Safety Precautions When Working With Pyrotechnic Components: Notes
NOTE:
Pyrotechnic components include:
- Airbag units
- Belt tensioners
- Seat belt force limiter (depending on vehicle equipment)
- Battery cut-out elements (depending on vehicle equipment)
GENERAL
CAUTION:
- Testing, assembly, and repair work may only be performed by qualified personnel.
- There is no change interval for airbag units.
- Never test with a test light, volt meter or ohm meter.
- The pyrotechnic components may be checked only when they are installed and with a vehicle diagnostic tester approved by the manufacturer.
- When working on the airbag system (pyrotechnic components, Airbag Control Module -J234-, wiring), the battery ground cable must be disconnected when the ignition is SWITCHED ON. Then cover the negative terminal.
- Wait for 10 seconds after disconnecting the battery.
- The ignition must be SWITCHED ON when connecting the battery. Nobody should be inside the vehicle when doing this. Exception: Vehicles with a battery inside the passenger compartment.
- If the ignition is not switched on after the battery is reconnected - the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster do not turn on - the ignition (key/button) may be switched on while sitting in the driver seat with the seat all the way back.
- Follow the steps after connecting the battery. Refer to BATTERY .
- The technician must discharge static electricity before handling pyrotechnic components for the restraint system, for example, before disconnecting the connector. Touching grounded metal parts will discharge the static electricity, for example by touching the door striker.
- Wash hands after touching ignited restraint system pyrotechnic components.
- Pyrotechnic components may not be opened nor repaired; always use new parts (risk of injury).
- Pyrotechnic components that have fallen onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in the vehicle.
- Pyrotechnic components should be installed immediately upon removal from shipping package.
- If the procedure must be stopped for awhile, put the pyrotechnic component back into its shipping package.
- It is not permitted to leave a pyrotechnic component out unattended.
- When connecting restraint system pyrotechnic components, only the person performing the work should be in the vehicle.
- Do not use any grease, cleaning solutions or similar substance on pyrotechnic components.
- Replace the airbag unit if any contaminants such as oil, grease, paint, dye or solvents have penetrated the fabric.
- Pyrotechnic components must not be exposed to temperatures over 100 °C (212 °F), even for a short time.