Air Bag Safety Precautions

Observe these precautions when servicing the air bag system:

• Disable air bag system before servicing system or steering column components. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Wait at least 3 minutes after disabling air bag system before servicing system. Air bag system voltage is maintained for at least 3 minutes after system is disabled. Servicing system before 3-minute period may cause accidental air bag system deployment and possible personal injury.
• If air bag system is not fully functional, vehicle must be parked until all repairs are completed. Never attempt to disable air bag system, or remove AIR BAG warning light bulb, with intent of continuing vehicle service.
• Air bag system will operate only when ignition switch is in ON or START positions. Ignition switch should be in LOCK position when working under hood or inside vehicle.
• When servicing vehicle, air bag system and related parts should be pointed away from technician.
• DO NOT repair, splice or modify any air bag system wiring harness. If harness is damaged, it must be replaced.
• DO NOT use a circuit tester to check air bag harness connectors. Air bag system wiring harness and connectors have Yellow insulation for easy identification. Keep all ground points clean.
• Diagnosis sensor unit must be installed with arrow marks facing front of vehicle. Also, check sensors for cracks, defects and rust before installation. Replace sensor as necessary.
• If steering gear is removed, DO NOT turn steering wheel or column shaft. Rotation of spiral cable is limited. Air bag system spiral cable must be aligned in neutral position (centered).
• Handle air bag modules carefully. Always place air bag modules with pad facing upward. DO NOT disassemble air bag modules.
• When working on or near air bag modules, position yourself so you are not directly in line with air bag module should it accidentally deploy.
• DO NOT expose air bag modules to temperatures exceeding 194°F (90°C ).
• DO NOT expose seat belt pretensioners to temperatures exceeding 176°F (80°C ).
• DO NOT allow oil, grease, or water to contact air bag modules or seat belt pretensioners.
• If front of vehicle is damaged in a collision, all air bag system components must be inspected and replaced as necessary. See POST-COLLISION INSPECTION  .
• Before discarding an air bag module (including scrapping a vehicle with air bag system), always deploy air bags. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES  .
• Replace used SRS component nuts and bolts with NEW nuts and bolts.
• After servicing, perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .