Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag system:

Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
DO store modules in an upright position.
DO keep modules dry.
DO carry modules with the cover side pointing away from the body.
DO place modules with their cover side upwards.
DO carefully inspect modules for damage.
DO stand to one side when connecting modules.
DO make sure all test equipment is properly calibrated and maintained.
DO wash your hands after handling deployed air bags.
DO NOT store highly flammable material together with modules or gas generators.
DO NOT store gas generators at temperatures exceeding 176°F (80°C).
DO NOT use damaged modules.
DO NOT store modules upside down.
DO NOT attempt to open a gas generator housing.
DO NOT expose gas generators to open flame or sources of heat.
DO NOT place anything on top of a module cover.
DO NOT touch a fired module or gas generator for at least 10 minutes.
DO NOT use any electrical probes on the wiring circuit.
Replace any air bag or seat belt pretensioner component dropped from a height greater than 12 inches (0.3 m).
DO NOT probe air bag module connector with ohmmeter. Ohmmeter current can cause air bag to deploy.
DO NOT expose air bag or seat belt pretensioner components to heat or flame, high humidity or electrical noise.
Never disassemble or repair system components. Replace cracked, dented or otherwise damaged system components.
Electronic components in seats are sensitive to impact. Handle seat with care or damage may result.
Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.
Air bag system component repair is made by replacement only. If a component is replaced and does not correct condition, install original component and repeat diagnostic procedure.
The gas generant used in air bags is Sodium Azide. This material is hermetically sealed in the module and is completely consumed during deployment. No attempt should be made to open an air bag inflator as this will lead to the risk of exposure to Sodium Azide. If a gas generator is ruptured, full protective clothing should be worn when dealing with the spillage.
When placing a live air bag on a bench or other flat surface, always face air bag trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover must be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which irritates skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. After clean-up, wash hands using mild soap and water.
In the event of a fault that causes F4 10-amp battery supply fuse (located in the fuse-box at the driver's end of the fascia), the fuse must not be renewed until the Air Bag/SRS system has been deactivated. Fuses of any other value must never be used, as this can cause disarm failure.
Radio code saving devices MUST NOT be used when conducting work on air bag system. It must be noted that, when using these devices, the vehicle electrical system is still live and capable of activating air bag system.