Durango 4WD V6-36L (2011) Restraint Systems - Service and Repair
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision: Service and Repair
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) component deployment must have the deployed restraints
replaced. In addition, the following guidelines MUST be observed.
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Following ANY major vehicle impact damage in the vicinity of an impact sensor or the ORC - It is critical that the mounting surfaces and
mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), front impact sensors and side impact sensors located within the proximity of the
impact damage be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions. Because the ORC and each impact sensor are used by the SRS 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.
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If an active head restraint is deployed - Deployed Active Head Restraint (AHR) units that are undamaged are designed with the intention of reuse.
However, the deployed AHR units must be properly reset following deployment. (Refer to Service Manual Section 10 - Restraints/RESTRAINT,
Active Head - Standard Procedure)
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If the driver airbag is deployed - If the driver airbag has been deployed, the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) with integral clockspring
and the steering column assembly must also be replaced.
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If the knee blocker airbag is deployed - On vehicles so equipped, if the knee blocker airbag (also known as the Knee AirBag/KAB or Inflatable
Knee Blocker/IKB) has been deployed, the entire instrument panel assembly must also be replaced.
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If the passenger airbag is deployed - If the passenger airbag has been deployed, the instrument panel top cover must also be replaced.
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If a seat airbag is deployed - If a seat (pelvic and thorax) airbag has been deployed, the seat back frame, the seat back foam and the seat back trim
cover on the same side of the vehicle as the deployed airbag must also be replaced.
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If a seat belt tensioner is deployed - The seat belt tensioners are deployed in conjunction with the front airbags, but can also be deployed with seat
(pelvic and thorax) or side curtain airbags. The seat belt tensioners must be replaced if either front airbag has been deployed, and must be
inspected if either seat or side curtain airbag has been deployed.
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If a side curtain airbag is deployed - If a side curtain airbag has been deployed, the headliner as well as the upper A, B and C-pillar trim on the
same side of the vehicle as the deployed airbag must also be replaced. On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof drain tubes and hoses
must be closely inspected following a side curtain airbag deployment.
The components identified with the deployed SRS components in the preceding list are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a
result of an airbag deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection. All other vehicle components should be closely inspected
following any SRS component deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.
SQUIB CIRCUIT WIRING REPAIRS
In addition to the preceding guidelines, be aware that the heat created by the initiator during an airbag or tensioner deployment will cause collateral
damage to the connected wiring (squib circuits) and connector insulators. There are two methods by which an airbag or seat belt tensioner may be
connected to the vehicle electrical system. The first method involves a short pigtail harness and connector insulator that are integral to the airbag or
tensioner unit and are replaced as a unit with the service replacement airbag or seat belt tensioner. This connection method typically requires no
additional wiring repair following a deployment.
However, the second connection method involves a wire harness takeout and connector insulator that are connected directly to the airbag or tensioner
initiator or squib. These direct-connect type take outs and connector insulators MUST be repaired following an airbag or seat belt tensioner deployment
using the approved Supplemental Restraint System Wiring Repairs procedure. (Refer to Service Manual Section 10 - Restraints - Standard Procedure).
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 vehicle are deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) 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; 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 diagnostic 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 certain of complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System
for information regarding the potentially hazardous properties of the subject component and the proper safe handling procedures. Then
dispose of all non-deployed and deployed airbags and seat belt tensioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local and federal
regulations.
1. Be certain that the diagnostic scan tool contains the latest version of the proper diagnostic software. Connect the scan tool to the 16-way Data Link
Connector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the steering column.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Using the scan tool, read and record the active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
