Air Bag Safety Precautions

Observe the following precautions when servicing air bag system:

• 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 .
• When diagnosing air bag system, always check for diagnostic codes before disconnecting battery.
• After turning ignition switch to LOCK position and disconnecting negative battery cable, wait at least 90 seconds before working on air bag system. Air bag system is equipped with a back-up power source that may allow air bag to deploy until 90 seconds after disconnecting negative battery cable.
• If vehicle was in a minor collision but air bags did not deploy, inspect all system components for any sign of damage, and replace as necessary.
• Never use air bag system components from another vehicle. Replace air bag system components with new parts.
• Remove air bag sensor assembly, if repairing the vehicle requires impacting (shocking) the vehicle.
• Air bag sensor assembly contains mercury. After replacement, DO NOT destroy old part. When scrapping vehicle or replacing air bag sensor assembly, remove air bag sensor assembly and dispose of it as toxic waste.
• Never disassemble and repair air bag sensor assembly or steering wheel pad.
• Replace dropped, cracked, dented or otherwise damaged components.
• DO NOT expose air bag sensor assembly, front air bag sensors, pretensioners or air bag modules directly to heat or flame.
• When diagnosing electrical circuits, use a volt-ohm meter with high impedance (10,000 ohms minimum).
• Information labels are attached to air bag components. Follow all notices on labels.
• After work on air bag system is complete, check air bag warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is 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. After clean-up, wash hands using mild soap and water.
• Carry a live air bag module with trim cover (air bag) pointed away from your body to minimize injury in case accidental deployment.
• 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.