Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Restraints Control Module (RCM)
The RCM is mounted on the center tunnel under the instrument panel. The RCM:
- signals the inflators to deploy the air bags in the event of a deployable crash.
- monitors the air bag SRS for faults.
- illuminates the air bag indicator if a fault is detected.
- flashes the air bag indicator to indicate the lamp fault code (LFC) detected.
- communicates through the data link connector (DLC) the current or historical diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
- signals the instrument cluster to activate a chime if the air bag indicator is not available and another SRS fault exists.
- contains internal sensors which are not serviced separately.
The RCM monitors the SRS for possible faults. If a fault is detected while the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the RCM will illuminate the air bag indicator located in the instrument cluster.
When the ignition is cycled (turned OFF and then ON), the air bag indicator will remain lit for 6 seconds and then go out. If an SRS fault exists, the air bag indicator will then flash the 2-digit LFC. The air bag indicator will flash the LFC 5 times, then it will remain illuminated for the rest of the key cycle. The RCM will also communicate the current and historical DTCs through the data link connector (DLC), using the scan tool. If the air bag indicator does not function, and the system detects a fault condition, the RCM will signal the instrument cluster to activate an audible chime. The chime is a series of 5 sets of 5 tone bursts. If the chime is heard, the SRS and the air bag indicator require repair.
LFCs are prioritized. If 2 or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority will be displayed first. After that fault has been corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.
The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the air bags in the event that the ignition circuit is damaged in a collision before air bag sensors determine that an air bag deployment is activated. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy approximately one minute after ignition power is removed from the RCM.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.