Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service Precautions

WARNING: SAFE HANDLING OF AIR BAG MODULES REQUIRES FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED BELOW FOR BOTH LIVE AND DEPLOYED AIR BAGS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING AN AIR BAG VEHICLE, AND WHEN HANDLING AN AIR BAG.

LIVE AIR BAGS
- When carrying a live air bag, make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from your body. In the unlikely event of an accidental deployment, the 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 bag and trim cover up, away from the surface. This will reduce the motion of the module if it is accidentally deployed.

DEPLOYED AIR BAGS
- 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.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- 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 sensor, clockspring, the monitor, backup power supply or the air bag module. Service is made by replacement only.

- If ever a part is replaced and the new part did not correct the condition, reinstall the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

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

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

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

- Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a crash where the fenders or grille area have been damaged, inspect the sensor mounting brackets for deformation. If damaged, the sensor should be replaced whether or not the air bag is deployed. In addition, ensure that body structure in the area of sensor mounting is restored to its original condition.

- After all service has been completed, verify the air bag indicator. This means turn the ignition switch to RUN and count the flashes only after the code (series of flashes) has cycled twice. If the air bag indicator comes on continuously for 4 to 8 seconds and then goes out, the system is functioning properly and all faults have been serviced.