Service Precautions

Observe these precautions when servicing SRS or related components:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column component. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Failure to disable system could cause accidental air bag deployment and personal injury.
• When trouble shooting SRS, check for trouble codes before disconnecting battery.
• After turning ignition switch to LOCK position and disconnecting negative battery cable, wait at least 90 seconds before disconnecting or servicing any SRS component. Air bag sensor assembly contains a back-up power source which may be capable of deploying air bags for up to 90 seconds after negative battery cable is disconnected.
• In event of a collision that does not warrant air bag deployment perform a careful inspection of air bag sensor assembly, steering wheel pad, passenger-side air bag assembly, and seat belt pretensioners.
• NEVER use SRS components from another vehicle. When component replacement is necessary, use new parts.
• If impact or other shock is likely in area surrounding air bag sensor assembly (during repairs), remove sensor from vehicle until repairs are completed.
• NEVER attempt to disassemble or repair any SRS component. NEVER install any SRS component that has been dropped or shows any signs of external damage. If an SRS component is found to be faulty in any way, replace it with a new part.
• DO NOT  expose steering wheel pad, passenger-side air bag assembly, or seat belt pretensioners to high temperatures or flames. Never store these components where temperatures may exceed 200°F (93°C).
• When diagnosing SRS, use a high impedance, (10 kohm minimum) digital, volt/ohm meter.
• Be sure to observe all notices on information labels attached to SRS components.
• After servicing SRS, check air bag warning light to be sure that SRS is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• Be sure to disable SRS before performing any operation that could inflict a strong shock or jolt to vehicle. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• ALWAYS wear safety goggles while servicing or handling air bag assemblies or seat belt pretensioners.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, be sure that trim cover faces up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of air bag module in event of accidental deployment.
• When placing a live seat belt pretensioner on a bench or other surface, be sure that connector side faces up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of pretensioner in event of accidental deployment.
• When carrying a live air bag module, always keep trim cover pointed away from your body. This will minimize risk of injury, in event of accidental deployment.
• After deployment, surface of air bag will be coated with sodium hydroxide, a skin irritant. Always wear safety goggles, rubber gloves, and a long sleeved shirt when handling a deployed air bag. After disposal of a deployed air bag, be sure to wash hands with mild soap and water.
• If SRS is malfunctioning in any way, vehicle should not be driven. Park vehicle until SRS can be fully repaired. DO NOT  remove bulbs or disconnect components in an attempt to disable SRS.
• NEVER dispose of an air bag module, a seat belt pretensioner, or an entire vehicle without first deploying air bag module(s) and pretensioner(s).