Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when servicing SRS:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column component. Failure to disable air bag could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• When trouble shooting SRS, 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 SRS. SRS 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 front air bag sensors and steering wheel pad.
• Never use air bag parts from another vehicle. Replace air bag parts with new parts.
• Remove center air bag sensor and front air bag sensors if repairing the vehicle requires impacting (shocking) the vehicle.
• Center air bag sensor contains mercury. After replacement, DO NOT destroy old part. When scrapping vehicle or replacing center air bag sensor, remove center air bag sensor and dispose of it as toxic waste.
• Never disassemble and repair front air bag sensors, center air bag sensor or steering wheel pad.
• Replace dropped, cracked, dented or otherwise damaged component.
• DO NOT expose front air bag sensors, center air bag sensor or steering wheel pad directly to heat or flame.
• When trouble shooting electrical circuits, use a volt/ohmmeter with high impedance (10 k/ohm minimum).
• Information labels are attached to air bag components. Follow all notices on labels.
• After work on SRS is completed, 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 upward, 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 of accidental 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.