Releasing Shorting Bar Spring
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Toyota Tercel. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Perform this procedure only if you were sent here from TROUBLE SHOOTING.
- Air bag squib circuit consists of circuit between center air bag sensor and air bag. If voltage is accidentally applied across squib circuit (as when testing, for example), air bag will deploy.
- To prevent accidental deployment, some squib circuit connectors contain a spring-loaded shorting bar. When squib circuit connector is disconnected, shorting bar automatically shorts squib circuit positive and negative circuits together. This prevents deployment if voltage is accidentally applied across circuits.
- When connector halves are attached, shorting bar is in released position (no continuity exists between terminals). When connector is disconnected, shorting bar is engaged (continuity exists between terminals).
- Some testing procedures require shorting bar to be in released position with connector disconnected (this is opposite of its normal position). To hold shorting bar in released position, obtain a piece of paper that is same thickness as male terminal blade that slides under shorting bar spring when connector is connected. See Fig 1.
WARNING: Paper must not be thicker than male terminal. If paper is thicker, connector terminal may be damaged, possible resulting in system fault.
- With squib circuit connector disconnected, insert paper into female terminal, sliding it under shorting bar spring. This lifts spring, breaking circuit and allowing test procedure to be performed as specified.