Precautions on Service and Diagnosis of Air Bag System

WARNING: Failure to follow proper procedures and take proper precautions when servicing air bag system components or related parts could result in personal injury due to accidental air bag activation, damage to components, or non-activation of the air bag system in the event of an accident.

Be sure to follow the procedures described in this section.
Do not modify the steering wheel, dashboard or any other parts that are near the air bag system components. Modifying any parts supporting or surrounding the air bag system components can adversely affect the performance of the system and lead to personal injury.
Be sure to follow the procedures described in this section precisely. Failure to follow the procedures may result in accidental air bag system activation and eventual personal injury or the need for extra repairs to the air bag system.

WARNING/CAUTION labels are attached on each part of air bag system components (SDM, air bag (inflator) modules and seat belt pretensioners). Be sure to follow the instructions.
Many of service procedures require disconnection of "A/B" fuse and air bag (inflator) module(s) (driver and passenger) from initiator circuit to avoid an accidental deployment.
Do not apply power to the air bag system unless all components are connected or a diagnostic flow requests it, as this will set a DTC.
The AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK : Except advanced Air Bag must be the starting point of any air bag diagnostics. The AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK : Except advanced Air Bag will verify proper "AIR BAG" warning light operation and will lead you to the correct flow to diagnose any air bag malfunctions. Bypassing these procedures may result in extended diagnostic time, incorrect diagnosis, and incorrect parts replacements.
Never use air bag component parts from another vehicle.
If the vehicle will be exposed to temperatures over 93 °C (200 °F) (for example, during a paint baking process), remove the air bag system components beforehand to avoid component damage or unintended system activation.
When handling the air bag (inflator) modules (driver and passenger), seat belt pretensioners (driver and passenger), SDM, forward impact-sensor be careful not to drop it or apply an impact to it. If an excessive impact was applied (e.g., SDM, forward impact-sensor are dropped, air bag (inflator) module is dropped from a height of 90 cm (3 ft) or more, seat belt pretensioner (retractor assembly) is dropped from a height of 30 cm (1 ft) or more), never attempt disassembly or repair but replace it with a new one.
When using electric welding, be sure to disconnect air bag (inflator) module connectors (driver and passenger) and seat belt pretensioner connectors (driver and passenger) respectively.
When applying paint around the air bag system related parts, use care so that the harness or connector will not be exposed to the paint mist.
Never expose air bag system component parts directly to hot air (drying or baking the vehicle after painting) or flames.

WARNING: When performing service on or around air bag system components or air bag wiring, follow the procedures listed in DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM: EXCEPT ADVANCED AIR BAG to temporarily disable the air bag system.
Failure to follow procedures could result in possible air bag system activation, personal injury or unneeded air bag system repairs.