Airbag system — general information
1. These models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags, designed to protect the driver and the passenger from serious injury in the event of a head-on or side collision. The system consists of various air bag modules, impact sensors, a control unit (SRS module) and the seat belts. The system operates electrically by a signal from the front impact sensors when a high enough velocity and impact has occurred. (Very low speed bumps like in a parking lot, generally do not carry enough force to deploy the air bags.) The system also is aware of the weight in the passenger seat (called the Passenger Presence System). This allows the SRS module to determine if the passenger air bag needs to be deployed during a collision.
Warning: The SRS system must be properly diagnosed and if needed, programmed by a dealer or a qualified independent repair shop any time the module is replaced or if any other fault is indicated in the system.
Warning: Do not use a used SRS module. The module must be a new one and must be programmed to the individual vehicle. A salvaged component cannot be «un-programmed» or re-flashed.
Warning: If your vehicle is ever involved in a flood, or the interior carpeting is soaked for any reason, disconnect the battery and do not start the vehicle until the airbag system can be checked by your dealer or qualified independent repair facility. If the SRS module is subjected to flooding, the airbags could go off upon starting the vehicle, even without an accident taking place.
Airbag modules
2. The airbag modules consist of a housing incorporating the cushion (airbag) and inflator unit. The inflator assembly is mounted on the back of the housing over a hole through which gas is expelled, inflating the bag almost instantaneously when an electrical signal is sent from the system. The specially-wound wire on the driver’s side that carries this signal to the driver’s module is called a spiral cable or more commonly called the «clock spring.» The spiral cable is a flat, ribbon-like electrically conductive tape that is wound many times so that it can transmit an electrical signal regardless of steering wheel position. Airbag modules are located in the steering wheel, on the passenger’s side above the glovebox, on the upper side of each front seat (side-impact airbags) and head-level airbags located along the roof rails (side curtain airbags).
Control unit and sensors
3. The sensing/diagnostic control unit contains an on-board microprocessor which monitors the operation of the system, and the crash sensors. The crash sensors are located in the front of the vehicle. It checks this system every time the vehicle is started, causing the «Airbag» light to illuminate for five seconds, then go off, if the system is operating properly. If there is a fault in the system, the airbag light will stay on, and the unit will store fault codes indicating the nature of the fault. See your dealer or qualified independent repair facility for any service work.
Operation
4. For the airbag (s) to deploy, the impact sensor(s) must be activated. When this condition occurs, the circuit to the airbag inflator is closed and the airbag inflates.
Self-diagnosis system
5. A self-diagnosis circuit in the SRS unit displays a light on the instrument panel when the ignition switch is turned to the on position. If the system is operating normally, the light should go out after about five seconds. If the light doesn’t come on, or doesn’t go out after a short time, or if it comes on while you’re driving the vehicle, or if it blinks at any time, there’s a malfunction in the SRS system. Has it inspected and repaired as soon as possible? Do not attempt to troubleshoot or service the SRS system yourself. Even a small mistake could cause the SRS system to malfunction when you need it.
Servicing components near the SRS system
6. There are times when you need to remove the steering wheel, radio or service other components on or near the dashboard. At these times, you’ll be working around components and wire harnesses for the SRS system. The airbag wiring is always bright yellow with double locked connectors on all the components. Do not pierce or cut into these wires.
Warning: Do not use electrical test equipment such as an ohmmeter on airbag system wires; it could cause the airbag (s) to deploy. ALWAYS DISABLE THE SRS SYSTEM BEFORE WORKING NEAR THE SRS SYSTEM COMPONENTS OR RELATED WIRING.
Disabling the SRS system
Warning: Any time you are working in the vicinity of airbag wiring or components, DISABLE THE SRS SYSTEM.
Warning: An auxiliary voltage input device (memory saver) must not be used when working near airbag system components.
Caution: Disconnecting the battery can cause drivability problems that require a scan tool to rectify. Additionally, disconnecting the battery may cause one or more warning lights on the instrument panel to illuminate, which will also require the use of a scan tool to turn off. Most scan tools available to the public do not have the capability to perform either of these tasks, which will necessitate taking the vehicle to a dealer service department or other properly equipped repair facility after service work has been performed. See Engine electrical systems for other precautions related to battery disconnection. Caution: These models are equipped with an anti-theft radio. Before performing a procedure that requires disconnecting the battery, make sure you have the proper activation code.
7. To disable the airbag system, perform the following steps:
- ) a) Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the Lock position, then remove the key.
- ) Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to the Cautions in Engine electrical systems.
- ) Before touching any airbag system component, ground yourself to a metal part of the vehicle to discharge any static electricity built up in your body.
Enabling the system
8. To enable the airbag system, perform the following steps:
Caution: If you have any concerns that the airbags might deploy after reinstalling the driver’s airbag or the passenger’s airbag, do not reconnect the battery. Have the vehicle towed to the dealer service center or a qualified independent repair facility and have the airbag system checked.
- ) Turn the ignition switch to the on posi
- ) Watch the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster. The light should go out after the initial self-check. If the light does not go out, take the vehicle to a dealer service department or a qualified independent repair facility and have the airbag system diagnosed.
Warning: If the airbag indicator light is «On» the airbag system is «Off»
Airbag module removal and installation
Driver’s side airbag module and clock spring
9. Refer to Suspension and steering, Steering wheel — removal and installation, for the driver’s side airbag module and clock spring removal and installation procedures.
Passenger’s side airbag module (Civic and Hatchback models)
10. Disarm the airbag system as described previously in this section.
11. Remove the passenger’s side A pillar (see Body).
12. Remove the glovebox (see Body).
13. Disconnect the passenger’s side airbag module electrical connector (see illustration).
i.13 Before removing the passenger’s side airbag module, be sure to disconnect the electrical connector
A Mounting nut
B Airbag connector (always a yellow connector)
14. Remove the mounting nuts from the airbag.
15. Gently lift the passenger’s airbag out through the top.
16. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Passenger’s side airbag module CR-V models
17. Remove the upper instrument panel trim pad (see Body).
18. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector.
19. Remove the airbag module mounting nuts.
20. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the airbag module mounting nuts to 80 ft-lbs.
21. Reconnect the cable to the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
Side -impact modules
22. Under normal circumstances, there would never be any reason to remove the side-impact airbags (modules). However, if it has been determined that there is a problem with a side-impact airbag module, the work must be left to a dealer service department or a qualified independent repair shop.
Impact seat belt retractors
23. All models are equipped with pyrotechnic (explosive) units in the front seat belt retracting mechanisms for both the lap and shoulder belts. During an impact that would trigger the airbag system, the airbag control unit also triggers the seat belt retractors. When the pyrotechnic charges go off, they accelerate the retractors to instantly take up any slack in the seat belt system to more fully prepare the driver and front seat passenger for impact.
Caution: The airbag system should be disabled any time you are working on the seats.