Air Bag Disposal Recommendations

Fig. 12 Center air bag sensor electrical connector wire:

Procedure 1, Electronic Deployment With Intact Wiring
This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag inflator is to be scrapped. Disposal may be required due to severe damage in a non-air bag deployable accident, or at the end of the vehicle's useful life. This procedure assumes that the air bag wiring remains intact; that is, no fault codes are indicated by the readiness indicator, that the system proves out correctly and that the vehicles's battery is still in place. This procedure is to be performed outdoors away from other personnel, since the deploying air bag makes a loud report during actuation.
1. Check and clear the front seat of all loose objects.
2. Do not permit any occupants to remain inside the vehicle.
3. Open the hood and check for operational vehicle battery. If no battery is found, supply one and connect it in the usual manner.
4. Turn ignition switch to ``Run'' position and observe the air bag readiness indicator. If the lamp illuminates for four to eight seconds and then stops, the system is intact and may be deployed. Continue with procedure 1. If a series of fault codes appear, use procedure 2 to deploy unit.
5. Locate the center air bag sensor at the top center of the radiator support, beneath the radiator sight shield. Locate the white connector 8 inches from the sensor, toward the battery.
6. Pull the white submersible connector apart and examine the wiring harness end of the connector. Identify circuits 619 PK/W, 620 P/LB, 611 W/O and 614 GY/O, Fig. 12.
7. Using a 6 inch length of bared wire, short the 619 PK/W wire to ground. Short the 611 W/O and 614 GY/O circuits together with a second bared wire. The air bag should deploy. If the air bag does not deploy, proceed to procedure 2.
8. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the bag material will be visible in the center of the steering wheel. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling of the module and dissipation of the effluents.



Procedure 2, Remote Deployment Of Driver Module
Remote deployment is to be performed outdoors with all personnel at least 20 feet away to ensure personnel safety and due to loud report which occurs when an air bag is deployed.
This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag module is to be scrapped, but the vehicle does not contain an intact wiring harness or certain system components are inoperative. This procedure can also be used if step 7 of procedure 1 was unsuccessful.
1. Remove driver air bag module from steering wheel.
2. Cut the two module connector wires and strip 1 inch of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the air bag module wires.
3. Place the module with the black trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in a remote area such as a parking lot or field. Do not place the module with the trim cover facing down, as the forces of the deploying air bag may cause the module to ricochet and cause personal injury.
4. Remaining at least 20 feet away from the module, deploy the air bag by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12 volt vehicle battery.
5. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the air bag material will be visible coming from the top of the module. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling of the module and dissipation of the effluents.