Service Precautions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1994 Plymouth Sundance, 1994 Plymouth Acclaim, 1994 Dodge Spirit, 1994 Dodge Shadow, and 1994 Chrysler LeBaron. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
After repairs, turn ignition on from passenger side of vehicle to avoid injury in case of accidental air bag deployment. Ensure AIR BAG warning light is working properly and no system faults are indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
Air bag module must be stored in its original special container until used for service. It must be stored in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks and high electrical energy.
When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if accidentally deployed.
After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which irritates skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up, and wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES.
Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT attempt to service any air bag components. Corrections are only made by replacing defective part.
Electrical sources should never be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module.
When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover should be pointed away from your body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
When testing voltage or continuity at Air Bag System Diagnostic Module (ASDM), use terminal side (not wire end) of connector.
DO NOT probe a wire through insulator, as this will damage it and eventually cause failure due to corrosion.
Clockspring must be replaced whenever air bag deploys.
When performing electrical tests, prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such shorts can damage fuses or components and may cause a second fault code to set, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
When using diagnostic charts to diagnose air bag system, use DRB volt-ohmmeter unless instructed to use an external volt-ohmmeter. NEVER use an analog volt-ohmmeter or test light in place of a digital volt-ohmmeter.
Never use an ohmmeter to measure resistance of driver-side air bag module. Accidental air bag deployment may occur, causing personal injury.
If air bag system is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired and again becomes operational. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components or in any way disable system from operating normally. If air bag system is not functional, park vehicle until it is repaired and functions properly.
When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See information in COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery.