Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when working with or near air bag systems:

• Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable before servicing vehicle. Allow system capacitor to discharge for 2 minutes before removing air bag components.
• Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to do this may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Air bag module must be stored in its original special container until used for service. It must be stored in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks and high electrical energy.
• 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 accidentally deployed.
• When a steering column has an air bag module attached, never place column on the floor or any other surface with the steering wheel or air bag module face down.
• On Dakota, Ram Pickup and Ram Van/Wagon, the air bag module inflator assembly contains sodium azide and potassium nitrate. These materials are poisonous and extremely flammable; contact with acid, water, or heavy metals may produce harmful and irritating gases.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• When carrying a live air bag module, point trim cover away from your body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
• DO NOT disconnect or connect module while battery is connected. Never disassemble air bag module. There are no serviceable parts within the module.
• The air bag control module contain an impact sensor which enables the system to deploy the air bags. Never strike or kick the air bag control module. If air bag control module is accidentally dropped, the module MUST be scrapped.
• Clockspring, air bag module, and seat belt pre-tensioner (if equipped) MUST be replaced if air bag is deployed.
• On Caravan, Town and Country and Voyager, when driver-side air bag is deployed because of a collision, the complete steering column assembly, steering column clockspring, steering wheel, driver-side air bag cover/horn module, and lower steering coupler MUST be replaced.
• On Dakota and Ram Pickup, ALWAYS remove and replace the air bag control module and its mounting bracket as a unit. DO NOT transfer the module to another bracket.
• Fasteners, screws and bolts used to fasten air bag components have a special coating and are specifically designed for air bag system. Use only original equipment fasteners.