Releasing Shorting Spring
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus ES 330. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Damage to air bag electrical connector terminal is possible. If paper thicker than male terminal is used, connector terminal could be damaged. Damaged connector terminal could result in system fault. Always use paper that is same thickness as male terminal.
NOTE:
Perform this procedure only if you were sent here from DIAGNOSTIC TESTS.
- Air bag squib circuit consists of circuit between air bag sensor assembly and air bag. If voltage is accidentally applied across squib circuit (as when testing, for example), air bag will deploy.
- To prevent accidental deployment, squib circuit connectors contain a spring-loaded shorting bar (shorting spring). When squib circuit connector is disconnected, shorting spring automatically shorts squib circuit positive and negative circuits together. This prevents air bag deployment if voltage is accidentally applied across squib circuit.
- When connector halves are attached, shorting bar is in released position (no continuity exists between terminals). When connector is disconnected, shorting bar is engaged (continuity exists between terminals).
- Some testing procedures require shorting spring to be in released position with connector disconnected (this is opposite of its normal position). To hold shorting spring in released position, obtain a piece of paper that is same thickness as male terminal blade that slides under shorting spring when the connector is connected. See Fig 1.
- With squib circuit connector disconnected, insert paper into female terminal, sliding it under shorting spring. This lifts spring, breaking circuit and allowing test procedure to be performed.