Stratus Sedan L4-2.4L VIN X (2003)
Both modules are secured to the floor panel transmission tunnel between the front seats inside the vehicle. Airbag Control Modules cannot be repaired
or adjusted and must be replaced.
WARNING: 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 OR SIDE
IMPACT SENSORS, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE INTERNAL ACCELERATION SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE OR SIDE IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE OR
SENSOR MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
The Airbag Warning Indicator 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 off, 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. The 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 INTER-CHANGEABLE, 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 2003 model year
driver and passenger airbags unless you are sure of complete deployment. Please refer to the hazardous substance control system for proper disposal.
Dispose of deployed airbags in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local, and federal regulations. Use the following table to identify the status
of the airbag squib.
Driver Airbag Squib Status
1. Using a DRBIII(R) read Airbag DTC's
If the following active codes are present:
