Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions

Testing, assembly and repair work on airbag system must only be conducted by trained personnel.
Prior to disconnecting any air bag system electrical connectors, servicing system components or servicing other components located near an air bag system electrical connector, the system must be disarmed. Also, prior to disconnecting the battery ground cable, it is necessary to obtain the radio security code. It may also be necessary to reestablish the engine control module and automatic transmission control module basic settings using scan tool No. VAG 1551, or equivalent.
Always observe the following safety measures when working on airbag system:
- Testing of airbag system is never conducted with a test light or voltmeter. Use airbag tester VAG 1551 or its equivalent and test system in an installed condition.
- Air bag system components or seat belt tensioner units must not be opened or repaired. Always install new components.
- Air bag unit has an expiration date. This date can be found on a sticker located on the driver side "B" pillar. After fifteen years, the air bag unit must be replaced. For safety reasons other air bag system components may also require replacement at this time.
- If air bag unit, seat belt tensioner unit or triggering unit has been dropped from a height of 20 inches or more, do not install component into vehicle, replace.
- Always replace air bag system components and seat belt tensioner units which have been damaged.
- Do not leave an undeployed air bag unit or seat belt tensioner unattended if work is interrupted. Install into vehicle as soon as unit is removed from packaging.
- Always place a removed air bag unit so that the pad is facing upwards.
- Do not point open end of seat belt tensioner toward anyone.
- Ensure all seat belt system mechanical components and those for the three point seat belt are properly attached prior to connecting the seat belt tensioner electrical connector.
- Air bag unit or seat belt tensioner unit must not be exposed to grease, or cleaned with any type of cleaning agent.
- Do not expose air bag units or seat belt tensioner units to temperatures above 212°F for even brief periods while handling them during a repair process. Keep unit clear of all heat sources.
- Storage, transportation and disposal of air bag units and seat belt tensioner units are subject to the laws for flammable solids.
- Deployed air bag units and seat belt tensioner units do not have to be disposed of as a "hazardous waste" but can disposed of with automotive metal scrap for recycling.
- Some triggering units contain a mercury switch and must be disposed of in an approved manner. Triggering units not having a red part identification label contain a mercury switch. Triggering units with a red part identification label do not contain a mercury switch and can be disposed of with automotive scrap.