Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions

PRECAUTION

CAUTION:
- The HIGHLANDER is equipped with SRS, which comprises a driver airbag, front passenger air- bag and side airbag. Failure to carry out service operations in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deploy during servicing, possibly leading to a serious accident. Further, if a mistake is made in servicing the SRS, it is possible that the SRS may fail to operate when required. Before performing servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following items carefully, then follow the correct procedures described.
- Work must be started 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position and the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery.
(The SRS is equipped with a back-up power source so that if work is started within 90 seconds from disconnecting the negative (-) terminal cable of the battery, the SRS may be deployed.)
- Do not expose the horn button assy, instrument panel passenger airbag assy, airbag sensor assy center, front airbag sensor, front seat airbag assembly or side airbag sensor assy directly to hot air or flames.

NOTE:
- Malfunction symptoms of the SRS are difficult to confirm, so the DTCs become the most important source of information when troubleshooting. When troubleshooting the SRS, always inspect the DTCs before disconnecting the battery.
- Even in cases of a minor collision where the SRS does not deploy, the horn button assy, instrument panel passenger airbag assy, airbag sensor assy center, airbag front sensor, front seat airbag assembly and side airbag sensor assy should be inspected.
- Before repairs, remove the airbag sensor if shocks are likely to be applied to the sensor during repairs.
- Never use SRS parts from another vehicle. When replacing parts, replace them with new parts.
- Never disassemble and repair the horn button assy, instrument panel passenger airbag assy, airbag sensor assy center, airbag front sensor, front seat airbag assembly or side airbag sensor assy in order to reuse it.
- If the horn button assy, instrument panel passenger airbag assy, airbag sensor assy center, air- bag front sensor, front seat airbag assembly or side airbag sensor assy has been dropped, or if there are cracks, dents or other defects in the case, bracket or connector, replace it with new one.
- Use a volt/ohmmeter with high impedance (10 kOhm/V minimum) for troubleshooting the system's electrical circuits.
- Information labels are attached to the periphery of the SRS components. Follow the instructions on the notices.
- After work on the SRS is completed, perform the SRS warning light check.
- When the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, the memory of the clock and audio system will be canceled. So before starting work, make a record of the contents memorized in the audio memory system. When work is finished, reset the audio systems as they were before and adjust the clock. To avoid erasing the memory in each memory system, never use a back- up power supply from outside the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is equipped with a mobile communication system, refer to the precaution.