Service Precautions

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 110 other vehicles, including the 2003 Pontiac Vibe, 2003 Pontiac Sunfire, 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, and 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:

Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery cable before servicing air bag system. Servicing air bag system before 2-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
DO NOT use any electrical test equipment on or near SRS components unless specified to do so. DO NOT use an analog ohmmeter. Use a DVOM with a maximum test current of 2 milliamps or less, at minimum resistance measurement range.
After deployment, air bag surface may contain sodium hydroxide deposits, which may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT try to service any air bag components. Manufacturer recommends that defective components should always be replaced with only original equipment parts.
Deployed front air bags have 2 initiators (squibs) in the air bag inflator and may or may not have live pyrotechnic material within the inflator. DO NOT dispose of these air bags unless you are sure of complete deployment.
Factory installed fasteners have a special coating and are specifically designed for air bag components. Manufacturer recommends using original equipment replacement fasteners. DO NOT use substitutes.
Clockspring must be replaced if driver's air bag is deployed.
Each time a connector is disconnected, ensure it is clean and not damaged. Always pay particular attention to circuit being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion are the most common problems in connectors, causing voltage drop, open circuits and other improper operations.
When performing electrical tests, prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such shorts can damage fuses or components and may cause a second fault code to set, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
After repairs are complete and ignition is turned to RUN or ON position, stay clear of air bag(s) to avoid injury in case of accidental air bag deployment.
When handling a seat belt tensioner retractor, proper care should be exercised to keep fingers out from under the retractor cover and away from seat belt webbing where it exits from the retractor cover.
Ensure air bag warning light is operating properly and system faults are not indicated. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
When placing a undeployed (live) air bag on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if accidentally deployed.
When carrying a undeployed (live) air bag module, point trim cover away from your body to minimize injury in case of accidental deployment.
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 electrical energy.
The Air Bag Control Module (ACM) contains an air bag sensor which enables SRS to deploy air bags. DO NOT connect ACM connector while battery is connected. Ensure ACM and mounting bracket are securely installed to vehicle before connecting electrical connector.
On vehicles equipped with side air bags or side curtain air bags, use caution when working around "B" pillar and/or side air bags.
Use extreme care to prevent any foreign material from entering air bag, or becoming entrapped between air bag cushion and air bag trim cover.
Never paint air bag trim covers or use a replacement trim cover not recommended by the manufacturer. Paint may change the way trim covers respond to an air bag deployment.
Electrical sources should never be allowed near connector on back of air bag module.
Passenger air bag module contains an Argon gas canister. Canister is pressurized to more than 2500 psi. DO NOT puncture, incinerate, or bring into contact with electricity. DO NOT store at temperatures above 200°F (93°C).
If SRS is not fully functional for any reason, vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired and functions properly. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules, sensors or other components, or in any way disable system from operating normally.