Deployed Air Bag Clean-Up
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage and 1995 Eagle Summit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Vehicle interior will contain sodium hydroxide powder, a by-product of air bag deployment. Since this powder can irritate skin, eyes, nose, and throat, wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up.
- Begin clean-up by putting tape over air bag exhaust vent to prevent additional powder from escaping into vehicle interior. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from A/C-heater outlets and vehicle interior.
- Turn blower motor to low for a few minutes and exit vehicle. Turn blower motor off. Vacuum any other powder expelled from plenum. Vacuum interior a second time to recover all powder. Avoid kneeling or sitting on unclean areas. Wrap deployed air bag in heavy vinyl plastic and dispose of it as you would any other part.