SPECIAL CARE DURING MECHANICAL REPAIRS
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures. |
| WARNING | Some vehicles are equipped with a passenger's side air bag ON/OFF switch. This switch should NOT be used in place of specified vehicle air bag system disabling and activating procedures. |
| WARNING | DO NOT use any type of back-up power supply (memory saver) from outside vehicle to avoid memory loss in memory systems, if equipped. Back-up power supplies can provide enough voltage to deploy air bags. |
Note. When the battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory system may lose data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
In some instances, it may be necessary to remove steering column or instrument panel to gain access to blower motor housing, heater assembly, evaporator assembly, or other A/C-heater system related components. Observe manufacturer service precautions when working on a vehicle equipped with an air bag system. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
Electrical sources should never be allowed near inflator on back of air bag module. Never probe air bag system electrical wires with analog volt-ohmmeter or test light. Always disable air bag system before servicing vehicle. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedure. Failure to do so could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
If air bag system is not fully functional for any reason, DO NOT drive vehicle until system is repaired and is again operational. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components, or in any way disable system from operating normally. If air bag system is not functional, park vehicle until system is repaired and functions properly.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
- Turn ignition switch to ON position, with engine off. SRS is operational if AIR BAG warning light comes on and then goes out after about 6 seconds with engine off.
- If AIR BAG warning light remains on, this indicates a fault in the SRS. If AIR BAG warning light fails to illuminate when ignition is first turned on, this indicates bulb is faulty or there is a fault in the wiring circuit to the bulb.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Observe these precautions when working on SRS
- When working around steering column and before any repairs are performed, disable SRS. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/m6/e63e64-2005-2010/remont/restraints/#air-bag-deactivation-procedures__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
- Before straightening damaged metal or arc-welding, disable SRS and disconnect front sensors, front air bag modules, seat belt tensioners (if equipped) and side air bag modules connectors. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/bmw/m6/e63e64-2005-2010/remont/restraints/#air-bag-deactivation-procedures__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
- After disabling SRS, wait at least 5 minutes before servicing vehicle. SRS control unit maintains SRS voltage for about 5 minutes after system is disabled. Servicing SRS before 5 minutes may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which irritates skin.
- Handle sensors carefully. Never strike or jar sensors. All sensors and mounting bracket bolts must be tightened to specification to ensure proper sensor operation.
- Never use any SRS component that has been dropped from a height of 2 feet or higher.
- DO NOT repair any SRS component or wiring harness; replace only. Wiring harnesses and connectors are Orange for immediate identification.
- To avoid air bag deployment, DO NOT use self-powered electrical test equipment on driver's or passenger's air bag modules. This equipment includes battery powered circuit testers, voltmeters and ohmmeters.
- Always handle air bag module with trim cover away from body. Always place air bag module on workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects. DO NOT leave air bag modules unattended.
- Never expose SRS components to temperatures greater than 167°F (75°C).
- Front air bag modules, belt tensioners and side air bag modules (if equipped) can only be checked while installed in vehicle and using a BMW Service Tester/DIS. Only attempt SRS inspections using specified procedures and checking devices.
- Never expose any SRS system components to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
| CAUTION | Ensure radio is off before disconnecting battery. This will prevent damage to radio microprocessor. On cars with radio codes, ask customer for radio code card before disconnecting battery. Make a note of stored transmitters, restore these transmitters after reconnecting the battery. |
- Before proceeding, see «SERVICE PRECAUTIONS»(/bmw/m6/e63e64-2005-2010/remont/restraints/#air-bag-deactivation-procedures__service-precautions) . Retrieve fault codes before disconnecting battery. Ensure radio and ignition is off. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. WAIT at least 5 minutes (one minute on 7-series models) for energy capacitor in SRS control unit to discharge. System is now disabled.
- Ensure no one is inside vehicle and connect negative battery cable. System is now activated. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly and no fault codes are set. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/bmw/m6/e63e64-2005-2010/remont/restraints/#air-bag-deactivation-procedures__system-operation-check) .