Airbag control module. Clockspring

Airbag control module

DESCRIPTION

The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is secured with screws to a mount welded onto the floor panel transmission tunnel behind the instrument panel center support bracket in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The ACM contains an electronic microprocessor, an electronic impact sensor, an electromechanical safing sensor, and an energy storage capacitor.

The ACM cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

The microprocessor in the ACM contains the airbag system logic. The airbag system logic includes On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), and the ability to communicate with the instrument cluster circuitry over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus to control the airbag indicator lamp. The microprocessor continuously monitors all of the airbag system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sends messages to the instrument cluster over the CCD data bus to turn on the airbag indicator lamp. Refer to Instrument Cluster in the proper section of Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for more information on the airbag indicator lamp.

One electronic impact sensor is used in this airbag system. The impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides verification of the direction and severity of an impact. The impact sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle, and is only serviced as a unit with the ACM. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when the deceleration rate as signaled by the impact sensor indicates an impact that is severe enough to require airbag system protection. When the programmed conditions are met, the ACM sends an electrical signal to deploy the airbags.

In addition to the electronic impact sensor, there is an electromechanical sensor within the ACM called a safing sensor. The safing sensor is a normally open series switch located in the airbag deployment circuit of the ACM. This sensor detects impact energy of a lesser magnitude than the electronic impact sensor, and must be closed in order for the airbags to deploy.

The ACM also contains an energy-storage capacitor.

This capacitor stores enough electrical energy to deploy the airbags for up to one second following a battery disconnect or failure during an impact. The purpose of the capacitor is to provide airbag system protection in a severe secondary impact, if the initial impact has damaged or disconnected the battery, but was not severe enough to deploy the airbags.

Clockspring

DESCRIPTION

The clockspring assembly is secured with two integral plastic latches onto the steering column lock housing near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel. The clockspring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the fixed clockspring wire harness on the steering column and several electrical components that rotate with the steering wheel. The rotating components include the driver side airbag module, the horn switch and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the vehicle speed control switches and/or the remote radio switches.

The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.

OPERATION

The clockspring assembly consists of a plastic case which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds like a clockspring with the steering wheel rotation. The electrically conductive tape consists of several fine gauge copper wire leads sandwiched between two narrow strips of plastic film.

Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being wound too tightly. To prevent this from occurring, the clockspring is centered when it is installed on the steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes the clockspring tape to other steering components so that it can operate within its designed travel limits.

However, if the clockspring is removed for service or if the steering column is disconnected from the steering gear allowing the clockspring tape to change position relative to the other steering components, it must be re-centered following completion of the service or it may be damaged. Refer to Clockspring Centering in the Adjustments section of this group for the proper centering procedures.

Service replacement clocksprings are shipped precentered and with a piece of tape covering the depressed clockspring auto-locking tabs. This tape should not be removed until the clockspring has been installed on the steering column. If the tape is removed before the clockspring is installed on a steering column, the clockspring centering procedure must be performed.