Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable SRS system before servicing any SRS component, instrument panel components, steering column components or seat belt pretensioners (if equipped). Failure to do this could result in accidental activation of SRS and causing personal injury and/or vehicle damage. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Wait at least 3 MINUTES after disabling SRS before servicing vehicle. System maintains SRS system voltage for about 3 minutes. Servicing air bag system or seat belt pretensioners (if equipped) before 3 minutes could result in accidental SRS activation, causing personal injury and/or vehicle damage.
• After repairs, ensure AIR BAG indicator light is operating properly and no system faults are indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATING CHECK .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag system components.
• Air bag modules and seat belt pretensioners (if equipped) must be stored their original special containers until installation. They must be stored in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks or high electrical energy.
• Always place SRS components on a clean flat surface. When placing a live air bag module on a bench, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if accidentally activated.
• Replace air bag module if dropped or if it sustained an impact.
• DO NOT allow water, oil, or grease to come in contact with air bag module.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which can irritate skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up, and wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• At no time should any electrical source be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module.
• When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover should be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• DO NOT probe a wire through insulator; this will damage wire and eventually cause failure due to corrosion.
• If SRS system is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components or in any way disable system from operating normally. If SRS system is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.