Air Bag Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column components. Failure to do so may result in accidental air bag deployment and cause personal injury. See DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Back-up power supply will hold a deployment charge for approximately ten minutes after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before deployment charge is depleted may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT  service sensors, clockspring, monitor, or air bag module. Corrections are made by replacement only.
• Always wear safety glasses whenever servicing an air bag equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.
• When carrying a live air bag module, ensure air bag module and trim cover are pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of an accidental deployment.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag module 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 may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• If a part is replaced and new part does not correct condition,reinstall original part and perform diagnostic procedure again.
• Never probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may cause air bag deployment and personal injury.
• The instruction to DISCONNECT always refers to a connector. DO NOT  disconnect a component from vehicle when instructed to DISCONNECT.
• After repairs, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any other faults.