Service Precautions

To ensure long-term operation, SRS system must be inspected 10 years from vehicle manufacture date (date is on driver-side center pillar, on certification label). Observe the following precautions when working with SRS.

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column component. Failure to do this may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• For 60 seconds or more after air bag system is disabled, it retains enough voltage to deploy air bags. After disabling system, wait at least 60 seconds before servicing.
• After servicing, always turn ignition on from passenger-side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• After servicing, check SRS warning light to verify system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Suitable ear protection should be worn by personnel performing deployment procedures.
• The SRS-ECU must be stored in its original special container until used for service. It must be stored in a clean, dry place and away from sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electrical energy.
• DO NOT  expose air bag module and clockspring to temperatures greater than 200°F (93°C).
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face the air bag module and trim cover up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if the air bag accidentally deploys.
• After air bag deploys, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which irritates skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct clean-up and disposal procedures. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES  .
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT  service any SRS components. Repairs are only made by replacing defective part(s).
• DO NOT  allow any electrical source near inflator on the back of air bag module.
• When carrying a live (undeployed) air bag module, trim cover must be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• DO NOT  probe wire harness connector terminals. Instead, use SRS Check Harness (MB991613).
• DO NOT  probe a wire through insulator, as this will damage it and eventually cause failure due to corrosion.
• When performing electrical tests, prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such shorts can damage fuses or components and may cause a second fault code to set, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
• Never use an analog volt/ohm meter or test light in place of a Digital Volt/Ohm Meter (DVOM). Use only a DVOM with a maximum test current of 2 mA (milliamps) at minimum range of resistance measurement. Also see SPECIAL TOOLS  .
• If SRS is not fully functional for any reason, DO NOT  drive vehicle until system is repaired and is fully functional. DO NOT  remove bulbs, modules, sensors, or other components, or in any way disable system from operating normally. If SRS is not functional, park vehicle until repairs are made.