Technician Safety Information

WARNING: Many of service procedures require disconnection of "AIR BAG" fuse and all air bag (inflator) module(s) from initiator circuit to avoid an accidental deployment.
Driver and Passenger Air Bag (Inflator) Modules
- For handling and storage of a live air bag (inflator) module, select a place where the ambient temperature below 65 °C (150 °F), without high humidity and away from electric noise.
- When carrying a live air bag (inflator) module, make sure the bag opening is pointed away from you. In case of an accidental deployment, the bag will then deploy with minimal chance of injury. Never carry the air bag (inflator) module by the wires or connector on the underside of the module. When placing a live air bag (inflator) module on a bench or other surface, always face the bag up, away from the surface. As the live passenger air bag (inflator) module must be placed with its bag (trim cover) facing up, place it on the workbench with a slit or use the workbench vise to hold it securely at its lower mounting bracket. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the air bag to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.
- Never dispose of live (undeployed) air bag (inflator) modules (driver and passenger). If disposal is necessary, be sure to deploy them according to deployment procedures described in Air Bag System before disposal.
- The air bag (inflator) module immediately after deployment is very hot. Wait for at least half an hour to cool it off before proceeding the work.
- After an air bag (inflator) module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. As with many service procedures, gloves and safety glasses should be worn.

WARNING:
SDM
- During service procedures be very careful when handling a Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). Never strike or jar the SDM.
Never power up the air bag system when the SDM is not rigidly attached to the vehicle. All SDM and mounting bracket fasteners must be carefully torqued and the arrow must be pointing toward the front of the vehicle to ensure proper operation of the air bag system.
The SDM could be activated when powered while not rigidly attached to the vehicle which could cause deployment and result in personal injury.

CAUTION:
- Even when the accident was light enough not to cause air bags to activate, be sure to inspect system parts and other related parts according to instructions under "Repair and Inspection Required after an Accident" in Air Bag System.
- When servicing parts other than air bag system, if shocks may be applied to air bag system component parts, remove those parts beforehand.
- When handling the air bag (inflator) modules (driver and passenger) or SDM, be careful not to drop it or apply an impact to it. If an excessive impact was applied (e.g., dropped from a height of 90cm (3 feet) or more), never attempt disassembly or repair but replace it with a new one.
- When grease, cleaning agent, oil, water, etc. has got onto air bag (inflator) modules (driver and passenger), wipe off immediately with a dry cloth.
- Air bag wire harness can be identified easily as it is covered with a yellow protection tube. Be very careful when handling it.
- When an open in air bag wire harness, damaged wire harness, connector or terminal is found, replace wire harness, connectors and terminals as an assembly.
- Do not apply power to the air bag system unless all components are connected or a diagnostic chart requests it, as this will set a diagnostic trouble code.
- Never use air bag system component parts from another vehicle.
- When using electric welding, be sure to temporarily disable air bag system referring to "Disabling Air Bag System" described in "Service Precautions" under "On-Vehicle Service" in Air Bag System.
- Never expose air bag system component parts directly to hot air (drying or baking the vehicle after painting) or flames.
- WARNING/CAUTION labels are attached on each part of air bag system components. Be sure to follow the instructions.
- After vehicle is completely repaired, perform "Air Bag Diagnostic System Check" described in "Diagnosis" in Air Bag System.