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): Installation
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WARNING: Always tighten the fasteners of the restraints control module (RCM) and impact sensor (if equipped) to the specified torque. Failure to do so may result in incorrect restraint system operation, which increases the risk of personal injury or death in a crash.
Install the RCM and 3 bolts.
- Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
- If equipped with an automatic transmission, install the gear selector and 4 nuts.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
- Connect the small RCM electrical connector.
- Make sure the large RCM electrical connector position assurance lever is in the FULL RELEASE position before attempting to connect the connector.
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NOTE: Placing the large Restraints Control Module (RCM) electrical wiring connector into the RCM at an angle can cause bad electrical connections and damage components.
Position the large RCM electrical wiring connector into the RCM .
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NOTE: Do not push the connector to where the lever pivots and seats itself. Light pressure is needed to get the connector into position on the Restraints Control Module (RCM) before using the lever to fully seat the connector.
With the large RCM electrical wiring connector uniformly aligned to the RCM , lightly push in until a subtle audible click is heard and a slight resistance is felt.
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- Connect the large RCM
electrical wiring connector.
- Using the connector position assurance lever, pivot it toward the RCM
, drawing the connector into the RCM
.
- Make sure the thumb tab is engaged to the retainer on the RCM and locked in place.
- Using the connector position assurance lever, pivot it toward the RCM
, drawing the connector into the RCM
.
- Install the center console. For additional information, refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE .
- Repower the SRS . Do not prove out the SRS at this time. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
- If a new RCM was installed, carry out the appropriate steps to complete the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) procedure. For additional information, refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION .
- Prove out the SRS
as follows:
Turn the ignition from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to ON and monitor the air bag indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag indicator will:
- fail to light.
- remain lit continuously.
- flash at a 5 Hz rate (RCM not configured).
The air bag warning indicator might not light until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS . If the air bag indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag indicator and any SRS fault discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.
Clear all continuous DTCs from the RCM and Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM).
NO RELATED
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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.