For 1990-2009 cars

### Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment -- Component Inspections

CAUTION: Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag(s) in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended.

After any collision, inspect the following components as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

• | Steering column - Perform the steering column accident damage checking procedures. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

• | I/P Knee Bolsters - Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.

• | I/P brackets, braces, etc. - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.

• | Seat Belts - Perform the seat belt operational and functional checks. Refer to Operational and Functional Checks in Seat Belts.

### Accident With Air Bag Deployment -- Component Replacement and Inspections

After a collision involving frontal air bag deployment, replace the following components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

• | Inflatable restraint IP module

• | Inflatable restraint steering wheel module

• | Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)

After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil and the coil wiring pigtail for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat. Perform this component inspection in addition to the inspections indicated above in Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

### Sensor Replacement Guidelines

The SIR sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision. For example, a moderate collision where the front of the vehicle impacts a tree. If the vehicle has a SIR sensor mounted forward of the radiator, it must be replaced.

• | Replace the sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed.

• | Replace the sensor even if it appears to be undamaged.

Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the SIR sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged, replace the sensor. Also, if you follow a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) table and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the sensor.