The second row side impact sensor is located in the sliding side door track opening, just in front of the C-pillar. 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.

The ORC, the OCM, and the cluster each contain a microprocessor and programming that allow them to communicate with each other using the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. This method of communication is used by the ORC for control of the airbag indicators.