Service After an Airbag Deployment

SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT

Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a supplemental restraint deployment, must have the deployed restraint replaced. In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring and the steering column must also be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel top pad must be replaced. If a side airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit and the door trim panel must be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.

The passenger airbag mounting points on the instrument panel structural duct must be closely inspected for damage, and the instrument panel assembly must be replaced if structural duct damage is evident. It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and the side impact sensors must be closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ORC and each impact sensor are used by the SRS to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these components may cause airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required.

All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any SRS deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.

AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS

CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initiators (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not have live pyrotechnic material within the inflator. Do not dispose of these airbags unless you are sure of complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System for proper disposal procedures. Dispose of all non-deployed and deployed airbags in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local, and federal regulations.

Multistage airbags with multiple initiators (squibs) must be checked to determine that all squibs were used during the deployment event. The driver and passenger airbags in this model are deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) through the driver or passenger squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflators. Typically, both initiators are used and all potentially hazardous chemicals are burned during an airbag deployment event. However, it is possible for only one initiator to be used due to an airbag system fault; therefore, it is always necessary to confirm that both initiators have been used in order to avoid the improper handling or disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic or hazardous materials. The following procedure should be performed using a scan tool to verify the status of both airbag squibs before either deployed airbag is removed from the vehicle for disposal.

1. Be certain that the scan tool contains the latest version of the proper software. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the steering column.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
3. Using the scan tool, read and record the active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
Using the active DTC information, refer to the Airbag Squib Status table to determine the status of both driver and/or passenger airbag squibs.





If no squib open codes are active the status of the airbag squibs is unknown. In this case the airbag should be handled and disposed of assuming that both squibs were live.

CLEANUP PROCEDURE





Following a supplemental restraint deployment, the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue. This residue consists primarily of harmless by-products used to deploy a supplemental restraint. However, this residue may also contain traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical by-product of the propellant material that is used to generate the inert gas which inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses (1), rubber gloves (2), and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup.





WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.

1. Begin the cleanup by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a non-cleaned area.
2. Be certain to vacuum the heater and air conditioning outlets as well. Run the heater and air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets.
3. Next, remove the deployed supplemental restraints from the vehicle.
- Driver side airbag. Driver Airbag - Removal.
- Passenger side airbag. Passenger Airbag - Removal.
- Side impact airbag. Removal.
- Seat belt tensioners. Removal.

4. You may need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.