Service Precautions

Observe the following service precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable appropriate air bag system zone or zones 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  .
• Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) maintains a reserve energy supply. Deployment power is available for as long as one minute after disconnecting battery power. Servicing vehicle before this time limit is reached may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• After repairs, stay well away from air bag inflator module(s), and turn ignition switch to ON position. Ensure AIR BAG warning light is working properly and no system faults are indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
• Use only new, original equipment replacement parts. DO NOT use salvaged parts for SIR system repairs.
• DO NOT expose air bag inflator modules to temperatures above 150°F (65°C).
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
• Air bag module must be stored in its original special container until it is ready to be used for service. It must be stored in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks or high electrical energy.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover upward, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide which can irritate skin. 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 carry live air bag module by wiring harness or connector.
• DO NOT carry seat belt pretensioner by wiring harness or connector. Seat belt pretensioner can be carried by piston tube. When handling a live seat belt pretensioner, DO NOT touch seat belt pretensioner in cable area between buckle and mounting bolt hole. DO NOT cover pretensioner piston tube opening with hands or point open end at yourself or others.
• Coil assembly must be replaced whenever air bag is deployed. Replace SDM, driver air bag module, passenger air bag module, side air bag module, side air bag sensor or front air bag sensor if any component has been dropped from a height of 3 feet or more.
• DO NOT attempt to repair SDM, air bag inflator modules, air bag sensors or steering wheel coil assembly. Service all components by replacement only.
• Electrical sources should never be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module.
• Avoid touching SDM terminals to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.
• If water enters the vehicle's interior and soaks the carpet up to level of SDM, inspect the affected area and remove all evidence of water. Repair water damage, replace SDM, and replace harness connector. Failure to do this may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• If air bag system is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components, or in any way disable system from operating normally. If air bag system is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.