Vehicle Damage Warnings

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

TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE PRECAUTIONS
Any time the battery has been disconnected on an automatic transmission vehicle, it will be necessary to reestablish Transmission Control Module (TCM) basic settings using the VAG 1551, or equivalent Scan Tool (ST).

ANTI-THEFT RADIOS
For vehicles equipped with an anti-theft radio, be sure of the correct radio activation code before disconnecting the battery or removing the radio. If the wrong code is entered when power is restored, the radio may lock up and become inoperable, even if the correct code is used in a later attempt.

FASTENER FAILURES
Do not re-use any fasteners that are worn or deformed in normal use. Many fasteners are designed to be used only once and become unreliable and may fail when used a second time. This includes, but is not limited to, nuts, bolts, washers, self-locking nuts or bolts, circlips, cotter pins. Always replace these fasteners with new parts.

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.

POWER TOOL DAMAGE
Use pneumatic and electric tools only to loosen threaded parts and fasteners. Never use these tools to tighten fasteners, especially on light alloy parts. Always use a torque wrench to tighten fasteners to the tightening torque listed.

BATTERY CHARGING PRECAUTIONS
When boost-charging the battery, first remove the fuses for the Engine Control Module (ECM), the TCM and the Antilock Brake System (ABS) control modules, and the on-board computer. In cases where one or more of these components is not separately fused, disconnect the control module connector(s).

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT DAMAGE
Before doing any electrical welding on vehicles equipped with ABS, disconnect the battery negative terminal (ground strap) and the ABS control module connector.

BATTERY BOOST PRECAUTIONS
Do not quick-charge the battery (for boost starting) for longer than one minute, and do not exceed 16.5 volts at the battery with the boosting cables attached. Wait at least one minute before boosting the battery a second time.