Air Bag Safety Precautions
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.
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 possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
- Back-up power supply holds a deployment charge for approximately 3 minutes after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing air bag system before 3-minute 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 modules. Repair is made by replacement only.
- Always wear safety glasses when 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 motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
- After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which is a skin irritant. Sodium hydroxide is a product of the 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.
- If vehicle is involved in collision in which center tunnel area is damaged, inspect diagnostic monitor mounting bracket for deformation. If damaged, diagnostic monitor must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed. Additionally, ensure mounting area is restored to its original condition.
- After any servicing, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any faults still exist. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .