Service Precautions

The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column components. Failure to do so may result in accidental air bag deployment and cause personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Back-up power supply will hold a deployment charge for approximately one minute after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before one-minute waiting period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service sensors, clockspring, diagnostic monitor, or air bag module. Corrections are made by replacement only.
• Always wear safety glasses whenever servicing an air bag-equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.
• When carrying a live air bag module, ensure air bag module and trim cover are pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of an accidental deployment.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag module and trim cover up and away from surface. This will reduce module motion if it is accidentally deployed.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES  .
• If a part is replaced and new part does not correct condition, reinstall original part and perform diagnostic procedure again.
• Never probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may cause air bag deployment and/or personal injury.
• The instruction to disconnect always refers to a connector. DO NOT remove a component from vehicle when instructed to disconnect.
• After repairs, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any other faults. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .