Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision

SA9179NE Dial Indicator

Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment - Component Inspections

Caution

Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag for conditions less severe than intended. Incorrect configuration may result in personal injury.

Caution

Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the side impact air bag(s) in a side impact collision or deployment of the side impact air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended. Incorrect configuration may result in personal injury.

After any collision, regardless of air bag deployment, visually inspect the following components and their mounting points as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

• Steering column, steering wheel and steering column foam, energy absorber -- Perform the Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection procedures. Dimensionally check the parts to determine if they are damaged.
• Striker trim cover brackets.
• Knee bolsters and instrument panel mounting attachments -- Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
• Curtain air bag tether hook-and-loop.
• IP brackets, braces, etc. -- Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
• Interior trim components, fasteners, visors and coat hooks.
• Seat belts -- Perform the seat belt operational and functional checks.
• IP cross-car beam -- Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
• Seats and seat mounting points -- Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
• Roll connector -- Inspect for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.

Never use SIR parts from another vehicle.

Inspect all garnish moldings for signs of damage such as cracking, stress marks or looseness.

Do not attempt to repair the driver, passenger, or curtain inflator modules, the steering wheel, the roll connector, the steering column, Left SIS, Right SIS, or the SDM. Service of these items is by replacement only. Verify replacement part numbers. No periodic maintenance of SIR components or system is required.

Accident with Frontal Air Bag Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections

Important

The following SIR system components MUST be replaced after a frontal crash involving air bag deployment:

After a collision involving air bag deployment, replace the following components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

• Driver inflator module
• Passenger inflator module
• Sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
• Cross-car beam

Accident with Curtain Air Bag Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections

Important

The following SIR system components MUST be replaced after a side crash involving air bag deployment:

After a collision involving a curtain air bag deployment, replace the following components on the side of the impact. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

• Headliner
• Side impact sensor (SIS)
• ALL curtain inflator module fasteners
• Curtain inflator module
• Windshield garnish moldings and fasteners
• Sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
• Curtain inflator module trim channel
• Striker trim cover and fasteners

Perform the inspections indicated above in Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

Sensor Replacement Guidelines

The Side Impact Sensor (SIS) replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of 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. In this case, a moderate collision where the side of the vehicle, near the B-pillar, is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision, requires replacement of the sensor. The sensor must be replaced whether the curtain air bag has deployed or if the sensor seems to be undamaged. Sensor damage which is not visible, such as a slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the sensor. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged; replace the sensor. Also, if you follow a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) table and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the sensor.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection

Notice

Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in frame damage, major sheet metal damage or where steering column has been impacted may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column. Failure to check steering column for damage may result in component malfunction.

1. Inspect capsules on the steering column assembly; all must be securely seated in bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled. If any movement exceeds 1.59 mm (1/16 in), replace column.




2. Check steering column jacket for collapse by measuring between the end of the bearing assembly and the lower edge of the upper bracket. If the dimension is less than 120.98 mm (4.76 in), replace the jacket.
3. Check the steering shaft runout by performing the following:
1. Remove the inflator module, steering wheel, shrouds, roll connector, and lever combination switches.

Notice

Failure to remove the roll connector before steering shaft is rotated may damage roll connector.

2. Remove intermediate shaft.
3. Install the SA9179NE so that its plunger rests against upper end of steering shaft.
4. Rotate steering shaft while observing dial indicator reading. If the total indicator travel shows that runout is more than 1.59 mm (0.06 in), replace steering column.