Remote Deployment Of AIR Bag
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Villager. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
This procedure is to be used when a vehicle with a live driver-side or passenger-side air bag is to be scrapped, but a problem in air bag electrical system prevents deployment with air bag still installed in vehicle.
WARNING:
Air bags being deployed may cause objects to be projected away from air bag. Also, loud noise occurs during deployment. Personal injury and hearing damage may result. To ensure physical and hearing safety, perform remote deployment outdoors and keep all personnel at least 20 feet (6.09 m) away deployment area. Deploy air bags with trim cover or deployment door facing upward. Wear safety goggles and hearing protection during deployment procedure.
- Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable system. See DISABLING SYSTEM .
- Remove air bag modules. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . With air bag modules removed, cut air bag connector from wiring harness near air bag module. Strip 1" of insulation from wire ends. Obtain 2 wires, 20 gauge and each at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each 20-foot wire to one end of each air bag module wire. See Fig 1 & Fig 2
.WARNING: Air bag may ricochet into personnel, if accidently deployed. Personal injury may result. When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of air bag module if it is accidentally deployed.
- Place air bag module with trim cover facing upward on a flat surface, in remote area such as parking lot or field. Remain at least 20 feet away from air bag module. Deploy air bag by touching loose ends of both wires to 12-volt battery terminals.
- If successful, a loud noise will be heard and bag material will be visible. Allow at least 10 minutes for cooling and dissipation of air bag effluents before approaching air bag. Air bag is now inoperative. If air bag does not deploy, air bag module is faulty. Contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions on disposal procedures.