Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions

Always wear safety glasses when servicing an airbag equipped vehicle or handling an airbag module.
Because this system is a sensitive, complex electro-mechanical unit, before attempting to diagnose, remove or install any airbag system component, you must first disarm the airbag system, refer to, "Maintenance Procedures/Arming and Disarming Airbag System."
Only use a digital multi-meter with a maximum test current of 2 mA or less, at the minimum range of resistance measurement, when diagnosing the system.
Never attempt to repair the front impact sensors, the Airbag System Diagnostic Module (ASDM) clockspring or the airbag module. If any of these components are diagnosed as faulty, they should be replaced.
Never attempt to repair the wiring harness connectors of the SRS. If any connectors are diagnosed as faulty, replace the wiring harness. If the wires are diagnosed as faulty, replace or repair the wiring harness as outlined under "Component Replacement and Repair/Wiring Harness & Connector Repair."
SRS components should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 200°F.
Replace airbag components with Chrysler Mopar specified replacement parts. Substitute parts may appear interchangeable but internal differences may result in inferior occupant protection.
The fasteners, screws and bolts used for airbag components have special coatings and are specifically designed for the airbag system. They must not be replaced with substitutes. If fastener replacement is required, use the correct fasteners provided in the service package.
Ensure no one is inside the vehicle when the airbag system is rearmed as outlined under "Maintenance Procedures/Arming & Disarming Of System."

HANDLING & STORAGE OF MODULE

Never attempt to disassemble or repair the airbag module or clockspring. Do not drop the airbag module or clockspring or allow contact with water, grease or oil.
The airbag module should be stored on a flat surface and placed so that bag surface is facing upward. Do not place anything on top of module.
After an airbag has deployed, replace with a new airbag module and check SRS operability. Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, particle dust mask and protective clothing with long sleeves during cleanup. Dispose of airbag as outlined under "Maintenance Procedures/Airbag Module Disposal."

CLEAN UP PROCEDURE

Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, particle dust mask and protective clothing with long sleeves, then place tape over exhaust vents in the airbag so that no additional powder will escape into the vehicle. Remove the driver airbag module from the vehicle.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior working from the outside to the center of the vehicle. Be sure to vacuum the heater and A/C ducts as well. Run the blower motor on low speed and vacuum any powder expelled from the plenum. It may be necessary to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to ensure all powder is recovered.

VEHICLE SCRAPPING

Prior to scrapping an airbag module or a vehicle equipped with an airbag, the airbag module must be deployed. Deploy the airbag module inside the vehicle if the vehicle is to be scrapped. If the vehicle will continue to operate, remove the airbag module and deploy it outside of the vehicle.

AIRBAG DISPOSAL PROCEDURE

Prior to scrapping an airbag module, the airbag module must be deployed. Refer to procedure found under "Vehicle Scrapping" for airbag deployment procedures.
After deployment of the airbag module, tightly seal the airbag module in a strong vinyl bag then dispose of in the same manner as other scrap parts.
The inflator will be quite hot immediately following deployment, allow 30 minutes before handling or disposing module. Do not place water or oil on the airbag module. Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, particle dust mask and protective clothing with long sleeves when handling deployed airbag module.