Air Bag - After Deployment Inspection/Replacement

SOURCE: Kia Technician Times

TITLE: After Air Bag Deployment Parts Inspection/Replacement

APPLIES TO: 96-98 Sportage

SERVICE TIP:

After a collision in which the air bags deploy, there are certain parts that require replacement and some that only require inspection to ensure their serviceability.

WARNING
- ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN HANDLING AIR BAG MODULES.
- ALWAYS WEAR RUBBER GLOVES WHEN HANDLING DEPLOYED OR DAMAGED AIR BAG MODULES.
- AIR BAG SURFACES MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH SMALL AMOUNTS OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE (NaOH). PREVENT CONTACT OF THE AIR BAG MODULE WITH LIQUIDS, COMBUSTIBLES, AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. IMMEDIATELY WASH CONTAMINATED HANDS AND SKIN AREAS WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER. FLUSH EYES WITH WATER IF EXPOSED TO BYPRODUCTS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN CHEMICAL BURNS AND PERSONAL INJURY.

The following parts must be replaced following an air bag deployment.
1. Air bag modules

The following parts must be inspected for any damage following an air bag deployment:
1. Air bag wiring harness and connectors.
2. Steering wheel
3. Steering column and wiring.
4. Clockspring
5. Instrument panel
6. Multi-Point System - Front air bag sensors and front air bag wiring harness. Replace if sensors or wiring is damaged.
7. Single Point System - The ADU will be in a "After Deployment Mode" and must be cleared with the Scan Tool. Clear the ADU by performing the scan tool clear function.

After replacing/inspecting parts, check for any air bag DTC's (if air bag indicator light stays ON). Repair as necessary.