Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems and seat belt pretensioners (if equipped):

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag, instrument panel or steering column component. Failure to disable air bag system could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Never power up air bag system when Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) is not rigidly attached to the vehicle. Failure to follow procedures could result in possible air bag system activation, personal injury or unnecessary air bag system repairs.
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• The air bag module and seat belt pretensioner (if equipped) are very hot immediately after activation/deployment. Wait for at least 30 minutes for components to cool off before proceeding with work.
• DO NOT apply water, oil or anything else to deployed air bag module or to seat belt pretensioner.
• After an air bag module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. During any service procedures, wear gloves. Wash your hands with mild soap and water after completing the work.
• Handle air bag module(s) carefully.
• 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.
• 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.
• If painting vehicle, DO NOT expose air bag harness or connectors to paint mist.
• Store live air bag modules at temperatures below 150°F (65°C) with low humidity, and away from electrical noise.
• Replace any air bag components that have been dropped from a height of 3 feet (90 cm) or more. Replace seat belt pretensioner (retractor assembly) if it is dropped from a height of one foot (30 cm) or more.
• NEVER attempt disassembly or repair of air bag components or seat belt pretensioners. Components are not repairable and must be replaced if damaged.
• When servicing vehicle if shocks (as from a hammer or mallet) may be applied near air bag system sensors or other components, remove those components first.
• DO NOT allow any electrical source near inflator on the back of air bag module. To avoid deployment when troubleshooting the air bag system, DO NOT use electrical test equipment such as a battery powered or AC powered voltmeter, ohmmeter or any type of electrical equipment other than that specified. DO NOT use a non-powered probe type tester.
• DO NOT apply power to the air bag system unless all components are connected or a diagnostic procedure requests it, as this will set a DTC.
• When using electric welding equipment, always disconnect driver's and passenger's air bag module connectors and pretensioner connectors (if equipped).
• Air bag wire harness can be identified easily because it is covered with a Yellow protection tube and is included in floor harness. Be very careful when handling it.
• Replace air bag wire harness when an open, short or other damage to wire harness, connector or terminal is found. Replace wire harness, connectors and terminals as an assembly. When installing it, ensure that the air bag wire harness is not caught or does not interfere with other parts.
• Ensure air bag system grounding points are clean and grounds are securely fastened for optimum metal-to-metal contact. Poor grounding can cause intermittent problems that are difficult to diagnose.
• If air bag system is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired. DO NOT remove any component or in any way disable system from operating normally. If air bag system is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.