Air Bag Safety Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable SRS before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. 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 and/or seat belt pretensioner 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 warning bulbs, 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 system 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 mark facing towards front of vehicle.
• Check all SRS components for cracks, dents, defects and rust before installation. DO NOT use any components which have signs of damage.
• If steering gear is removed, DO NOT turn steering wheel or column shaft. Rotation of air bag system spiral cable in steering column is limited and can be damaged with excessive turning. Air bag system spiral cable must be aligned in neutral position (centered) when installing in steering column.
• Handle air bag modules and seat belt pretensioners carefully. Always place air bag modules with pad facing upward.
• DO NOT disassemble restraint system components.
• 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 any SRS component.
• If front or side 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 or seat belt pretensioner (including scrapping a vehicle with air bag system), always deploy components. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES  .
• Replace used mounting bolts or nuts with NEW mounting bolts or nuts.
• After servicing, perform system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .