Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Service Precautions
Observe the following precautions when working on air bag systems:
- When working around steering column and before any repairs are performed, disable SRS. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
- Before performing any body damage straightening or electrical arc-welding, disable SRS. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Disconnect front sensors.
- Wait about 5 minutes after SRS is disabled before servicing system. System maintains SRS voltage for about 5 minutes after system is disabled. Servicing SRS before 5-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which are irritating to the skin.
- Always use caution when handling any sensors. Never strike or jar sensors. All sensors and mounting bracket bolts must be torqued to specification to ensure proper sensor operation. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table at end of article.
- Never use any SRS component that has been dropped from 3 feet or higher.
- To avoid air bag deployment when trouble shooting SRS, DO NOT use self-powered electrical test equipment such as battery-powered or AC-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc. DO NOT perform any repair on any portion of SRS wiring circuit.
- Always handle air bag module with trim cover away from your body. Always place air bag module on workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.
- Never expose SRS components to temperatures greater than 212°F (100°C).
- Never expose any SRS system components to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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