Service Precautions

Observe the following precautions when servicing SRS:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS, instrument panel or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment, and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• After removing key from ignition switch and disconnecting battery cables, wait at least 10 MINUTES. SRS has a back-up power source which is capable of deploying air bags for up to 10 MINUTES after disconnecting battery cables. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Before attempting to service SRS, remove key from ignition and disconnect both battery cables.
• DO NOT subject SRS components to temperatures greater than 185°F (85°C), high humidity, or electrical noise.
• DO NOT allow oil, grease, detergents, or cleaning solutions to come in contact with air bag module and seat belt pretensioner units.
• When placing an air bag module on a bench or other flat surface, ensure trim cover is facing up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
• If air bag module or other components have been dropped, or there are cracks, dents or other defects visible, replace with NEW components.
• DO NOT attempt to measure resistance across air bag module squib connector terminals. DO NOT use powered circuit testers on air bag module connectors. Accidental air bag deployment is possible which could cause personal injury.
• Air bag modules and seat belt pretensioner units contain sodium azide which is a poisonous and flammable gas. Contact with water, acid or heavy metals may produce harmful or explosive compounds.
• After deployment, air bag surface will be very hot. Wait at least 15 minutes before handling it. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long-sleeved shirt when handling air bag or during clean up.
• DO NOT attempt to incinerate or dismantle an undeployed air bag. SRS components DO NOT contain any serviceable parts.
• DO NOT install components previously installed on another vehicle. Only use NEW components supplied by manufacturer.
• SRS wiring harness has a Yellow outer covering. DO NOT attempt to modify, splice or repair any part of SRS wiring harness. DO NOT install any electrical or electronic equipment into SRS wiring harness. Ensure SRS wiring harness is routed correctly and not pinched or trapped on other components.
• When carrying a live air bag module, trim cover must be pointed away from body to minimize injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
• After SRS repairs have been completed, ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• If SRS is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired and again becomes operational. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components or in any way disable system from operating normally. If SRS is not functional, park vehicle until it is repaired and functions properly.