Air Bag Modules Disposal Procedures

Several situations may arise which require some form of disposal action: scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag, scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag, disposal of a live but electronically inoperative air bag module or scrapping a deployed module. Disposal recommendations for these situations are shown in the following chart and discussed in detail.

Deployed Air Bag
To service a vehicle in which the air bag has deployed, the deployed air bag must be replaced with a new air bag module. The deployed air bag can be disposed of in the same manner as any part to be scrapped.

Remote Air Bag Deployment
Some vehicles that are damaged or inoperable to the point that service cannot be made, may contain an undeployed air bag. This condition could occur by side or rear impact, rollover or if the vehicle is simply past its useful lifetime. The air bag should be deployed using the following disposal procedure prior to scrapping vehicle.

1. Remove driver and/or passenger side air bag modules as outlined. Refer to DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION or PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.
2. Cut the two air bag connector wires and strip 25 mm (1 inch) of insulation from the ends.
3. Obtain two wires at least 6 m (20 feet). Connect one end of each wire to each of the air bag module wires.

WARNING: Do not place the air bag with the trim cover facing down, as the forces of the deployed air bag may cause it to ricochet and cause personal injury.

4. Place the air bag with the trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in an open, outdoor area.
5. Remaining at least 6 m (20 feet) away from the air bag.
6. Deploy the air bag by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12 volts battery.
7. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling.

The air bag is now deployed and may be scrapped in accordance with scrap metal procedures.