Safety Precautions, Storage and Handling Information
Safety Precautions, Storage and HandlingThe fasteners, screws, and bolts originally used for the airbag components have special coatings and are specifically designed for the airbag system. They must never be replaced with any substitutes. Anytime a new fastener is needed you must replace with the correct ones provided in the service package or ones listed in the parts books.
Before attempting any service or repair to the airbag system, you must first disconnect and isolate the negative (ground) battery cable. Failure to do so could result in accidental deployment and possible personal injury.
Storage and Handling
The airbag module, which bolts to the steering wheel, contains the airbag inflator. When the airbag is deployed, bag inflation is extremely rapid. It is very important that the following steps are taken to insure personal safety:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate whenever the airbag system is being serviced in any way.
2. Storage: The airbag module must be stored in its original, special Department of Transportation approved container, until used for service. Additionally, it must be stored in a clean, dry environment, away from temperature extremes, sparks, and sources of high electrical energy. Place the module with the trim cover facing up to minimize movement in case of accidental deployment. Other components (sensors, clockspring, diagnostic module) should likewise be stored in a clean, dry environment.
3. Handling: (Live Module) At no time should any source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on the back of the module. When carrying a live module, the trim cover should be pointed away from the body to minimize injury in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. In addition, if the module is placed on a bench or other surface, the plastic trim cover should be face up to minimize movement in case of accidental deployment.
DEPLOYED MODULE:
4. WHEN HANDLING A STEERING COLUMN WITH AN AIRBAG MODULE ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE COLUMN ON THE FLOOR WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR MODULE FACE DOWN. IF IT IS DEPLOYED IT WILL ACT AS A PROJECTILE AND COULD CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION:
5. HANDLING: (DEPLOYED MODULE) GLOVES AND EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE WORN WHEN HANDLING A MODULE THAT HAS BEEN DEPLOYED, AS THERE MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE SURFACE WHICH COULD IRRITATE THE SKIN OR EYES. IF THE MATERIAL COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, WASH WITH PLENTY OF COLD WATER. DISPOSE OF THE MODULE BY WRAPPING IN A PLASTIC BAG AND DISCARDING LIKE ANY OTHER METAL PART.
ANY VEHICLE WHICH IS TO BE REPAIRED AFTER AN AIRBAG DEPARTMENT MUST HAVE THE AIRBAG MODULE AND CLOCKSPRING REPLACED. THESE COMPONENTS ARE DESIGNED FOR ONE DEPLOYMENT AND CANNOT BE REUSED. OTHER AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS ARE TO BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED BY EXTENT OF DAMAGE.