Service Precautions

This air bag system is a sensitive, complex electronic unit. Before attempting to diagnose or service any air bag system or related steering wheel, steering column or instrument panel components, the following precautions should be observed:

• 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 .
• Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting and isolating negative battery cable before servicing air bag system. Servicing air bag system before 2-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• ALWAYS maintain a safe distance from all air bags when activating air bag system.
• DO NOT turn passenger side air bag ON/OFF switch while ignition is in RUN position. This action will set active and stored DTCs.
• When reconnecting air bag system components, ensure ignition is in OFF or LOCK position and negative battery cable is disconnected and isolated.
• DO NOT use any electrical test equipment on or near SRS components unless specified to do so. DO NOT use an analog ohmmeter. Use a DVOM with a maximum test current of 2 milliamps or less, at minimum resistance measurement range.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT try to service any air bag components. Manufacturer recommends that defective components should only be replaced with NEW, original equipment parts. DO NOT use salvaged air bag components or other parts. Substitute parts may appear interchangeable, but internal differences may result in inferior occupant protection.
• Factory installed fasteners have a special coating and are specifically designed for air bag components. Manufacturer recommends using NEW, original equipment replacement fasteners. DO NOT use substitutes or salvaged parts.
• Clockspring must be replaced if driver's air bag is deployed.
• Each time a connector is disconnected, ensure it is clean and not damaged. Always pay particular attention to circuit being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion are the most common problems in connectors, causing voltage drop, open circuits and other improper operations.
• When performing electrical tests, prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such shorts can damage fuses or components and may cause a second fault code to set, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
• After repairs are complete and ignition is turned to RUN or ON position, stay clear of air bag(s) to avoid injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long sleeved clothing when cleaning powder residue from the vehicle after an air bag deployment. Sodium hydroxide powder residue emitted from a deployed air bag can cause skin irritation. Flush affected area with cool water if irritation is experienced. If nasal or throat irritation is experienced, exit the vehicle for fresh air until the irritation ceases. If irritation continues, see a physician.
• 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.
• Deployed front air bags may or may not have live pyrotechnic material within the air bag inflator. DO NOT dispose of air bags unless complete deployment has occurred. Dispose of air bags (deployed and undeployed) in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local and federal regulations.
• Ensure air bag warning light is operating properly and system faults are not indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• When placing a undeployed (live) air bag 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.
• When carrying a undeployed (live) air bag module, point trim cover away from your body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
• DO NOT use a replacement air bag module that is not in the original packaging, improper deployment and personal injury can result. 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 and electrical energy.
• The Air Bag Control Module (ACM)/Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) contains an air bag sensor which enables SRS to deploy air bags. If air bag control module is dropped, struck or kicked, it can damage air bag sensor or affect its calibration. If air bag control module is dropped, it must be replaced with a NEW unit.
• DO NOT connect ACM/ORC connector while battery is connected. Ensure ACM/ORC and mounting bracket are securely installed to vehicle before connecting electrical connector.
• On vehicles with side air bags, use caution when working around "B" pillar or side air bags.
• Electrical sources should never be allowed near air bag module connector.
• On Dakota, Durango, Neon, Ram Truck and Ram Van, passenger air bag module contains an Argon gas canister. Canister is pressurized to more than 2500 psi. DO NOT puncture, incinerate, or bring into contact with electricity. DO NOT store at temperatures above 200°F (93°C).
• On Caravan, Neon, Town & Country and Voyager, passenger air bag and seat air bag modules each contain an Argon gas canister. Canister is pressurized to more than 2500 psi. DO NOT puncture, incinerate, or bring into contact with electricity. DO NOT store at temperatures above 200°F (93°C).
• On Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Stratus Sedan, the driver air bag, passenger air bag, seat air bag modules and curtain air bag modules (if equipped) each contain an Argon gas canister. Argon gas canisters are pressurized to more than 2500 psi. DO NOT puncture, incinerate, or bring into contact with electricity. DO NOT store at temperatures above 200°F (93°C).
• If SRS is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired and functions properly. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components, or in any way disable system from operating normally.