Air Bag Safety Precautions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. 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 before servicing any air bag system/steering column component. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service any air bag system component or wiring harness. Corrections are made by replacement only.
DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.
When carrying a live (undeployed) module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of accidental air bag deployment.
When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face trim cover upward to reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
SAS control unit must always be installed with arrow facing front of vehicle. Ensure SAS control unit is firmly mounted in vehicle before connecting SAS harness connector.
Disconnecting or removing the SAS control unit or side air bag sensor with ignition switch in ON position can cause air bag to deploy which can cause serious personal injury. Before disconnecting or removing SAS control unit or side air bag sensor, turn ignition switch to LOCK position and disconnect negative battery cable.
Air bag system clockspring must be aligned in neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited. DO NOT turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.
A double-lock mechanism is used on clockspring connectors. DO NOT use excessive force when disconnecting connectors, as damage to connector may occur.