Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions
Airbags Safety Precautions
CAUTION:
To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury when handling airbag modules:
- Never test, remove, repair or install airbag units or work on the airbag system unless you have the proper training, qualifications and tools to do the work safely and correctly
- Always disconnect the battery ground (GND) strap before starting to work on the airbag system. Work can begin immediately after disconnecting the battery - no waiting time is needed.
- Always discharge static electricity from your body before handling or even touching an airbag unit. Place your hands on a suitable metal object that is grounded such as a water or heating pipe or metal frame.
- Always install airbag unit immediately after removing it from its shipping container.
- If installation work is interrupted, immediately return the airbag unit to its original packaging.
- NEVER leave an airbag unit unattended. If work is interrupted, always place airbag unit back into its shipping container.
- NEVER place airbag unit on a workbench or other surface with the side that points towards inside of passenger compartment facing down. If airbag unit should deploy, it can cause personal injury. Always make sure that the side of the airbag unit that faces passenger compartment faces up.
- NEVER let anyone sit in the passenger compartment when the airbag system is being worked on, especially when the airbag system is being connected to a power source or the battery is being connected to the battery.
- NEVER install airbag units that have dropped onto a hard surface, or which have signs of damage.
- Always put airbag units that have not deployed or have not completely deployed in the airbag shipping container and mark the outside of the container so that others will know that there is still a possibility of airbag deployment.
- Always store and handle airbag units according to all applicable legal requirements.
Additional safety precautions for head curtain airbag
CAUTION:
To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury when handling airbag modules:
- Always replace damaged pillar trim, never repair.
- Curtain airbags must not be kinked or twisted.
- After servicing body in vicinity of curtain airbag, check body for welding beads, deformations and chafe marks (compare with opposite side of vehicle if necessary).
- If ignited curtain airbag is replaced, molded headliner, door seals with tubing, curtain airbag guides, bracket for grab handle and the A-, B-, and C-pillar trim must be replaced in general. If damaged, front and rear interior lights, roof grab handle and roof end strip must also be replaced.