Safety Precautions When Working on Airbags
Airbag Safety Precautions
Safety precautions when working on airbags
WARNING:
- Testing, removing, installing and repair work must only be performed by qualified, trained Service department personnel.
- Always disconnect the battery Ground (GND) strap before working on the airbag system.
- No waiting time is necessary after disconnecting the battery.
- When connecting the airbag system to battery positive voltage (B+), there must be no person inside the vehicle.
- A technician must be electrostatically discharged before picking up (touching) an airbag unit. This is accomplished by touching a suitable metal part, for example, a water pipe, a heating pipe or a metal frame.
- Install a new airbag unit in the vehicle as soon as the unit is removed from the packaging. If the work is interrupted, place the airbag unit back in its packaging.
- Do not leave an undeployed airbag unit unattended if work is interrupted.
- Always place an airbag unit that has been removed from its packaging with the padded side facing upward.
CAUTION:
- Airbag units which have dropped onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in the vehicle.
- Airbag units which have not been activated should be marked and returned to the manufacturer for disposal (use airbag unit transport container).
- Always replace any airbag system component that has been mechanically damaged (example: dented or cracked).
- The storage and transportation of airbag units must comply with the regulations for explosive substances.
- Only install original seat covers that have been authorized for use with side airbags (recognizable by AIRBAG label).
- Do not install commercially available loose fitting seat covers.
- When installing a backrest cover ensure that the cover seam is straight in the area of the side airbag.
- Replace all seat cover clips.
- Only use original seat cover clips.
- For safety reasons always replace the seat cover if it is damaged in area of the side airbag, e.g. torn, burn holes, etc.
- Do not open or attempt to repair airbag components.
- Always use new components.
- Airbag units have a limited service life (a sticker showing the replacement date is attached to the B-pillar).
- When an airbag unit is replaced, pull the sticker off the new airbag unit and stick it over the old sticker on the B-pillar.
- Airbag units and sticker must be replaced after 14 years.
- If the vehicle does not have a sticker on the B-pillar, an entry must be made in the Service Schedule to record the airbag replacement.
- Never treat airbag units with grease, cleaning agents or the like.
- An airbag unit must never be exposed to temperatures in excess of 100 degrees C (212 degrees F) even for brief periods.
Storage and transportation of airbag units
- The airbag unit is a class PT 1 pyrotechnic object, to be transported and stored according to laws governing potentially explosive substances.
Disposal of airbag units
WARNING: DO NOT ignite airbag units in vehicles.
According to regulations, airbag units must be rendered unusable by igniting them electrically before scrapping the vehicle. This is necessary because the airbag unit is a pyrotechnic device that may cause injuries if activated in an improper manner (e.g. using a cutting torch).
- Remove airbag unit
Use J-44210 Deployment Fixture and refer to the Airbag & Pyrotechnic Deployment Device Instruction Booklet for proper deployment procedure.