Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system component or component located in instrument panel or steering column. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Because of critical operating requirements of air bag system, DO NOT attempt to service or disassemble any air bag system component. If a component is faulty it must be replaced.
• DO NOT leave air bag components unattended. Install air bag components in vehicle immediately after they are obtained.
• NEVER point open end of a seat belt tensioner at another person.
• Only install NEW air bag system components supplied by manufacturer. DO NOT use components previously installed in another vehicle.
• DO NOT use air bag or seat belt pretensioner components that have been dropped from a height of more than 20 inches (50 cm) to a hard surface or have mechanical damage.
• DO NOT allow chemical cleaners, oil or grease to contact vinyl covering on air bag.
• DO NOT place stickers or covers on steering wheel, passenger's side instrument panel or over front seat backs. Using a seat cushion, mat or pad on front passenger's seat, may inhibit operation of seat occupied sensor and side air bags.
• Disable SRS before performing electric welding on vehicle.
• DO NOT expose air bag module or seat belt pretensioners to temperatures greater than 212°F (100°C).
• DO NOT allow any electrical source near front or side air bag inflators or near seat belt tensioner connector.
• Never use a test lamp or analog volt/ohmmeter for testing.
• A technician must be electrostatically discharged before picking up (touching) an air bag unit or seat belt tensioner. This is accomplished by touching a suitable metal part, for example, a water pipe, a heating pipe or a metal frame.
• When carrying a live air bag assembly, trim cover pad should be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• When driving or riding in an air bag-equipped vehicle, NEVER hold scan tool or other test equipment in your hands or lap while in motion. Objects between you and the air bag increase the risk of injury in an accident.
• During a road test in an air bag-equipped vehicle, test equipment must always be fastened to and operated from the rear seat by a second technician.
• If SRS is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired. DO NOT remove any component or in any way disable system from operating normally. If SRS is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.