Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions

Component Disassembly
Disassembling and reassembling air bag system components can render the system inoperative which may result in serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Do not disassemble any air bag system component.




Wiring Harness Repair
Incorrectly repairing an air bag system wiring harness can accidently deploy the air bag module which may cause serious injury. If a problem is found in the system wiring, replace the wiring harness. Do not try to repair it.




A live air bag module placed face down on a surface is dangerous. If the air bag module deploys, the motion of the module can cause serious injury. Always face the front surface up to reduce the motion of the module in case it accidently deploys.




Air Bag Module Inspection
Inspecting the air bag module by using an ohmmeter can deploy the air bag module which may cause serious injury. Do not use an ohmmeter to inspect the air bag module.




Air Bag Module Handling
A live (undeployed) air bag module may accidentally deploy when handled and cause serious injury. When carrying a live air bag module, point the front surface away from your body to lessen the chance of injury in case it deploys.

Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
Installing a connected diagnostic monitor is dangerous. Movement generated during installation can cause the crash sensor inside the unit to send an electrical signal to the air bag modules. This will deploy the air bag modules, which may result in serious injury. Therefore, before connecting the diagnostic monitor, firmly mount the unit to the vehicle.

Disconnecting the diagnostic monitor connector or removing the diagnostic monitor with the ignition switch ON can cause the air bag modules to deploy, which may seriously injure you. Before disconnecting the diagnostic monitor connector or removing the monitor, turn the ignition switch to LOCK, then disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for more than 1 minute to allow the backup power supply of the monitor to deplete its stored power.

Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag system vehicle and when handling an air bag module.

After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.

Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. If damaged, install a new sensor whether or not the air bag is deployed.

NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new pan does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.