Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions

Typical Air Bag Warning Labels:

WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING AN AIR BAG VEHICLE AND WHEN HANDLING AN AIR BAG TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY.

Safe handling of air bags requires following the procedures described below for both live and deployed air bags:

LIVE AIR BAGS

WARNING:
- Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

DEPLOYED AIR BAGS

WARNING:
- Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag.
- After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposit of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generate combustion, that is irritating to the skin.
- Wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

AIR BAG INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:
- Service is made by replacement only. Do not attempt repair of:
^ Air bag sliding contact.
^ Air Bag Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module.
^ Air bag modules.

- The driver and passenger air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted. Any applied paint can damage the cover material. This could affect air bag performance during deployment and can increase the risk of injury during a collision.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bags. Doing so can result in air bag deployment which can result in personal injury.
- To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
- The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
- To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
- The air bag Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) orientation is critical for correct system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) has been involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting and bracket for deformation. If damaged, the ecs must be replaced whether or not the air bags have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the ecs mounting is restored to its original condition.

NOTE:
- The instruction "disconnect" always refers to a connector. Never detach a component from the vehicle when instructed to "disconnect."
- If a part is installed new and the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.