Air Bag Safety Precautions

These precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system/steering column component. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• When trouble shooting SRS, always check diagnostic codes before disconnecting battery.
• After turning ignition switch to LOCK position and disconnecting negative battery cable, wait at least 30 seconds before working on SRS. SRS is equipped with a back-up power source that may allow air bag to deploy up to 30 seconds after negative battery cable is disconnected.
• During servicing of SRS, store air bag module where ambient temperature is less than 200 F (93 C) and humidity is low and static electricity is minimal.
• When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, ensure pad top surface is facing up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
• Use a volt-ohm meter with high impedance (10 k/ohm minimum) for trouble shooting electrical circuits.
• If electric welding is necessary to repair vehicle, disconnect negative battery cable before starting work.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT attempt to service air bag modules, clockspring, seat belt pretensioners, satellite sensors, wiring harness or SRS Control Module (SRSCM). Corrections are made by replacement with new parts only. NEVER use parts from another vehicle.
• If air bag modules, seat belt pretensioners or SRSCM have been dropped, or there are cracks, dents or other defects visible, replace with new parts.
• DO NOT attempt to measure resistance across air bag module squib connector. Accidental air bag deployment is possible which could cause personal injury.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, resulting from gas generate combustion, which irritates skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water.
• After deployment of an driver-side air bag, replace clockspring with a new one.
• After work is complete on SRS, ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .