Parts Replacement Notes
WARNING: VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE RADIATOR OR HOOD AREA HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR DEFORMATION. IF DAMAGED, THE SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, MAKE SURE THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE IN THE AREA OF THE SENSOR MOUNTING IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.NOTE: Undamaged sensors will reset automatically after an accident and can be reused.
Damaged Wiring
Inspect the sensor wiring and the wiring harness for any damage that may have occurred as a result of the accident. Replace as required any damaged to the vehicle wiring harnesses including:
^ wiring
^ terminals
^ insulation
^ connectors
Wire or connector damage on a component pigtail cannot be repaired. Air bag system components are serviced by replacement only.
If splices are required in adjacent wiring, splices should be staggered 50 mm (2 inches) apart from each other. Service as follows:
1. Correctly strip the wires.
NOTE: A durable splice is a 5-step process to be used for 16 gauge wire and smaller. For larger than 16 gauge wire, a jiffy splice must be used.
2. Twist and solder the wire (don't forget to install the shrink tubing first). Use rosin core, Mildly Activated (RMA) solder. (Do not use acid core.)
NOTE: Durability of a wire splice is dependent on getting a joint that does not oxidize. Soldering is effective in keeping the air (oxide) out of the joint. Electronic circuits, and the very high current circuits, may fail because of oxidized joints. Oxidation cannot be seen with the naked eye.
3. Form (bend) the circuit into a shape for sealing, as illustrated.
4. Reposition the shrink tubing over the splice.
5. Heat the entire length of the shrink tubing until the "hot sealant" comes out of both ends.
NOTE: When the "hot sealant" flows out of both ends of the tube, it has been heated long enough.