Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system component or component located in instrument panel or steering column. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Because of critical operating requirements of air bag system, DO NOT attempt to service or disassemble any air bag system component. If a component is faulty it must be replaced.
• DO NOT leave air bag components unattended. Install air bag components in vehicle immediately after they are obtained.
• NEVER point open end of a seat belt tensioner at another person.
• Only install NEW air bag system components supplied by manufacturer. DO NOT use components previously installed in another vehicle.
• DO NOT use air bag or seat belt pretensioner components that have been dropped on hard surface or have mechanical damage.
• DO NOT allow chemical cleaners, oil or grease to contact vinyl covering on air bag.
• DO NOT place stickers or covers on steering wheel, passenger's side instrument panel or over front seat backs. Using a seat cushion, mat or pad on front passenger's seat, may inhibit operation of seat occupied sensor and side air bags.
• Disable SRS before performing electric welding on vehicle.
• DO NOT expose air bag module or seat belt pretensioners to temperatures greater than 212°F (100°C).
• DO NOT allow any electrical source near front or side air bag inflators or near seat belt tensioner connector.
• Before picking up or touching an air bag unit ensure technician has been electrostatically discharged by touching a suitable metal part, for example, a water pipe, a heating pipe or a metal frame.
• Install a new air bag component as soon as component is removed from the packaging. If work is interrupted or delayed for any reason, place air bag component back in its original packaging.
• DO NOT leave any undeployed air bag component unattended if work is interrupted.
• NEVER use test lamp, voltmeter or ohmmeter for testing.
• Air bag components which have dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 19.7" (50 cm) or more, or show signs of damage MUST NOT be installed in the vehicle. Always replace any air bag system component that has been mechanically damaged (example: dented or cracked).
• Air bag components which have not been activated should be marked and returned to the manufacturer for disposal (use air bag unit transport container). The storage and transportation of air bag units must comply with the regulations for explosive substances.
• Only install original seat covers that have been authorized for use with side air bags (recognizable by AIRBAG label). DO NOT install commercially available loose fitting seat covers. When installing a backrest cover ensure that the cover seam is straight in the area of the side air bag. Replace all seat cover clips. Only use original seat cover clips. For safety reasons always replace the seat cover if it is damaged in area of the side air bag, e.g. torn, burn holes, etc.
• When carrying a live air bag assembly, trim cover pad should be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• If SRS 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 SRS is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.