Air Bag: Service Precautions
Live (Undeployed) Air Bag (Inflator) ModulesSpecial care is necessary when handling and storing a live (undeployed) air bag (inflator) modules.
The rapid gas generation produced during deployment of the air bag could cause the air bag (inflator) module, or an object in front of the air bag (inflator) module, to be thrown through the air in the unlikely event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Never attempt to measure the resistance of the air bag (inflator) modules (driver and passenger). It is very dangerous as the electric current from the tester may deploy the air bag.
- Never attempt disassembly of the air bag (inflator) modules.
- If any abnormality is found, be sure to replace it with a new one as an assembly.
- When an abnormality is noted as existing in the live (undeployed) air bag (inflator) module, be sure to deploy it before discarding it.
- When grease, cleaning agent, oil, water, etc., got on the air bag (inflator) modules (driver and passenger), wipe it off immediately with a dry cloth.
- If air bag (inflator) module was dropped from a height of 90 cm (3 ft) or more, it should be replaced with a new one as an assembly.
WARNING: 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.
Otherwise, personal injury may result.
WARNING: When placing a live air bag (inflator) module on 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 (1) or use the workbench vise (2) to hold it securely at its lower mounting bracket (3). It is also prohibited to place anything on top of the trim cover and stack air bag (inflator) modules. 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.
Deployed Air Bag (Inflator) Modules
WARNING:
- The air bag (inflator) module immediately after deployment is very hot. Wait for at least 30 minutes to cool it off before proceeding the work.
- Do not apply water, oil, etc. to deployed air bag (inflator) module.
- 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. - Wash your hands with mild soap and water after completing the work.
Refer to the procedure described under "Deployed Air Bag (Inflator) Modules Disposal".
Precautions on Disposal of Air Bag
Do not dispose of the live (undeployed) air bag (inflator) modules. When disposal is necessary, be sure to deploy the air bag according to deployment procedure described under "Air Bag (Inflator) Modules Disposal".
WARNING:
- Failure to follow proper air bag (inflator) module disposal procedures can result in air bag deployment which could cause personal injury. Undeployed air bag (inflator) module must not be disposed of through normal refuse channels. The undeployed air bag (inflator) module contain substances that can cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is damaged during disposal.
- To avoid deployment when troubleshooting the air bag system, do not use electrical test equipment such as a battery powered or AC powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc., or any type of electrical equipment other than that specified. Do not use a non-powered probe type tester. Instructions must be followed carefully, otherwise personal injury may result.