Commander 2WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2009)
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, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced and the steering column must be inspected. See: Steering
and Suspension/Steering/Steering Column/Testing and Inspection. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel top pad must be replaced.
The seat belt tensioners can be deployed independent of an airbag deployment, but must also be replaced if either front airbag has been deployed. If a
side curtain airbag has been deployed, the headliner as well as the upper A, B, C and D-pillar trim on the same side of the vehicle as the deployed airbag
must be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a SRS component deployment, which
may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection. On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof drain tubes and hoses must be closely inspected
following a side curtain airbag deployment.
It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), front impact sensors and side impact
sensors be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. 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.
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 unit. The second method involves a wire harness takeout and connector insulator (squib circuits) that are connected directly to the air
bag or tensioner initiator. The heat created by the initiator during an airbag or tensioner deployment will cause collateral damage to a directly connected
wire harness take out and connector insulator. Therefore, these direct-connect type take outs and connector insulators must be repaired following an
airbag or seat belt tensioner deployment. See: Service and Repair.
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.
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.
Using the active DTC information, refer to the Airbag Squib Status table to determine the status of both driver and passenger airbag squibs.
