Handling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitive Parts

Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Some will display a label indicating this sensitivity. Many electrical components which are ESD sensitive will not, however display a label. Therefore, the following procedures should always be used when handling electrical components.

NOTICE: In order to avoid damage to any electrical components, observe the following procedures:
1. Body movement produces an electrostatic charge. To discharge personal static electricity, touch a ground point (metal) on the vehicle. This should be done any time you perform any of the following activities:
^ Slide across the vehicle seat.
^ Sit down or get up.
^ Do any walking.
2. Do not touch exposed electrical terminals on components or connectors with your fingers or any tools. Remember, the connector you are checking might be tied into a circuit that could be damaged by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
3. When using a tool to disconnect a connector, never let the tool come in contact with or come between the exposed terminals.
4. Never ground, use a jumper, or use test equipment probes on any components or connector unless instructed to do so in a diagnostic procedure. When using test equipment, always connect the ground lead first.
5. Do not remove the solid state component from its packaging until you are ready to install the component.
6. Always touch the solid state component's package to a ground before opening. Solid state components can also be damaged if one of the following events takes place.
^ The component is bumped or dropped.
^ The component is placed on a metal work table.
^ The component is placed on or near another component that operates electrically such as a radio, television or oscilloscope.