Airbag Handling Precautions

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when servicing an air bag vehicle and when handling air bag modules.

Safe handling of air bag modules and passenger side air bag modules requires following the procedures described below for both live and deployed air bags.

AIR BAGS, LIVE
When carrying a live air bag module, make sure the air bag and trim cover are pointed away from your body. In the unlikely event of an accidental deployment, the air bag will then deploy with minimal chance of injury. In addition, when placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, always face the air bag and trim cover up, away from the surface. This will reduce the motion of the air bag module if it is accidentally deployed.

AIR BAGS, DEPLOYED
- Safety precautions must also be observed when handling a deployed air bag.

- Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag.

- After deployment, the air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion, that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

AIR BAG INSTRUCTIONS
- NEVER probe the connectors on the air bag. Doing so may result in air bag deployment which could result in personal injury.

- Air bag modules with discolored or damaged cover deployment doors must be replaced, not repainted.

- Because of the critical operating requirements of the system, do NOT attempt to service air bag sliding contact, air bag diagnostic monitor driver side air bag module or the passenger side air bag module. Service is made by replacement only.

- If a part is replaced and the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

- All component replacements and wiring service must be made with the battery ground cable disconnected for a minimum of ten minutes before service or replacement is attempted.

- The instruction to "disconnect" always refers to the connector. Never detach a component from the vehicle when instructed to "disconnect".