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 procedures under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• To deplete backup power supply energy, disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. WAIT at least one minute. Ensure that auxiliary batteries and other power supplies (if equipped) are disconnected.
• On vehicles equipped with side air bags and seat belt pretensioners, manufacturer recommends removing front seats from vehicle before performing any diagnostics or repairs to seat air bag or seat belt pretensioner system. For diagnostics on systems other than side air bags or seat belt pretensioners, seats may be left in vehicle as long as simulator tool is installed in place of side air bag and seat belt pretensioner harness.
• On all models, wait one minute after disconnecting negative battery cable before working on vehicle. Backup power supply holds a deployment charge for approximately one minute after negative battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before one minute may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
• Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle is involved in a collision, inspect sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. If damaged, replace sensor.
• After diagnosing or repairing a seat system or SRS, the air bag simulators must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.
• The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service air bag sensors, clockspring, diagnostic monitor or air bag module. Repairs are made by replacement only.
• If replacing deployed air bag module, always install a NEW air bag Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module.
• On vehicles with side air bags, use caution when working around "A", "B" and "C" pillars. Side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the pillars.
• 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 and 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.
• Some models use 2 stage deployment inflators on driver and passenger air bag modules. If stage one was used to deploy a dual stage inflator module, stage 2 may still be active. Therefore, a deployed 2 stage air bag inflator module must be treated as an active module. When deactivating an air bag system with deployed air bags, a deployed 2 stage air bag may still be active. If disposal of a deployed or undeployed dual stage module is required, both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the air bag.
• If scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed air bag module, air bag must be deployed.
• If a part is replaced and 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. Ensure damaged air bag is deployed.
• Clockspring electrical connectors are unique and cannot be reversed when connected to the driver air bag module. Match the electrical connector key to the keyway in the driver air bag module. DO NOT force electrical connectors into the driver air bag module.
• Any time side safety curtain has deployed, the headliner, and all "A", "B" and "C" pillar trim panels and attaching hardware must be replaced along with any other damaged components and hardware. Failure to do so may result in personal injury in the event of a safety canopy deployment.