Service Precautions: XJS

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

• Disable system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
• Always wear safety glasses when servicing an air bag equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.
• When carrying a live air bag, ensure arming pin and air bag trim cover are pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in event of an accidental deployment.
• When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce impact of module if it is accidentally deployed.
• Instruction to DISCONNECT always refers to a connector. NEVER detach a component from vehicle when instructed to DISCONNECT.
• Because of critical operating requirements of system, DO NOT attempt to service air bag components.
• DO NOT attempt to dismantle air bag module.
• DO NOT puncture, incinerate or bring into contact with electricity or electrical devices.
• DO NOT remove steering column mounts or steering wheel from vehicle before disarming and removing air bag module.
• Air bag module must be stored in its original special container until used for service. It must be stored in a clean, dry place, away from sources of extreme heat, sparks and high electrical energy.
• To prevent inadvertently arming module, DO NOT tamper with safety shaft in center on rear of module after removal.
• DO NOT cut open inflator/sensor assembly or in any way attempt to repair module.
• DO NOT hit module or apply force on steering wheel.
• NEVER probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may result in air bag deployment; which could result in personal injury.
• DO NOT install module to steering wheel or arm module, until column and wheel are firmly installed into vehicle.
• DO NOT store module at temperatures above 168°F (75°C).
• After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of the propellant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water.