Side Air Bag: Description and Operation

Seat Side Air Bag Modules and Seat Side Thorax Air Bag Modules

CAUTION: When installing a seat side air bag module or a seat side thorax air bag module always make sure the correct module is being installed. Seat side air bag modules and seat side thorax air bag modules are not interchangeable. The electrical connectors are different between the modules. DO NOT damage or alter the electrical connectors.

NOTE: When installing a new side air bag module or a new side thorax air bag module after deployment, refer to Seats.

This vehicle is equipped with a seat side air bag module or a seat side thorax air bag module. The modules are not interchangeable. The electrical connectors are keyed differently between the modules. DO NOT damage or alter the electrical connectors in any way.

A specific seat side air bag wiring harness is used for a seat side air bag module, with a unique, specific seat side air bag wiring harness used for a seat side thorax air bag module. The electrical connectors to the module and to the body main wiring harness are keyed differently on a seat side air bag wiring harness than those used on a seat side thorax air bag wiring harness. The seat side air bag wiring harness and the seat side thorax air bag wiring harness are not interchangeable.

Seat Side Air Bag Modules
The seat side air bag module is a carryover component used on prior model year vehicles. A seat side air bag module provides combined protection of the head area and thorax area (between the neck and abdomen) of the body. A seat side air bag module is physically larger than a seat side thorax air bag module. Although a seat side air bag module and a seat side thorax air bag module are similarly mounted to the front seat backrests, the modules are not interchangeable. Vehicles equipped with a seat side air bag module will not be equipped with side air curtain modules.

The seat side air bag module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the side impact sensor and internal RCM circuitry.
- is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted in the front seat backrests.
- is not interchangeable with a seat side thorax air bag module.

Side Air Curtain Module

WARNING:
- The side air curtain must be installed in the vehicle using new torque-prevailing type U-nuts, part number W520822. Use of this U-nut is mandatory so as to reduce the risk of loss of fastener effectiveness. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury in the event of a side air curtain deployment.
- Anytime the side air curtain has deployed, the headliner, and all A-, B-, and C-pillar upper trim panels and attaching hardware must be replaced along with any other damaged components and hardware. Failure to do so can result in personal injury in the event of a side air curtain deployment.

NOTE: If the headliner has the word "AIRBAG" embossed on it near each B-pillar, the vehicle is equipped with side air curtain modules.

The side air curtain module:
- will deploy upon receiving a flow of current from the restraints control module (RCM) initiated by the side impact sensors and internal RCM circuitry.
- is installed as an assembly.
- is mounted above the headliner.
- attaches from the A-pillar frame to the C-pillar frame.
- cannot be interchanged from side to side.