Service Precautions: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Saturn SL2, 1992 Saturn SL1, 1992 Saturn SL, and 1992 Saturn SC. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Observe the following precautions when servicing SIR system:

Perform TESTING - SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK before and after servicing SIR system.
To prevent accidental deployment of inflator module, disable SIR system before servicing system or steering column. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
DERM maintains back-up voltage for about 10 minutes after disabling SIR system. Wait at least 10 minutes after disabling SIR system before servicing. Servicing SIR system before 10-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
Because of critical operating requirements of system, DO NOT repair sensors, SIR coil assembly, DERM or inflator module. Replace these components if they are faulty.
Always wear safety glasses when servicing SIR system.
Carry a live (undeployed) inflator module with the inflator module and trim cover facing away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury if the inflator module accidentally deploys
Place a live inflator module on a bench or other surface with the inflator module and trim cover facing up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of inflator module if it accidentally deploys.
Never probe inflator module connectors, or air bag may accidentally deploy.
Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air bag.
Inflator 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.
After air bag deployment, inflator module 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.
If SIR 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 SIR system is not functional, park vehicle until repairs can be made.
When using diagnostic charts to diagnose SIR 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.
When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION Section before disconnecting battery.