Air Bag Precautions

1. To avoid unwanted deployment and possible personal injury, always disarm the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) prior to performing service procedures. Refer to Air Bag Disarming and Arming. The Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) can maintain sufficient deployment voltage for up to 10 seconds after ignition has been turned Off, air bag fuse removed or battery disconnected. Performing service before the minimum 10 second lapse may cause unwanted deployment and possible injury. Service and Repair

2. When handling a deployed air bag assembly, a face shield and rubber gloves should be worn. Vehicle interior and HVAC ducts should be vacuumed. If sinus or throat irritation is encountered during air bag removal, exit vehicle and breathe fresh air. If skin irritation is encountered, flush affected area with cool water. If any type of irritation continues, consult a physician. Wash hands and rinse thoroughly with water after handling a deployed air bag assembly.
3. A deployed air bag unit should be placed in a heavy duty plastic bag, sealed securely, then placed with automotive scrap.
4. Do not use electrical test equipment such as battery or A/C powered voltmeters, Ohmmeters or any type of electrical equipment other than specified, when troubleshooting the SRS. Do not use any non-powered probe type testers.
5. Use digital multimeter with a maximum test current of 10 mA or less at the minimum range of resistance measurement, only.
6. Do not attempt to measure air bag module resistance.
7. Discriminating sensor must always be installed with arrow mark facing vehicle front.
8. Inspect sensors for cracks, deformities or rust prior to installation and replace as necessary.
9. When handling or storing an air bag module, always position it with pad side facing upward.
10. Carry air bag module with pad facing away from body.
11. Keep air bag assembly free of oil, grease, detergents and water.
12. Do not expose air bag assembly to temperatures that exceed 0.00°F.
13. Do not use air bag system components from another vehicle. Always install new replacement components.
14. Inspect all components prior to installation. Do not install any that appear to have been improperly handled or stored, or that show any signs of damage.
15. When performing service procedures, do not expose sensors, wiring or other air bag system components to heat guns, welding or spray guns.
16. Do not modify steering wheel, instrument panel or any SRS component, as system performance may be hampered.
17. Do not paint air bag module to correct cosmetic flaws. It must be replaced.
18. If SRS and another vehicle system are both in need of repair, service SRS prior to any other system.
19. Always follow caution/warning label instructions on labels attached to SRS components.
20. Do not dispose of undeployed air bag modules. Modules must be deployed before being scraped.
21. Immediately after deployment, air bag modules are very hot. Wait at least 30 minutes before handling deployed modules.
22. Do not strike or jar SDM. Do not apply power to SRS when SDM is not rigidly attached to vehicle with all mounting bracket fasteners carefully tightened to specifications.
23. Do not apply power to SRS unless all components are connected or diagnostic chart specifies.
24. When using electric welding equipment, disarm SRS as outlined under Air Bag Disarming and Arming. Service and Repair