Service Precautions

Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS 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 .
• 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 up to 90 seconds after negative battery cable is disconnected.
• In a minor collision in which air bag does not deploy, front air bag sensors and steering wheel pad should be inspected.
• NEVER use air bag parts from another vehicle. Replace air bag parts using new parts.
• Remove air bag sensors if shocks are likely to be applied to sensors during repairs.
• Center air bag sensor assembly contains mercury. After replacement, DO NOT destroy old part. When scrapping vehicle or replacing center air bag sensor assembly, remove center air bag sensor assembly and dispose of as toxic waste.
• Never disassemble and repair front air bag sensors, center air bag sensor assembly or steering wheel pad.
• If front air bag sensors, center air bag sensor assembly or steering wheel pad is dropped or if cracks, dents or other defects exist in case, bracket or connector, replace parts using new ones.
• DO NOT expose front air bag sensors, center air bag sensor assembly or steering wheel pad directly to hot air or flame.
• Use a volt-ohmmeter with high impedance (10 k/ohm minimum) for trouble shooting electrical circuit.
• Information labels are attached to air bag components. Follow all notices on labels.
• After work on SRS is completed, check AIR BAG/SRS warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See TESTING - 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 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, from gas generant combustion. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up, and wash hands using mild soap and water.
• When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover should be 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.