Air Bag Safety Precautions: Notes

Observe the following precautions when working with SIR system:

• SDM maintains sufficient voltage to cause air bag deployment for up to 10 seconds after ignition switch is turned OFF, battery is disconnected, or fuse powering SDM is removed. In order to begin servicing immediately, inflator modules must be removed from deployment loop. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• After repairs, ensure AIR BAG warning light is working properly and no system faults are indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag module.
• Air bag modules must be stored in original special containers until used for service. Store in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks, or high electrical energy.
• Air bag modules or SDMs should not be subjected to temperatures greater than 150 F (65 C).
• Air bag modules or SDMs should not be used if they have been dropped from a height of 3 feet or greater.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always make certain that trim cover faces up. This will reduce motion of module if accidentally deployed.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which can irritate skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up, and wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures. See DISPOSAL PROCEDURES  .
• At no time should any electrical source be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module.
• DO NOT apply power to SIR system unless all components are connected or a diagnostic chart requests it, as this will set a diagnostic trouble code.
• When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover should be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
• DO NOT attempt to service SDM, front-end discriminating sensor, SIR coil assembly, or air bag modules. If defective, these parts must be replaced.
• DO NOT probe a wire through insulator; this damages wire and eventually causes failure due to corrosion.
• When performing electrical tests, prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such mistakes can damage fuses or components and may cause a second fault code to set, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
• When using diagnostic charts to diagnose SIR system, under no circumstances should a volt-ohmmeter, test light or any type of electrical equipment not specified by manufacturer be used. See SPECIAL TOOLS  .
• If SIR system is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensor or other components or in any way disable system from operating normally.