Important Preliminary Precautions

CAUTION: BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU HANDLE A SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM). DO NOT STRIKE OR JOLT THE SDM. BEFORE APPLYING POWER TO THE SDM:

- REMOVE ANY DIRT, GREASE, ETC. FROM THE MOUNTING SURFACE.
- POSITION THE SDM HORIZONTALLY ON THE MOUNTING SURFACE.
- POINT THE ARROW ON THE SDM TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
- TIGHTEN ALL OF THE SDM FASTENERS AND SDM BRACKET FASTENERS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE VALUE.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CORRECT PROCEDURES COULD CAUSE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT PERSONAL INJURY, OR UNNECESSARY SIR SYSTEM REPAIRS.

CAUTION: PROPER OPERATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) SENSING SYSTEM REQUIRES THAT ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE RETURN THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION CONFIGURATION. NOT PROPERLY REPAIRING THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE COULD CAUSE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A FRONTAL COLLISION OR DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG FOR CONDITIONS LESS SEVERE THAN INTENDED.

ACCIDENT WITH OR WITHOUT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT:

After any collision, inspect these components as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you find any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

- Steering Column - Perform the "Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage" procedures in the "Repairs and Inspections Required After An Accident."
- Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor - Determine the need for replacement based on the following "Sensor Replacement Guidelines.
- I/P Knee Bolsters - Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any type of damage.
- I/P brackets, braces, etc. - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
- Seat Belts - Perform the "Safety Belt Operational Checks" in "Body/Repair."

ACCIDENT WITH AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT:

After a collision involving air bag deployment replace these components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

- Inflatable Restraint I/P (inflator) Module
- Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module
- Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel (inflator) Module.

After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the following components as indicated. Perform these component inspections in addition to the inspections indicated as "Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment." If you find any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

- Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil - Inspect the coil and the coil wiring pigtail for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.

IMPORTANT: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil has been damaged, it must be replaced.

NOTICE: If a SDM is dropped or shows any signs of damage, replace SDM.

NOTICE: Prior to removal of the SDM, the ignition key must be in the OFF position for 10 minutes (refer to Disabling and Enabling Precautions).