Air Bag Safety Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Always disable SRS before performing any air bag repairs. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Always ensure radio is off before disconnecting battery. This will prevent damage to radio microprocessor.
• Always record any radio code before disconnecting battery.
• Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module and-or seat belt tensioners. Air bag module and-or seat belt tensioners may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which irritate skin.
• Use caution when handling SRS components. Never strike or jar components. All components and mounting bracket bolts must be tightened carefully to ensure proper operation.
• Never apply power to SRS if control module is not securely mounted to vehicle.
• Never make any measurement directly on air bag modules or seat belt tensioners. A fault in these components is determined by a process of elimination using Special Test Resistor (998 8695).
• Ensure SRS test resistor resistance is 1.8-2.5 ohms before each use. If resistance is not as specified, replace test resistor.
• To avoid accidental air bag deployment when trouble shooting SRS, DO NOT use self-powered electrical test equipment, such as battery-powered or AC-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc. when air bag modules or seat belt tensioners are connected to SRS.
• When called for during diagnostics, use a DVOM with ohmmeter ranges of 2000 ohms and 200,000 ohms with a one-percent error tolerance.
• Wiring repairs should not be performed on any portion of SRS wiring harness.
• Always handle air bag modules with trim cover away from your body. Always place air bag module on workbench with trim cover facing up, away from loose objects.