SRS Inspection and Component Replacement

Inspection and replacement of safety restraint system (SRS) components after a collision.

This document provides instructions on what safety restraint system (SRS) components to inspect and replace following a collision.

Parts That Must Always be Inspected Following Any Collision

After any collision:
  • Inspect the harnesses and harness connectors that connect to all deployed airbags, pretensioners, and to all damaged components. Repair or replace any damaged harnesses (refer to for more information). Replace any component with a damaged connector.
  • Inspect any impact sensor(s) near the collision area for damage. If the sensor is damaged, replace the sensor, and the hardware that secures it to the vehicle. Refer to the Service Manual for more information about impact sensor replacement.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Always replace any plugs or tape removed from the front door shells when replacing a front door pressure sensor. Additional holes in the door create more escape paths for air, which decreases the sensor's ability to detect a side impact, and can negatively affect airbag deployment.
  • For each seat occupied at the time of the collision:
    • For any front seat occupied at the time of the collision, inspect any undeployed knee airbag assembly:
      • If the knee airbag cover is damaged, replace the complete knee airbag assembly.
      • If there are signs of damage to the knee airbag cushion, such as scuffs, rips or holes, replace the knee airbag assembly.
      • If there are signs of damage to the airbag housing, such as bent hooks or scuffing, replace the knee airbag assembly.
    • Inspect the seat and seat belt for visible deformation or signs of wear on the webbing. Replace any damaged components.
    • Inspect the seat, seat belt, and retractor with pretensioner for visible signs of deformation or signs of wear. Replace any damaged components.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      When inspecting the seat belt system, pay special attention to the area around the D-ring, where the seat belt webbing passes through the seat shoulder.
    • Inspect all seat belt anchor points for damage. Check for tears, bends, dents, fastener damage, or mount point damage. Assess fixing this damage before replacing any sort of seat belt component.
    • 1st row seats: Inspect the seat belt height adjuster and webbing (behind the B-pillar trim) for signs of wear or deformation. Replace any damaged components.
    • 2nd row seats: Inspect the seat pan for visible signs of deformation or wear. Replace any damaged components.
  • If the drivers seat was occupied at the time of the collision, or if the drivers airbag deployed, inspect the steering column:
    1. Remove components as necessary to access the steering column.
    2. Insert the depth rod of a caliper between the column housing and the steering column until it cannot go any further, but do not force it. Make sure the caliper is aligned with the edge of the energy absorption strap (shown in red).


    3. Measure the distance from inside the column housing to the end of the energy absorption strap (shown in red). If the distance between the two points (measurement A) is less than 126 mm, replace the steering column.


  • Use Toolbox to test the supplementary restraint system for proper operation.

Parts That Must be Replaced Following Airbag or Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment

After a collision when a seat belt pretensioner deployed, replace the following items and all accompanying fasteners:
  • The RCM (Restraint Control Module).
  • Any seat belt that has a deployed pretensioner, and the accompanying seat belt buckle.
  • Any seat belts and buckles that were in use during the collision.
  • If any airbag has deployed, replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect fuse.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If a seat belt pretensioner deployed, but no airbag deployed, replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect fuse only if blown.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect fuse unless it has been positively confirmed that the vehicle will be repaired.
In addition to the parts replaced after a seat belt pretensioner deployed, replace the following items and all accompanying fasteners after a collision when an airbag deployed:
  • Replace any deployed airbag and all accompanying fasteners.
  • If the driver’s front airbag has deployed, replace the steering wheel assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The steering wheel is designed to absorb the forces from the occupant during a collision when an airbag or a pretensioner is deployed. The steering wheel must be replaced because damage may not be visible, and the inspection needed to adequately verify steering wheel structural integrity causes unrepairable damage to the steering wheel.
  • If the driver’s front or knee airbag has deployed, replace the following items and all accompanying fasteners:
    • The steering column assembly
    • The Steering Column Control Module (SCCM)
  • If a side (seat mounted) airbag has deployed, replace the 1st row seat assembly that contains the deployed airbag.
  • If a front airbag (driver or passenger), a knee airbag, or a side (seat mounted) airbag has deployed, replace the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) and all accompanying fasteners.

Part Information

Current airbag component part information can be obtained through the VIN decode feature of the Parts Manual.

For Further Assistance

For further assistance, contact your local Collision Repair Support team as described in .