Service Precautions

These precautions should be observed when working with SRS:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column components. Failure to do so may result in accidental air bag deployment and personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Wait one minute after disabling SRS before working on vehicle. Back-up power supply holds a deployment charge for approximately one minute after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before one minute may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service impact sensors, clockspring, diagnostic monitor or air bag modules. Repairs are made by replacement only.
• Always wear safety glasses whenever servicing an air bag equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.
• When carrying a live air bag module, ensure air bag module and trim cover are pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of an accidental deployment.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag module and trim cover facing up, 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 may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• If scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed air bag module, air bag must be deployed.
• If a part is replaced and the new part does not correct condition, reinstall original part and perform diagnostic procedure again.
• Never probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may cause air bag deployment and/or personal injury.
• Instruction to disconnect always refers to connector. DO NOT remove component from vehicle if instructed to disconnect.
• After any servicing, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any fault codes. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• Replace air bag module if trim cover (deployment doors) is marred or damaged. DO NOT repaint trim cover; paint may degrade cover material. Replace air bag module as necessary.