Body and Frame: Service Precautions
HANDLING PRECAUTIONS ON RELATED COMPONENTS1. SRS AIRBAG
Locations of Airbag Components
This vehicle has an SRS AIRBAG (referred to as the airbag in the remainder of this manual). When handling airbag components (removal, installation or inspection, etc.), always follow the directions given in the applicable service procedures for the relevant model year to prevent the occurrence of accidents and airbag malfunction.
Also take the given precautions when repairing the body:
- Work must be started after 20 seconds or longer from the time the ignition switch is set to the LOCK position and the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery.
(The airbag system is equipped with a back-up power source so that if work is started with in 20 seconds of disconnecting the negative (-) terminal cable of the battery, the airbag may be deployed.)
When the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, memory of the clock and audio systems will be cancelled. So before starting work, make a record of the contents memorized by each memory system. Then when work is finished, reset the clock and audio systems as before.
When the vehicle has tilt and telescopic steering, power seat, and outside rear view mirror, which are all equipped with memory function, it is not possible to make a record of the memory contents.
So when the operation is finished, it will be necessary to explain this fact to the customer, and request the customer to adjust the features and reset the memory.
To avoid erasing the memory of each memory system, never use back-up power supply from outside the vehicle.
- When using electric welding, first disconnect the airbag connector (yellow color and 2 pins) under the steering column near the combination switch connector before starting work.
- Before repairing the body, remove the airbag sensors if, during repair, shocks are likely to, be applied to the sensors due to vibrations of the body or direct tapping with tools or other parts.
- Do not expose the airbag sensors or the steering wheel pad directly to hot air or flames.
NOTE:
1. The maximum ambient temperature tolerance is 120 degrees C (248 degrees F) for the front airbag sensor, 105 degrees C (221 degrees F) for the center airbag sensor assembly and 93 degrees C (200 degrees F) for the steering wheel pad. If it is possible that the ambient temperature may reach or exceed the temperature limit, remove the sensors and the steering wheel pad from the vehicle or protect them with a hot insulation material before starting work.
2. Prior to welding, remove adjacent airbag sensors or the steering wheel pad from the vehicle or protect them with fire-proof covers.
- If the front fender or periphery of the vehicle is damaged, visually inspect for damage to the front airbag sensor using the inspection procedures described in applicable service procedures for the relevant model year.
Also check that the dimensions of the body where the front airbag sensor is installed match those in the body dimension drawings.
(The airbag may malfunction; or may not work, if the mounting angle or dimensions of the sensor mount are not correct.)
- If the vehicle is damaged, visually inspect for damage to the steering wheel pad using the inspection procedures described in applicable service procedures for the relevant model year.
- When removing the steering wheel pad or handling a new steering wheel pad, keep the pad upper surface facing upward. Also, lock the lock lever of the twin lock type connector at the rear of the pad and take care not to damage the connector. (Storing the pad with its metallic surface up may lead to a serious accident if the airbag inflates for some reason.)
- Store the steering wheel pad where the ambient temperature remains below 93 degrees C (200 degrees F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.
- Be careful not to let painting materials contact the airbag sensors.
- Information labels are attached to the periphery of the airbag components. Follow the NOTICES.
2. BRAKE SYSTEM
The brake system is one of the most important safety components. Always follow the directions and notes given in applicable service procedures for the relevant model year when handling brake system parts.
NOTE: When repairing the brake master cylinder or TRAC system, bleed the air out of the TRAC system.
3. DRIVE TRAIN AND CHASSIS
The drive train and chassis are components that can have great effects on the running performance and vibration resistance of the vehicle. After installing components in the sections listed in the table, perform alignments to ensure correct mounting angles and dimensions. Particularly accurate repair of the body must also be done to ensure correct alignment.
HINT: Correct procedures and special tools are required for alignment. Always follow the directions given in the applicable service procedures for the relevant model year during alignment.
4. ECU (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT)
Many ECUs are mounted in this vehicle.
Take the given precautions during body repair to prevent damage to the ECUs.
- Before starting electric welding operations, disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery. When the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, memory of the clock and audio systems will be cancelled. So before starting work, make a record of the contents memorized by each memory system. Then when work is finished, reset the clock and audio systems as before.
When the vehicle has tilt and telescopic steering, power seat and outside rear view mirror, which are all equipped with memory function, it is not possible to make a record of the memory contents.
So when the operation is finished, it will be necessary to explain this fact to the customer, and request the customer to adjust the features and reset the memory.
- Do not expose the ECUs to ambient temperatures above 80 degrees C (176 degrees F).
NOTE: If it is possible the ambient temperature may reach 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) or, more, remove the ECUs from the vehicle before starting work.
- Be careful not to drop the ECUs and not to apply physical shocks to them.
5. COMPONENTS ADJACENT TO THE BODY PANELS
Various types of component parts are mounted directly on or adjacently to the body panels. Strictly observe the given precautions to prevent damaging these components and the body panels during handling.
- Before repairing the body panels, remove their adjacent components or apply protective covers over the components.
- Before prying components off using a screwdriver or a scraper, etc., attach protective tape to the tool tip or blade to prevent damaging the components and the body paint.
- Before removing components from the outer surface of the body, attach protective tape to the body to ensure no damage to painted areas.
HINT: Apply touch-up paint to any damaged paint surfaces.
- Before drilling or cutting sections, make sure that there are no wires, hoses, etc., on the reverse side.