Technician Safety Information

Please read these warnings and cautions before proceeding with maintenance and repair work.

PREPARATION
Electrical
Before doing any electrical welding on vehicles equipped with Antilock Brake System (ABS), disconnect the battery negative terminal (ground strap) and the ABS control module connector.

Skill Level
If you lack the skills, tools and equipment, or a suitable workshop for any procedure, we suggest you leave such repairs to an authorized retailer or other qualified shop. We especially urge you to consult an authorized retailer before beginning repairs on any vehicle that may still be covered wholly or in part by any of the warranties.

PERSONAL SAFETY
Working Under Vehicle On Hoist
Never work under a lifted vehicle unless it is solidly supported on stands designed for the purpose. Do not support a vehicle on cinder blocks, hollow tiles or other props that may crumble under continuous load. Never work under a vehicle that is supported solely by a jack. Never work under the vehicle while the engine is running.

Working Under Vehicle On The Ground
If you are going to work under a vehicle on the ground, make sure that the ground is level. Block the wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling. Disconnect the battery negative terminal (ground strap) to prevent others from starting the vehicle while you are under it.

Long Hair
Tie long hair behind your head. Do not wear a necktie, a scarf, loose clothing, or a necklace when you work near machine tools or running engines. If your hair, clothing, or jewelry were to get caught in the machinery, severe injury could result.

Workshop Illumination
Illuminate the work area adequately but safely. Use a portable safety light for working inside or under the vehicle. Make sure the bulb is enclosed by a wire cage. The hot filament of an accidentally broken bulb can ignite spilled fuel or oil.

Finger Rings
Finger rings should be removed so that they cannot cause electrical shorts, get caught in running machinery, or be crushed by heavy parts.

Working While Ill
Do not attempt to work on your vehicle if you do not feel well. You increase the danger of injury to yourself and others if you are tired, upset or have taken medicine or any other substance that may impair you or keep you from being fully alert.

Eye Protection
Always observe good workshop practices. Wear goggles when you operate machine tools or work with battery acid. Wear goggles, gloves and other protective clothing whenever the job requires working with harmful substances.

Supplemental Restraint System Precautions
These vehicles are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), that automatically deploys an airbag in the event of a frontal impact. The airbag is operated by an explosive device. Handled improperly or without adequate safeguards, it can be accidently activated and cause serious personal injury. To guard against personal injury or airbag system failure, only trained service technicians should test, disassemble or service the airbag system. Refer to Airbags and Seat Belts for further information.

Driving Supplemental Restraint System Vehicles
When driving or riding in an airbag equipped vehicle, never hold test equipment in your hands or lap while the vehicle is in motion. Objects between you and the airbag can increase the risk of injury in an accident.

Aerosol Tire Inflator Precautions
Some aerosol tire inflators are highly flammable. Be extremely cautious when repairing a tire that may have been inflated using an aerosol tire inflator. Keep sparks, open flame or other sources of ignition away from the tire repair area. Inflate and deflate the tire at least four times before breaking the bead from the rim. Completely remove the tire from the rim before attempting any repair.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
Asbestos Precautions
Friction materials such as brake pads may contain asbestos fibers. Do not create dust by grinding, sanding, or by cleaning with compressed air. Avoid breathing asbestos fibers and asbestos dust. Breathing asbestos can cause serious diseases such as asbestosis or cancer, and may result in death.

Fluid Disposal
Catch draining fuel, oil or brake fluid in suitable containers. Do not use empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them. Wipe up spills at once, but do not store the oily rags, which can ignite and burn spontaneously.

Workshop Ventilation
Never run the engine unless the work area is well ventilated. Carbon Monoxide (CO) kills.