Preliminary Precautions

After the 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. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) is produced as a by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. As with many service procedures, you should wear gloves and safety glasses.

Vehicles equipped with RPO ZX1 (driver seat only) use a trim cover instead of an inflatable restraint I/P module. This trim cover contains a diagnostic resistor and a pigtail harness. The diagnostic resistor has an ohmic value of 2 ohms that satisfies the passenger deployment loop resistance requirements of the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). The pigtail harness allows connection to the inflatable restraint I/P module harness connector. Replace the I/P trim cover under the same conditions that you would the inflatable restraint I/P module.