Service Precautions

The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:

• Before any repairs are performed, disconnect and shield battery ground. Because system has ability to retain voltage, remove SIR or AIR BAG fuse, and disconnect Yellow SIR connector at base of steering column, and, on vehicles with passenger-side air bags, disconnect Yellow SIR connector at base of right instrument panel behind knee bolster.
• Wait 2 minutes before working on vehicle. All connectors used on SIR system use Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clips to ensure connector retention. Even if system is disconnected, always use caution when working near inflator modules.
• Use special care when handling a sensor. DO NOT strike or jar a sensor, as air bag deployment, personal injury or improper operation of SIR system could result. A sensor must be replaced if dropped 3 feet or more.
• Sensors and mounting bracket bolts must be carefully torqued to ensure correct operation. Never power up SIR system when any sensor is not rigidly attached to vehicle, since sensor is easily activated and could cause air bag deployment.
• Special care is necessary when handling and storing a live (undeployed) inflator module. Rapid gas generation, produced during deployment of air bag, could throw inflator module, or any object in front of inflator module, through air.
• When carrying a live inflator module, ensure bag and trim cover are pointed away from body. If an accidental deployment occurs, bag will then deploy with reduced chance of injury. When placing a live inflator module on a bench or other surface, always face bag and trim cover up and away from surface so space is provided to allow air bag to expand in case of deployment. In addition, never carry any SIR component by wires or connector.