Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when working with SRS:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column component. Failure to do this may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• WAIT at least ONE MINUTE after disabling air bag system before servicing vehicle. Air bag system maintains enough voltage to deploy air bags for ONE MINUTE after disconnecting battery.
• After servicing, check SRS warning light to verify system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. WASH HANDS after handling to reduce lead exposure.
• DO NOT expose SRS-ECU, air bag module and clockspring to temperatures greater than 200°F (93°C).
• DO NOT expose seat belt with pretensioner to temperatures greater than 194°F (90°C).
• SRS components and seat belt pretensioner should not be subjected to heat. Remove SRS-ECU, driver's and front passenger's air bag modules, clockspring, side-air bag modules, and seat belt pretensioners before drying or baking vehicle after painting.
• 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 air bag accidentally deploys.
• To prevent damage to driver's air bag clockspring, center front wheels before removing steering wheel or steering gear. Center front wheels and align clockspring neutral marks before installing steering wheel.
• After air bag deploys, 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. Wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct clean-up and disposal procedures.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service or repair any SRS components, including wiring harness. Repairs are only made by replacing defective component(s).
• DO NOT allow any electrical source near inflator on the back of air bag module. DO NOT use an ohmmeter or powered circuit tester on air bag modules.
• When carrying a live (undeployed) air bag module, trim cover must be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• Make certain ignition switch is in the LOCK (OFF) position when scan tool is connected or disconnected.
• DO NOT probe a wire through insulator, as this will damage wire and eventually cause failure due to corrosion.
• If SRS is not fully functional for any reason, DO NOT drive vehicle until system is repaired and is fully functional. 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 repairs are made.