Service Precautions

These precautions should be observed when working with SRS:

• Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column components. Failure to do so may result in accidental air bag deployment and personal injury. See procedures under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• On vehicles equipped with side air bags and seat belt pretensioners, manufacturer recommends removing front seats from vehicle before performing any diagnostics or repairs to air bag or seat belt pretensioner system. For diagnostics on systems other than side air bags or seat belt pretensioners, seats may be left in vehicle as long as simulator tool is installed in place of side air bag and seat belt pretensioner harness.
• On all models except Villager, wait one minute after disabling SRS before working on vehicle. Backup power supply holds a deployment charge for approximately one minute after negative battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before one minute may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• On Villager, backup power supply holds a deployment charge for approximately 3 minutes after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before 3-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
• Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle is involved in a collision, inspect sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. If damaged, replace sensor.
• Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service impact sensors, clockspring, diagnostic monitor or air bag module. Repairs are made by replacement only.
• If replacing deployed air bag module, always install a NEW air bag Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS) module.
• On vehicles with side air bags, use caution when working around "B" pillar. Side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the "B" pillar.
• Always wear safety glasses whenever servicing an air bag equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.
• When carrying a live air bag module, ensure air bag module and trim cover are pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of an accidental deployment.
• When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag module and trim cover facing up and away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
• If scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed air bag module, air bag must be deployed.
• If a part is replaced and new part does not correct condition, reinstall original part and perform diagnostic procedure again.
• Never probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may cause air bag deployment and/or personal injury.
• Instruction to disconnect always refers to connector. DO NOT remove component from vehicle if instructed to disconnect.
• After any servicing, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any fault codes. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
• Replace air bag module if trim cover (deployment doors) is marred or damaged. DO NOT repaint trim cover. Paint may degrade cover material. Replace air bag module as necessary. Ensure damaged air bag is deployed.