Air Bag Safety Precautions

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 personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Wait one minute after disabling air bag system before working on vehicle. Back-up power supply holds a deployment charge for approximately one minute after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing air bag system before one minute may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service sensors, clockspring, electronic crash sensor or air bag modules. Repairs 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 facing 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 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 scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed air bag module, air bag must be deployed. 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.
• Instruction to disconnect always refers to connector. DO NOT remove component from vehicle if instructed to disconnect.
• After any servicing, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any fault codes. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Replace air bag module if trim cover (deployment doors) is marred or damaged. DO NOT repaint trim cover. Paint may degrade cover material. Replace air bag module as necessary. See SCRAPPED VEHICLE  under DISPOSAL PROCEDURES.
• If vehicle is involved in collision in which center tunnel area is damaged, inspect RCM mounting bracket for deformation. If damaged, RCM must be replaced whether or not air bags have deployed. Additionally, ensure RCM mounting area is restored to its original condition.