For 1990-2009 cars

When Servicing the SIR system, observe the following precautions:

Caution: Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag for conditions less severe than intended. Incorrect configuration may result in personal injury.

Caution: A passenger air bag deployment causes bending of the I/P cross car beam brackets that can affect a second air bag deployment and injure passengers. To help avoid injury to passengers, always replace the I/P cross car beam before replaceing a deployed passenger air bag module.

Caution: In order to avoid deploying the air bag when troubleshooting the SIR system, use only the equipment specified in this manual and the instructions given in this manual. Failure to use the specified equipment as instructed could cause air bag deployment, personal injury to you or someone else, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag for conditions less severe than intended. Incorrect configuration may result in personal injury.

Caution: In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that could cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to dispose of an inflator module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, province, or local laws.

Caution: When you are deploying and inflator module for disposal, perform the procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.

• | Wear safety glasses throughout the entire procedure.

• | Select a deployment area clear of people, loose objects, or flammable material.

Caution: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.

• | Wear safety glasses throughout the entire procedure

• | Select a deployment area clear of people, loose objects, or flammable material.

Caution: Be careful when you handle a sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Do not strike or jolt the SDM. Before applying power to the SDM:

• | Remove any dirt, grease, etc. From the mounting surface.

• | Position the SDM horizontally on the mounting surface.

• | Tighten all of the SDM fasteners and SDM bracket fasteners to the specified torque value.

Failure to follow the correct procedures could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

• | Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module

• | Make sure the bag opening points away from you

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

Notice: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application.

The applicable service procedure will identify, where necessary, those fasteners that must be replaced after removal; or those fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and the joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

SIR system service precautions:

• | Perform the SIR diagnostic system check before and after diagnosis.

• | Disable the SIR system when working on or near the SIR system components.

• | Inspect the SIR system components after an accident, even if the air bags did not deploy.

• | Use special care when handling or storing the SIR system components.

• | Follow the guidelines exactly when shipping and undeployed inflator module.

• | Follow the procedure steps exactly when performing service deployment of a driver or passenger inflator module.

• | Avoid touching the SDM terminals to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.

• | Use the electrical connector adapters when probing the terminals.

• | Use approved repair kits when replacing the wire terminals.

• | Do not use a self powered test lamp to diagnose the SIR system.