Steering Column: Service Precautions
WARNING: To avoid deployment when troubleshooting the SRS system, do not use electrical test equipment, such as battery-powered or A/C-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc., or any type of electrical equipment other than specified in this manual. do not use a nonpowered probe-type tester. Instruction must be followed carefully, otherwise personal injury may result.Safety precautions must be followed when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag). After deployment, the inflator module (air bag) surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction, that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the inflator module (air bag) is harmless. As a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag), and wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.
When carrying a live inflator module (air bag), make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from you. never carry an inflator module (air bag) by the wires or connector on the underside of module. In the case of an accidental deployment; the bag will then deploy with minimal chance of injury. When placing a live inflator module (air bag) on a bench or other surface, always face the bag and trim cover up, away from the surface.
Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module (air bag) face down and column vertical. this is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the inflator module (air bag) to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. otherwise, personal injury could result.