Air Bag Systems: Service Precautions

WARNING:
Airbag testing, assembly and repair work must be conducted only by trained Service Department personnel.
Always observe the following safety measures when working on the airbag system:
^ Tests of the airbag system must NEVER be conducted with a test light, ohmmeter or voltmeter. Use VAG 1551 scan tool and test the system only in the installed condition in the vehicle.
^ Airbag system components must not be opened, disassembled or repaired. Always use new parts.
^ The airbag unit has an expiration date, originally found on a sticker on the sunvisor. At the expiration date, the airbag unit and the date sticker must be replaced. For safety reasons, other component parts of the airbag system may have to be replaced at this time. Always check the most up-to-date information for required replacement parts.
^ The original 10-year expiration date for the airbag has been increased to 15 years. This is retroactive for all airbag units with a lower expiration date. After 15 years, the airbag and sticker with expiration date must be changed.
^ The expiration date sticker is now applied to the lower part of the driver-side B-pillar: With every replacement of an airbag, a new sticker with the expiration date must be attached on driver-side B-pillar.
^ Airbag units must not be stored longer than three months.


WARNING:
^ Disconnect the negative battery cable and cover the battery terminal during all work on the airbag system.
^ If the airbag unit or triggering unit has been dropped from a height of 0.5 meters (20 in.) or more, DO NOT install the component in a vehicle.
^ Always replace airbag system components that have been mechanically damaged (bubbles, cracks, etc.).
^ Do not leave an undeployed airbag unit unattended if work is interrupted. Install it in the vehicle as soon as the unit is removed from its packaging.
^ Always set down a removed airbag unit so that the horn pad is facing upward.
^ The airbag unit must not be exposed to grease, or cleaned with any type of cleaning agent
^ Do not expose an airbag unit to temperatures above 100°C (212°F), even for a brief period, while handling it during the repair process. Keep the unit clear of heat sources such as heating plates, soldering irons, heat lamps, welding equipment, or the like.
^ If the airbag has been deployed in an accident, replace the triggering unit, the airbag, and the spiral spring. Check all other components for damage and replace if necessary.
^ The storage, transportation and disposal of airbag units are subject to the laws for flammable solids.

WARNING:
Disposal of airbag and triggering units
^ Active airbag gas generators (unit that has not been deployed): Remove an active airbag gas generator from the vehicle carefully, and return it to the Warranty Parts Test Center for proper disposal DO NOT deploy it in the vehicle.
^ Deployed airbag gas generators do not have to be disposed of as "hazardous waste" but can be disposed of with other trash, although it is recommended that for conservation reasons ft be sent out with automotive metal scrap for recycling.
^ Airbag triggering units contain a mercury switch and must be disposed of in an approved manner.