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. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . |
| 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. This article applies to 2004 vehicles, except where noted.
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 appropriate manufacturer's 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.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems
- If air bag system sensors, air bag module, air bag control module, seat belt pretensioners and/or harness are deformed or damaged, replace them with NEW manufacturer components.
- DO NOT drop air bag system components.
- DO NOT subject air bag system components to temperatures greater than 199°F (93°C).
- DO NOT use air bag system components from other vehicles. ONLY use NEW manufacturer components.
- NEVER reuse any deployed air bag system components.
- Only use a digital circuit tester to check air bag system. An analog circuit tester may cause air bag system to activate.
- When checking air bag system harness, use a test harness. DO NOT directly probe air bag system harness connectors with tester probes.
- DO NOT check continuity of driver, passenger's or side air bag modules and pretensioner. Doing so could cause air bag component to activate.
- DO NOT allow water, oil or grease to come in contact with air bag system components or connector terminals. DO NOT touch component connector terminals.
- DO NOT disassemble driver, passenger's or side air bag modules or pretensioner. They are not repairable.
- If any damage, opening or rust is found on the air bag system wire harness, DO NOT attempt to repair using soldering equipment. Be sure to replace faulty harness with a NEW manufacturer component.
- Install wire harness securely with specified clips to avoid interference or tangling with other components.
- When painting or performing body panel repairs on the front of the vehicle, including the front wheel apron, front fender and front side of frame, remove air bag system front sub sensors and wire harness.
- When painting or performing body panel repairs on the either side of the vehicle, including the side sill, center pillar and front or rear doors, remove air bag system side sensors and wire harness.
- A removed front seat with a side air bag must be kept more than 8" (200 mm) away from walls or other objects.
- When storing a removed air bag module, DO NOT place any objects on top of it or pile air bag modules on top of each other. If the air bag module activates with an object on top of it or with pad side down, a serious accident may result.
- After removal, place air bag component with pad facing up, on a clean, dry and flat surface away from sources of heat, light, moisture and dust.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
Note. Air bag system has a back-up power supply. If the air bag system is serviced within 20 seconds after the battery cable is disconnected the air bag system may be activated.
To disable air bag system, turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable and WAIT for more than 20 seconds before starting repair procedures. To activate system, ensure ignition switch is in OFF position. Reconnect negative battery cable. Perform a system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .