Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when servicing SRS:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag or steering column component. Failure to disable air bag could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• After disabling air bag system, wait at least 10 seconds (90 seconds on Grand Vitara and Vitara) before working on vehicle. Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) maintains a reserve voltage for this time period.
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Handle air bag module(s) carefully. Always place air bag module(s) with pad facing upward. DO NOT disassemble air bag module.
• If the air bag system and another vehicle system both need repair, the air bag system must be repaired first to avoid unintended air bag deployment.
• DO NOT modify steering wheel, dashboard, or any other air bag system component. Modifications can adversely affect air bag system performance and lead to personal injury.
• Never use air bag parts from another vehicle. Replace air bag parts with new parts.
• Remove air bag modules and SDM if repairing the vehicle requires exposing the vehicle to temperatures over 200°F (93°C). Never expose air bag system components directly to hot air or flames.
• 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.
• Remove air bag components if repairing the vehicle requires impacting (shocking) the vehicle.
• 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 using electric welding equipment, always disconnect air bag module connectors.
• If painting vehicle, DO NOT expose air bag harness or connectors to paint mist.