Service Precautions: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, 1991 Chevrolet Caprice, and 1991 Buick Roadmaster. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: These precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:

Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
After an accident, all SIR components, including harness and brackets, must be inspected. If any components are damaged or bent, they must be replaced, even if a deployment did not occur. Check steering column, knee bolster, instrument panel steering column reinforcement plate and lower brace for damage. DO NOT service resistor module, inflator module, coil assembly, discriminating sensors, arming sensor or Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM). If these components are damaged or defective, replacement is necessary.
After repairs, turn ignition on from passenger side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag deployment. Ensure INFLATABLE RESTRAINT light is working properly and no system faults are indicated. See TESTING - SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
Air bag module must be stored in its original special container until 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 up, away from surface. 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.
When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover should be pointed away from your body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
DO NOT probe a wire through insulator; this will damage it and eventually cause failure due to corrosion.
Coil assembly must be replaced whenever air bag deploys.
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 air bag 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 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.