Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions
SRS Precautions and Procedures
General Precautions
NOTE: Some systems store data in memory that is lost when the battery is disconnected. Before disconnecting the battery, refer to Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection Procedures.
Please read the following precautions carefully before servicing the airbag system. Observe the instructions described, or the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.
- Except when doing electrical inspections that requires battery power, always turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.
NOTE: The SRS memory is not erased even if the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0), or if the battery cables are disconnected from the battery.
- Use replacement parts which are manufactured to the same standards and quality as the original parts. Do not install used SRS parts. Use only new parts when making SRS repairs.
- Carefully inspect any SRS part before you install it.
Do not install any part that shows signs of being dropped or improperly handled, such as dents, cracks or deformation.
- Before disconnecting the SRS unit connectors, always disconnect the appropriate SRS parts connectors.
- Use only a digital multimeter to check the system. If it is not a Honda multimeter, make sure its output is 10 mA (0.01 A) or less when switched to the lowest value in the ohmmeter range. A tester with a higher output could cause accidental deployment and possible injury.
- Do not put objects on the front passenger's airbag.
Steering-related Precautions
Cable Reel Alignment
- Misalignment of the cable reel could cause an open in the wiring, making the SRS system, remote steering wheel controls, or the horn inoperative. Center the cable reel whenever you do the following.
- Installation of the steering wheel.
- Installation of the cable reel.
- Installation of the steering column.
- Other steering-related adjustment or installation.
- Do not disassemble the cable reel.
- Do not apply grease to the cable reel.
- If the cable reel shows any signs of damage, replace it with a new one. For example, if the cable reel does not rotate smoothly, replace it.
Airbag Handling and Storage
Do not disassemble an airbag. It has no serviceable parts. Once an airbag has been deployed, it cannot be repaired or reused.
For temporary storage of an airbag during service, observe the following precautions.
- Store the removed airbag with the pad surface up. Never put anything on the airbag.
- To prevent damage to the airbag, keep it away from any oil, grease, detergent, or water.
- Store the removed airbag on a secure, flat surface away from any high heat source (exceeding 200 °F/93 °C).
- Never do electrical tests on the airbags, such as measuring resistance.
- Do not position yourself in front of the airbag during removal, inspection, or replacement.
- For proper disposal of a damaged airbag or tensioner, refer to Airbag and Tensioner Disposal Procedures.
- The side curtain airbag module assembly is a long, jointed part containing an inflator (A), a flexible bag (B), and brackets (C). When removing or installing the side curtain airbag assembly, never:
- Handle the flexible bag.
SRS Unit, Front and Side Impact Sensors, Roll Rate Sensor, Driver's Seat Position Sensor, and Front Passenger's Weight Sensors
NOTE: Some systems store data in memory that is lost when the battery is disconnected. Before disconnecting the battery, refer to Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection Procedures.
- Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then wait at least 3 minutes before starting installation or replacement of the SRS unit, or disconnecting the connectors from the SRS unit.
- Be careful not to bump or impact the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, the side impact sensors, or the roll rate sensor when the ignition switch is ON (II), or for at least 3 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).
- Do not reconnect any connectors to the SRS control unit until it is fully installed, including torquing the TORX bolts.
- During installation or replacement, be careful not to bump (by impact wrench, hammer, etc.) the area around the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, the side impact sensors, or the roll rate sensor. The airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injury.
- After a collision where the front airbags, the side airbags, the side curtain airbags, or the seat belt tensioners were deploy, go to Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment Service and Repair. After a collision where airbags, the side airbags, or the side curtain airbags do not deploy, inspect for any damage or any deformation on the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, the side impact sensors, and the roll rate sensor. If there is any damage, replace the SRS unit and/or the sensors. Also, do the front seat active head restraint inspection Testing and Inspection. Replace all damaged parts.
- Do not disassemble the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, the side impact sensors, the roll rate sensor, the driver's seat position sensor, or the front passenger's weight sensors.
- Always install the SRS unit, driver's seat position sensor, all impact sensors, and the roll rate sensor securely with the new TORX bolts to the specified to torque.
- Do not spill water or oil on the SRS unit any of the sensors.
Wiring Precautions
Some of the SRS wiring can be identified by a special yellow outer covering, and the SRS connectors can be identified by their yellow color. Observe the following instructions.
- Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair SRS wiring.
If there is an open or damage to the SRS wiring, replace the harness.
- Be sure to install the harness wires so they do not get pinched or interfere with other parts.
- Make sure all SRS ground locations are clean, and the grounds are securely fastened for optimum metal-to-metal contact. Poor grounds can cause intermittent problems that are difficult to diagnose.
- Do not use any silicone based cleaners or lubricants on any SRS connectors or terminals.
Precautions for Electrical Inspections
Special Tools Required
- Back Probe Adapter, 17 mm 07TAZ-001020A
- Make sure the battery is fully charged when doing electrical test. If the battery is not fully charged, the results of the tests may not be accurate.
- When using electrical test equipment, insert the probe of the tester into the wire side of the connector (except water proof connector). Do not insert the probe of the tester into the terminal side of the connector, and do not tamper with the connector.
- Use the back probe adapter, 17 mm (07TAZ-001020A). Do not insert the probe forcibly.
- Use specified service connectors in troubleshooting.
Using improper tools could cause a diagnostic error due to poor metal-to-metal contact.
Spring-Loaded Lock Connector
Some SRS connectors have a spring-loaded lock.
Front Airbag Connectors
Disconnecting
To release the lock, pull the spring-loaded sleeve (A) toward the stop (B) while holding the opposite half of the connector. Then pull the connector halves apart. Be sure to pull on the sleeve and not on the connector.
Connecting
To reconnect, hold the pawl-side connector, and press on the back of the sleeve-side connector in the direction shown. As the two connector halves are pressed together, the sleeve (A) is pushed back by the pawl (B). Do not touch the sleeve.
Side Airbag Connector
Disconnecting
To release the lock, pull the spring-loaded sleeve (A) toward the stop (B) while holding the opposite half of the connector. Then pull the connector halves apart. Be sure to pull on the sleeve and not on the connector half.
Connecting
Hold both connector halves, and press them firmly together until the projection (A) of the sleeve-side connector clicks.
Opening the SRS Unit Shorting Connectors for Diagnosis
Special Tools Required
- SRS Short Canceller 070AZ-SAA0100
NOTE:
- To prevent damage to the connector cavity, insert an SRS short canceller straight into the cavity from the terminal side.
- Before installing an SRS short canceller, wash it with electrical contact cleaner, then dry it with compress air.
- Do not use an SRS short canceller if it is damaged.
- Make sure to remove an SRS short canceller before reconnecting the SRS unit connector.
- Some systems store data in memory that is lost when the battery is disconnected. Before disconnecting the battery, refer to Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection Procedures.
When SRS unit connectors A (28P), B (28P), or C (16P) is disconnected, a short circuit is automatically created in the connector to prevent accidental deployment of an airbag or tensioner. The circuit may need to be opened when diagnosing the system. Insert an SRS short canceller (T/N 070AZ- SAA0100) in the specified cavities when necessary to keep the circuit open for diagnosis.
Terminal numbers are shown from the wire side of the female terminals. Insert the SRS short canceller(s) into the cavities on the terminal side of the connector.
Front Seats With Side Airbags
Front seats with side airbags have a "SIDE AIRBAG" label on the seat-back.
- Clean the seats with a damp cloth. Do not soak the seats with liquid. Do not spray steam on the seats.
- Do not repair a torn or frayed seat-back cover/pad. Replace the seat-back cover/pad if it is damaged.
- After a collision where the side airbag was deployed, replace the side airbag, the seat frame and related parts with new parts. If the seat-back cover/pad is split, it must be replaced. Refer to Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment Service and Repair.
- Never put aftermarket accessories on the seats (covers, pads, seat heaters, lights, etc.).
Disconnecting System Connectors
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Move the driver's and passenger's seats all way to the rear position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure, then wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.
Driver's Airbag
4. Remove the access panel (A) from the steering wheel, then disconnect the driver's airbag inflator 4P connector (B) from the cable reel.
Front Passenger's Airbag
5. Remove the glove box Glove Box Removal / Installation.
6. Disconnect the dashboard wire harness 4P connector (A) from the front passenger's airbag inflator.
Side Airbag
7. Disconnect the driver's and the front passenger's side airbag inflator 2P connectors (A) from the SRS wire harness.
Side Curtain Airbag
8. Remove the quarter pillar trim.
9. Disconnect both SRS wire harness 2P connectors (A) from the left and right side curtain airbag inflator.
Seat Belt Tensioner
10. Remove the B-pillar lower trim.
11. Disconnect both SRS wire harness 4P connectors (A) from the driver's and the front passenger's seat belt tensioner.
Seat Belt Buckle Tensioner
12. Disconnect both SRS wire harness 4P connectors (A) from the driver's and the front passenger's seat belt buckle tensioner.
SRS Unit
13. Remove the center console Center Console Removal / Installation.
14. Disconnect SRS unit connector A (28P), SRS unit connector B (28P), and SRS unit connector C (16P) from the SRS unit.
