WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when a steering column has an airbag unit attached, never
place the column on the floor or any other surface with the steering wheel or airbag unit face down.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the supplemental restraint system components, the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus, the data bus electronic message inputs to and outputs from the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster
(EMIC), the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), or the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) as well as the
retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) from the ORC or OCM requires the use of a diagnostic
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental
restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, occupant classification sys-
tem, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect
and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS
At no time should any source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on the back of a non-deployed airbag or
seat belt tensioner. When carrying a non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit should
be pointed away from the body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental deployment. If the airbag unit is
placed on a bench or any other surface, the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit should be face up to
minimize movement in the event of an accidental deployment.
When handling a non-deployed seat belt tensioner, take proper care to keep fingers away from the scabbard
between the buckle and the tensioner unit. In addition, the supplemental restraint system should be disarmed when-
ever any steering wheel, steering column, seat belt tensioner, airbag, impact sensor, Occupant Classification System
(OCS), or instrument panel components require diagnosis or service. Failure to observe this warning could result in
accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.
All damaged, faulty or non-deployed airbags and seat belt tensioners which are replaced on vehicles are to be
handled and disposed of properly. If an airbag or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or damaged and non-deployed,
refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System for proper disposal. Dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
airbags and seat belt tensioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local and federal regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT STORAGE
Airbags and seat belt tensioners must be stored in their original, special container until they are used for service.
Also, they must be stored in a clean, dry environment; away from sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high elec-
trical energy. Always place or store any airbag on a surface with its trim cover or airbag cushion side facing up, to
minimize movement in case of an accidental deployment.
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a supplemental restraint deployment, must have the deployed
restraints replaced. In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring/Steering Control Module
(SCM) must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the instrument panel top pad must be replaced. The
seat belt tensioners are deployed by the same signal that deploys the driver and passenger airbags and must also
be replaced if either front airbag has been deployed. If a side curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete air-
bag unit, the headliner, as well as the upper A, B, C and D-pillar trim must be replaced. These components are not
intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment, which may
or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.
On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof drain tubes and hoses must be closely inspected following a side
curtain airbag deployment. It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or mounting brackets for the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC), side impact sensors, and front impact sensors be closely inspected and restored to their
original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ORC and each front and side impact sensor
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RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION
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