Caravan FWD V6-3.3L VIN 3 Flex Fuel (2001)
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision: Service and Repair
Air Bag System
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a supplemental restraint deployment, must have the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if
the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the passenger airbag door must be
replaced. The seat belt tensioners are deployed by the same signal that deploys the driver and passenger airbags and must also be replaced if either
front airbag has been deployed. If a side curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the headliner, as well as the upper A, B, and
C-pillar trim must be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a supplemental restraint
deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.
It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or mounting brackets for the Airbag Control Module (ACM) and the side impact sensors be closely
inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ACM and each impact sensor are used by the
supplemental restraint system to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these
components may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required.
All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any supplemental restraint deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by
the extent of the visible damage incurred.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
Multistage airbags with multiple initiators (squibs) must be checked to determine that all squibs were used during the deployment event. The driver
and passenger airbags in this model are deployed by electrical signals generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the driver or passenger
squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflators. Typically, both initiators are used and all potentially hazardous chemicals are
burned during an airbag deployment event. However, it is possible for only one initiator to be used due to an airbag system fault; therefore, it is always
necessary to confirm that both initiators have been used in order to avoid the improper handling or disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic or
hazardous materials. The following procedure should be performed using a DRBIII scan tool to verify the status of both airbag squibs before either
deployed airbag is removed from the vehicle for disposal.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initiators (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not have live pyrotechnic material
within the inflator. Do not dispose of these airbags unless you are sure of complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Substance Control
System for proper disposal procedures. Dispose of all non-deployed and deployed airbags in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local,
and federal regulations.
