Airbag, Belt Tensioner and Battery Cut-Out Units General Safety Precautions

Airbag, Belt Tensioner and Battery Cut-Out Units General Safety Precautions

• Pyrotechnic components always contain chemicals, which turn into an expanding gas when detonated. There is also additional stored gas available for discharge.

• This gas is contained under high pressure and is stored in a pressurized gas container.

• An electric/mechanical igniter ignites the pyrotechnic components.

• Testing, removing, installing and repair work may only be performed by qualified personnel.

• There is no change interval for airbag units.

• Never test with a test light, volt meter or ohm meter.

• The pyrotechnic components may be checked only once they are installed and if they are Volkswagen approved. Refer to Vehicle diagnostic tester.

• When working on pyrotechnic components and on the airbag control module (J234) , the battery ground cable must be disconnected with the ignition switched on. Then cover the negative pole.

• Wait for 10 seconds after disconnecting the battery.

• Connect the battery with the ignition SWITCHED ON. No one should be sitting inside the vehicle when doing this. Exception: vehicles with the battery inside the passenger compartment. In this case, stay away from the airbags and the safety belts.

• Wash hands after touching ignited restraint system pyrotechnic components.

• Pyrotechnic components may not be opened nor repaired; always use new parts (risk of injury).

• Pyrotechnic components that have fallen onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in vehicle.

• Before handling pyrotechnic components of the restraint system, for example, before disconnecting the electrical harness connector, the relevant person must discharge static electricity. Touching grounded metal parts, for example, touching the door striker, will discharge the static electricity.

• Pyrotechnic components should be installed immediately upon removal from shipping package.

• If the work must be stopped for awhile, put the pyrotechnic component back into its shipping package.

• Do not leave the pyrotechnic component out unattended.

• Do not use any grease or cleaning solutions on pyrotechnic components.

• Store driver and passenger airbag units in their uninstalled condition so that the cushioned side faces upward.

• Pyrotechnic components must not be exposed to temperatures over 212 °F (100 °C), even for a short time.

Belt Tensioner Additional Precautions

• The open end of the belt tensioner should never be pointed at anyone.

• Use extreme care when removing and installing belt tensioners. Handling belt tensioner units improperly is very dangerous and could result in serious personal injury.

• When connecting a belt tensioner, all mechanical parts, including those in the three-point seat belt, must be secured correctly. If it is not possible to connect the belt tensioner because of insufficient space, the seat belt must be rolled up completely prior to connection. In this case there is no increased safety risk, if all other safety instructions are followed. In particular, this includes the notes regarding the disconnection of the battery and the static discharging of the technician prior to connection of the belt tensioner.

• Even after a crash, it is possible that the belt tensioner did ignite, but the belt force limiter did NOT ignite. These parts shall be treated like non-ignited parts!