SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
- Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable before attempting any repairs to steering column components. Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery cable before working on vehicle.
- Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to disable air bag system may result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-52765-S20956825452001011600000) .
- After repairs, turn ignition on from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag deployment.
- When placing a live air bag module on a work bench or other surface, always face air bag module and trim cover upward, away from surface. This will reduce motion of air bag module if accidentally deployed.
- After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which irritates skin. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands with mild soap and water.
- Electrical sources should never be allowed near connector on back of air bag module.
- Always use factory type installed fasteners when installing air bag system components, as components contain a special coating designed for air bag system.
- Clockspring must be replaced whenever driver's side air bag has been deployed.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery. |
- To disable air bag system, ensure ignition is off. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. Wait at least 60 seconds after disconnecting negative battery cable before working on vehicle, as air bag system must be fully discharged.
- To activate air bag system. Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition on. Observe operation of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light on instrument panel.
- The SRS warning light on instrument panel should come on for approximately 7 seconds and then go off. If SRS warning light fails to come on, or remains on for more than approximately 10 seconds, a problem exists in the air bag system and the system should be checked. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
COMBINATION SWITCH
Note. Combination switch is the switch for turn signals and windshield wipers. Combination switch may also be referred to as multi-function switch or column switch assembly.