Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag system:

• Disable Supplemental Inflatable Restraints (SIR) system on Ascender or Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on Rodeo and Axiom before servicing any SIR or SRS systems, instrument panel or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag deployment, and possible personal injury and/or vehicle damage. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• WAIT at least 15 SECONDS after disabling SIR before servicing vehicle. System maintains SIR system voltage for time specified. Servicing SIR system before time has elapsed could result in accidental air bag deployment, and possible personal injury and/or vehicle damage.
• After repairs, ensure AIR BAG indicator light is operating properly and no system faults are indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Air bag modules must be stored in original special container until used for service. They 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 flat surface, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if accidentally deployed. Provide enough free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment.
• Any SIR component dropped from a height greater than 3 feet (91 cm) must be replaced.
• On Rodeo, DO NOT subject SIR components to temperatures greater than 200°F (93°C). On Ascender, DO NOT expose inflator modules to temperatures greater than 150°F (65°C).
• NEVER use SIR components from another vehicle. DO NOT use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which can irritate skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up, and wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• After deployment, air bag module and surrounding metal areas will be hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury WAIT at least 10 minutes before touching components. DO NOT place the deployed SIR component near any flammable objects.
• At no time should any electrical source be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module.
• When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover should be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• When carrying inflator module DO NOT carry an undeployed inflator module by the wires or connector.
• When storing a steering column, DO NOT rest column with air bag opening facing down and column vertical. Lay column on its side.
• DO NOT attempt to disassemble any SIR component. SIR components are serviced as a complete unit and contain no serviceable components.
• DO NOT use battery powered tester or ohmmeter on air bag module connectors. The current from these devices can trigger air bag deployment. DO NOT use probe type tester on SIR harness or components.
• DO NOT probe a wire through insulator; this will damage wire and eventually cause failure due to corrosion.
• DO NOT attempt to repair damaged SIR wiring harness. Replace harness as an assembly if damaged.
• If SIR 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 SIR system is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.