Service Precautions

Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column component. Failure to disable system could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Wait about 10 minutes after disconnecting negative battery cable before servicing SRS. System reserve capacitor maintains SRS voltage for about 10 minutes after battery is disconnected. Servicing SRS before 10 minutes may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• When trouble shooting SRS, always check for diagnostic codes before disconnecting battery.
• In a minor collision in which air bag does not deploy, front air bag impact sensors and steering wheel pad should be inspected.
• DO NOT  use air bag parts from another vehicle. Replace air bag parts with new parts.
• Remove front impact sensors if shocks are likely to be applied to sensors during repairs.
• DO NOT  disassemble and attempt repair of front impact sensors or steering wheel pad.
• If front impact sensors, control unit or steering wheel pad is dropped, or if there are cracks, dents or other defects in the case or connector, replace parts with new ones.
• DO NOT  expose front impact sensors, control unit or steering wheel pad to temperatures greater than 194°F (90°C).
• Use a digital volt/ohmmeter with high impedance (10 k/ohm minimum) for troubleshooting electrical circuit.
• Information labels are attached to air bag components. Follow all notices on labels.
• After work on SRS is completed, check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See TESTING - SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• DO NOT  check air bag module continuity with air bag removed from vehicle.
• 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 the 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.