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 to the mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed:

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

• | IP Brackets, Braces, etc -- Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.

• | IP Steering Column Reinforcement Plate -- Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.

• | Seat Belts -- Perform the Seat Belt Checks. Refer to Seat Belt Checks in Seat Belts.

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

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

• | The inflatable restraint IP module

• | The inflatable restraint steering wheel module

• | The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Inspect the coil and the coil wiring pigtail for melting, scorching, or for other damage due to excessive heat.

Perform this component inspection in addition to the inspections indicated 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 to the mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

### Sensor Replacement Guidelines

The SIR sensor replacement policy requires that you replace the 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 an SIR sensor mounted forward of the radiator, replace the sensor as needed:

• | Whether or not the air bags deployed

• | Even if the sensor appears to be undamaged

Some sensor damage may not be visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation. Such damage can also cause improper operation to the SIR sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged; replace the sensor! Also, if a diagnostic trouble code table indicates a malfunctioning sensor, replace the sensor!