Airbag Module Disposal Procedures

Deployed Airbag Module

Any time you handle a deployed airbag you should wear gloves and eye protection. There will be deposits on and around the airbag that could cause skin or eye irritation. If the material does come into contact with the body, flush with plenty of cold water.

The deployed airbag module should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the same manner as any other scrap part.



Undeployed Airbag Module

In a case where you have a faulty but undeployed airbag module, you must be very careful how you handle it.

YOU MUST RETURN ALL FAULTY AIRBAG MODULES TO THE PARTS DEPARTMENT IN THE ORIGINAL SPECIAL CONTAINER.
AIRBAG MODULE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM INSTALLATION OR REMOVAL PROCEDURES, REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE (-) BATTERY CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHICLE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Salvage or Scrapped Vehicles

In some accidents, the airbag will not be deployed such as some side hits or possibly a rear end accident. If the damage is bad enough, the vehicle will be scrapped or sold for salvage.

THE AIRBAG MODULE SHOULD BE DEPLOYED AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE ARRIVES AT THE SALVAGE YARD.

THE AIRBAG MODULE SHOULD NEVER BE SOLD AS A USED PARTS, PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.
Deployment of the Airbag Module

In Vehicle Deployment

1. DISCONNECT BATTERY GROUND CABLE

AND ISOLATE.

2. Remove knee blocker.

3. Disconnect clockspring lead at base of steering column at I/P harness.

4. Cut the connector off the clockspring lead and strip 25 mm (1-inch) of the insulation from the end.

5. Make a harness consisting of two wires, 20 feet long or longer, connect the two wires at the lower end of the clockspring lead to the new harness.

6. At this Point, make sure there are no loose parts in the passenger compartment. Make sure no one is within 20 feet of the vehicle.

7. When you are sure you have at least 20 feet of clearance between you, the vehicle, and everybody else, touch the two new harness wire leads to the terminals of a 12-volt car battery.

8. When deployment is achieved, you will hear a loud bang and the airbag will inflate.

WARNING: WAIT AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE APPROACHING THE VEHICLE, LET THE AIRBAG COOL OFF AND THE DUST SETTLE.

9. At this time, scrap the vehicle as usual.
Out of Vehicle Deployment

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG MODULE INSIDE A BUILDING, WHILE WITHIN 20 FEET OF THE UNIT, OR WITH THE TRIM COVER FACE DOWN.

1. Remove the airbag module from the steering wheel.

2. Cut the wiring harness that goes from the clockspring to airbag as close to the clockspring as possible.

3. Place the other end of the harness back into the airbag module.

4. Strip 25 mm (1 inch) of the insulation from the cut end of the harness.

5. Connect two 20-feet long wires to the end of the harness.

6. Place the airbag module face (trim cover) up and move 20-feet away.

7. Touch the two ends of the 20-foot long wires to the terminals of a 12-volt battery.

8. After the module activates, be careful and wait until the unit has cooled off before touching. Discard the unit as you would any other scrap part.
POLICY: Information Only