DAIMLER CHRYSLER/DODGE All Models

THEORY OF OPERATION

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or Pyrotechnic Device is designed to supplement the compartment passengers seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury to the front seat occupants by activating and deploying a driver and passenger side airbag in certain frontal collisions. The SRS components consist of an airbag module, clockspring, impact sensors, airbag control module (ACM) and airbag system diagnostic module (ASDM). If any of these components are faulty, the component(s) must be replaced. The SRS is designed so that the airbag will deploy when the safing sensor, located in the ACM/ASDM, plus either impact sensor simultaneously activate while the ignition switch is in the On position.

DRIVER'S airbag MODULE

The driver's airbag module contains the airbag and its supporting components. The driver's airbag explosive detonator is mounted on the back of the module housing. When supplied with proper electrical signal the explosive detonator assembly will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cushion. A protective cover is fitted to the front of the driver's airbag module.

PASSENGER'S airbag MODULE

The passenger's airbag module is mounted to the instrument panel. The passenger's airbag module assembly is inside the housing. When supplied with the proper electrical signal the explosive detonator will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cushion. A protective cover is fitted over the airbag module.

SIDE IMPACT airbag MODULE

The side impact airbag modules are located on the front seat inboard sides. They mount to the seatback frames and will deploy when commanded by the side impact airbag control module (SIACM). The seatback trim cover will tear open during deployment and allow the side airbags to fully inflate and quickly deflate.

ROOF PANEL airbag MODULE

The roof panel airbag modules are mounted to each side of the headliner, that stretch from the middle of the A-pillar at the instrument panel along the roof line to the C-pillar at the rear shelf panel. This system protects the occupants in the event of a side impact. The side impact airbag control module (SIACM) will determine if an impact is of sufficient force to warrant deployment. The appropriate module will inflate and drop down from roof between headliner and windows or pillars.

airbag CONTROL MODULE (ACM)

The airbag control module (ACM) contains the safing sensor and energy reserve capacitor. The ACM monitors the system to determine system readiness. The ACM will store sufficient energy to deploy the airbag modules for two minutes after the battery has been disconnected. The ACM contains an onboard diagnostics function that will light the airbag warning lamp when a system fault occurs.

airbag SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (ASDM)

The airbag system diagnostic module (ASDM) contains the safing sensor and energy reserve capacitor, while the airbag electronic control module (AECM) or occupant restraint controller (ORC) contains the impact sensor and energy reserve capacitor.

CLOCKSPRING

The clockspring is mounted on top of the steering column behind the steering wheel. It is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the wiring harness and driver's airbag module.

IMPACT SENSORS

The impact sensors located on the front left-hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle are threshold sensitive switches that complete and electrical circuit when an impact provides a sufficient G-force to close the switch. The sensors are calibrated for the specific vehicle and react to severity and direction of impact.

SIDE IMPACT airbag CONTROL MODULE (SIACM)

On 2001-02 Concorde, Intrepid, Neon, LHS and 300M models, the side impact airbag modules are located on the left-hand and right-hand B-pillars and control the respective side airbag modules. On 2001-06 Sebring and Stratus Sedan models, the side impact airbag module system includes two roof panel air bag modules mounted in each side of the headliner.