Sebring LXI Sedan V6-2.7L VIN R (2002)
Body Control Module: Description and Operation
Functional Operation
Airbag System
AIRBAG SYSTEM/OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER SYSTEM
The 2002 Airbag System contain the following components: Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), Airbag Warning Indicator, Clockspring, Driver and
Passenger Dual Squib Airbags, Seat belt Tensioners, Left and Right Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM), and Curtain (roof mounted)
Air-bags.
The (ORC)is a new type of Airbag Control Module (ACM) that supports staged airbag deployment. Staged deployment is the ability to trigger airbag
system squib inflators all at once or individually as needed to provide the appropriate restraint for the severity of the impact. The ACM has four major
functions: PCI Bus communications, on-board diagnostics, impact sensing, and component deployment. The ACM also contains an energy-storage
capacitor. This capacitor stores enough electrical energy to deploy the front airbag components for two seconds following a battery disconnect or failure
during an impact. The ACM is secured to the floor panel transmission tunnel between the front seats inside the vehicle. The ACM cannot be repaired or
adjusted and must be replaced.
The ACM sends and/or receives PCI Bus messages with the Instrument Cluster (MIC), Body Control Module (BCM), Left and Right Side Impact Airbag
Control Module (SIACM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Diagnostic trouble codes will be set if the communication with these modules is lost
or contains invalid information.
The microprocessor in the ACM monitors the impact sensor signal and the airbag system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. The ACM
also monitors bus messages from both SIACM. If the ACM detects a monitored system fault or SIACM fault, it sends a message to the instrument cluster
via PCI bus to turn on the airbag warning indicator. The ACM can set both active and stored diagnostic trouble codes to aid in the diagnosing system
problems. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES.
The ACM has an internal accelerometer that senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides verification of the direction and severity of an
impact. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when the deceleration rate is severe enough to require airbag
system protection. The ACM also uses the crash severity to determine the level of driver and front passenger deployment, low medium or high. When the
programmed conditions are met, the ACM sends an electrical signal to deploy the appropriate airbag system components.
The airbag system is a sensitive, complex electromechanical unit. Before attempting to diagnose or service any airbag system or related steering wheel,
steering column, or instrument panel components you must first disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable. Wait two minutes for the
system capacitor to discharge before further system service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to do this could result in
accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury. Never strike or kick the airbag control module, as it can damage the impact sensor or affect
its calibration. If an airbag control module is accidentally dropped during service, the module must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit.
The airbag warning lamp is the only point at which the customer can observe symptoms of a system malfunction. Whenever the ignition key is turned to
the run or start position, the MCI performs a lamp check by turning the airbag warning indicator on for 6-8 seconds. After the lamp check, if the
indicator turns on, it means that the ACM has checked the system and found it to be free of discernible malfunctions. If the lamp remains on, there could
be an active fault in the system or the MIC lamp circuit may be internally shorted to ground. If the lamp comes on and stays on for a period longer than
6-8 seconds, then goes off, there is usually an intermittent problem in the system.
DRIVER AIRBAG
The airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver side airbag system. The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the airbag
module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The module is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located under the trim
cover are the horn switch,the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing to which the cushion
and hybrid inflator are attached and sealed. For 2002 driver airbag has dual stage squib inflators that include a small canister of highly compressed argon
gas. The ACM uses vehicle crash severity, to determine the level of airbag deployment. When supplied with the proper electrical signal, the hybrid
inflator or inflators discharge the compressed gas it contains directly into the cushion. The airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if
deployed or in any way damaged.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE CONTAINS ARGON GAS PRESSURIZED TO OVER 17236.89 KPA (2500 PSI). DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG MODULE OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR
BRING INTO CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93° C (200° F). REPLACE
AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG. SUBSTITUTE
PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE,BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT
PROTECTION. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE
SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED
WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS
PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags may or may not have live pyrotechnic material within the airbag inflator. Do not dispose of 2002 model year driver
