Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when servicing SRS:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS, instrument panel 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 .
• DO NOT use any type of back-up power supply from outside vehicle to avoid memory loss in memory systems. Back-up power supplies can provide enough voltage to activate SRS components.
• After turning ignition switch to LOCK position and disconnecting negative battery cable, wait at least 90 SECONDS before working on vehicle. SRS is equipped with a back-up power source that may allow air bag to deploy within 90 seconds after disconnecting negative battery cable.
• In a minor collision in which air bags did not deploy, inspect front air bag sensors, steering wheel pad, front passenger air bag assembly, side air bag assembly, seat belt pretensioner, air bag control module, and side air bag sensor.
• If steering wheel pad, front or side air bag assemblies, curtain air bag assembly, air bag sensor, side air bag sensor or front air bag sensor has been dropped, or if there are cracks, dents or other defects in the case, connectors or brackets, replace the component.
• Remove air bag sensors if an impact is likely to be applied to area close to sensors during repair.
• Never disassemble or repair system components. Replace cracked, dented or otherwise damaged system components.
• DO NOT expose front air bag sensors, center air bag sensor assembly, steering wheel pad, passenger air bag, side air bags or seat belt pretensioners directly to hot air or flame.
• DO NOT store air bag modules where they will be exposed to temperatures greater than 199°F (93°C), high humidity or electrical noise. DO NOT store seat belt pretensioners to temperatures greater than 176°F (80°C), high humidity or electrical noise.
• Information labels are attached to air bag components. Follow all notices on labels.
• After servicing SRS, check air bag indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling air bags or seat belt pretensioners.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other flat surface, always face air bag module and trim cover up, 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.
• After deployment, steering wheel pad is very hot. Wait 30 minutes before touching.
• DO NOT install components previously installed on another vehicle. Only use NEW components supplied by manufacturer.
• When using electric welding, disconnect air bag module and seat belt pretensioner connectors.
• When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover must be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• If SRS 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 SRS is not functional, park vehicle until it is repaired and functions properly. See SYSTEM OPERATING CHECK .