Air Bag: Testing and Inspection

INSPECTION




1. VEHICLES NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
a. Do a diagnostic system check.
b. Do a visual check which includes the following items with the steering wheel pad (with airbag) installed in the vehicle.

Check for cuts, minute cracks or marked discoloration on the steering wheel pad top surface and in the grooved portion.




2. VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND AIRBAG IS NOT DEPLOYED
a. Do a diagnostic system check.
b. Do a visual check which includes the following items with the steering wheel pad (with airbag) removed from the vehicle.
^ Check for cuts, minute cracks or marked discoloration on the steering wheel pad top surface and in the grooved portion.
^ Check for cuts and cracks in wire harness, and chipping in connectors.
^ Check for the deformation of the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel.




HINT:
^ If the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is deformed, never repair it. Always replace the steering wheel assembly with a new one.




^ There should be no interference between the steering wheel pad and steering wheel, and the clearance should be uniform all the way around when the new steering wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.

CAUTION: For removal and installation of the steering wheel pad, refer to Steering Wheel/Service and Repair and be sure to follow the correct procedure.

3. VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED
a. Do a diagnostic system check.
b. Do a visual check which includes the following items with the steering wheel pad (with airbag) removed from the vehicle.
^ Check for the deformation on the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel.
^ Check for the damage to the spiral cable connector and wire harness.

HINT:
^ If the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is deformed, never repair it. Always replace the steering wheel assembly with a new one.
^ There should be no interference between the steering wheel pad and steering wheel, and the clearance should be uniform all the way around when the new steering wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.

REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
In the following case, replace the steering wheel pad, steering wheel or spiral cable.
^ If the airbag has been deployed.
^ If the steering wheel pad or spiral cable has been found to be faulty in troubleshooting.
^ If the steering wheel pad, steering or spiral cable has been found to be faulty during the check in items.
^ If the steering wheel pad has been dropped.