Service Precautions

Observe the following service precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to do this may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. If vehicle is equipped with passenger-side air bag, both modules (driver and passenger) MUST be disabled. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• After repairs, stay well away from air bag module(s) and turn ignition switch to RUN position. Ensure AIR BAG warning light is working properly and no system faults are indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Air bag module must be stored in its original special container until it is ready to be used for service. It must be stored in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks or high electrical energy.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag 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 can irritate skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• When carrying a live air bag module, point trim cover away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
• DO NOT carry seat belt pretensioner by wiring harness or connector. Seat belt pretensioner can be carried by piston tube. When handling a live seat belt pretensioner, DO NOT touch seat belt pretensioner in cable area between buckle and mounting bolt hole. DO NOT cover pretensioner piston tube opening with hands or point open end at yourself or others.
• Coil assembly must be replaced whenever air bag is deployed. Replace SDM, driver-side air bag module or passenger-side air bag module if it has been dropped from a height greater than 3 feet.
• Electrical sources should never be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module.
• If water enters the vehicle's interior and soaks the carpet, the SDM or SDM harness connector may need to be replaced. Inspect the affected area and remove all the water. Repair the water damage, replace the SDM harness connector, and replace the SDM. Failure to do this may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• If air bag system is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired. 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 repairs can be made.