Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Seat Belt Arming and Disarming: Service and Repair




Driving Support & Restraints

SRS Precautions and Procedures

General Precautions

NOTE: Before disconnecting the battery, refer to Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection.

Please read the following precautions carefully before servicing the SRS, or the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.
* Except when doing electrical inspections that requires battery power, always turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.

NOTE: The SRS memory is not erased even if the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0), or if the battery cables are disconnected from the battery.
* Use replacement parts which are manufactured to the same standards and quality as the original parts. Do not install used SRS parts. Use only new parts when making SRS repairs.
* Carefully inspect any SRS part before you install it.

Do not install any part that shows signs of being dropped or improperly handled, such as dents, cracks or deformation.




* Before disconnecting the SRS unit connectors, always disconnect the appropriate SRS parts connectors.
* Use only a digital multimeter to check the system. If it is not a Honda multimeter, make sure its output is 10 mA (0.01 A) or less when switched to the lowest value in the ohmmeter range. A tester with a higher output could cause accidental deployment and possible injury.
* Do not put objects on the front passenger's airbag.

Steering-Related Precautions

Cable Reel Alignment

* Misalignment of the cable reel could cause an open in the wiring, making the SRS, remote steering wheel controls, or the horn inoperative. Center the cable reel whenever you do the following.
- Installation of the steering wheel.
- Installation of the cable reel.
- Installation of the steering column.
- Other steering-related adjustment or installation.

* Do not disassemble the cable reel.
* Do not apply grease to the cable reel.
* If the cable reel shows any signs of damage, replace it with a new one. For example, if the cable reel does not rotate smoothly, replace it.

Airbag Handling and Storage

Do not disassemble an airbag. It has no serviceable parts. Once an airbag has been deployed, it cannot be repaired or reused.

For temporary storage of an airbag during service, observe the following precautions.
* Store the removed airbag with the pad surface up. Never put anything on the airbag.





* To prevent damage to the airbag, keep it away from any oil, grease, detergent, or water.





* Store the removed airbag on a secure, flat surface away from any high heat source (exceeding 200 °F (93 °C)).





* Never do electrical tests on the airbags, such as measuring resistance.

* Do not position yourself in front of the airbag during removal, inspection, or replacement.




* For proper disposal of a damaged airbag or tensioner, refer to Airbag and Tensioner Disposal.

* The side curtain airbag module assembly is a long, jointed part containing an inflator (A), a flexible bag (B), and brackets (C). When removing or installing the side curtain airbag assembly, never:
- Handle the flexible bag.
- Drop the airbag assembly.
- Cut, tear, or unwrap the tape strips.





SRS Unit and Front and Side Impact Sensors

NOTE: Some systems store data in memory that is lost when the battery is disconnected. Before disconnecting the battery, refer to Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection.

* Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then wait at least 3 minutes before starting installation or replacement of the SRS unit, or disconnecting the connectors from the SRS unit.
* Be careful not to bump or impact the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, side impact sensors, or the rear safing sensor when the ignition switch is in ON (II), for at least 3 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).
* Do not reconnect any connectors to the SRS unit until it is fully installed, including torquing the TORX bolts.
* During installation or replacement, be careful not to bump (by impact wrench, hammer, etc.) the area around the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, side impact sensors, or the rear safing sensor. The airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injury.





* After a collision where the front airbags, the side airbags, the side curtain airbags, or the front seat belt tensioners deploy, go to Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment. After a collision where the airbags or the side airbags do not deploy, inspect for any damage or any deformation on the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, side impact sensors, and the rear safing sensor. If there is any damage, replace the SRS unit and/or the sensors. Also, do the front seat active head restraint inspection. Replace all damaged parts.




* Do not disassemble the SRS unit, the front impact sensors, the side impact sensors, the rear safing sensor, the driver's seat position sensor, or the front passenger's weight sensors.
* Always install the SRS unit and all impact sensors with the new TORX bolts to the specified torque.
* Do not spill water or oil on the SRS unit or any of the sensors.

Wiring Precautions

Some of the SRS wiring can be identified by a special yellow outer covering, and the SRS connectors can be identified by their yellow color. Observe the following instructions.
* Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair SRS wiring.

If there is an open or damage to the SRS wiring, replace the harness.





* Be sure to install the harness wires so they do not get pinched or interfere with other parts.




* Make sure all SRS ground locations are clean, and the grounds are securely fastened for optimum metal-to-metal contact. Poor grounds can cause intermittent problems that are difficult to diagnose.
* Do not use any silicone based cleaners or lubricants on any SRS connectors or terminals.

Lever-Locked Connector

The SRS unit connectors have a lever lock.

SRS Unit Connectors

Disconnecting

To release the lock (A), pull the lever (B) while pushing the lock on the outside of the connector, then pull out the connector (C).






Connecting

To reconnect the connector (A), push in on the connector. As the connector is pressed in, the lever (B) moves to the locked position.






Spring-Loaded Lock Connector

Some SRS connectors have a spring-loaded lock.

Front Airbag Connector/Front Seat Belt Tensioner Connector

Disconnecting

To release the lock, pull the spring-loaded sleeve (A) toward the stop (B) while holding the opposite half of the connector, then pull the connector halves apart. Be sure to pull on the sleeve and not on the connector.





Connecting

To reconnect, hold the pawl-side connector, and press on the back of the sleeve-side connector in the direction shown. As the two connector halves are pressed together, the sleeve (A) is pushed back by the pawl (B). Do not touch the sleeve.






Side Airbag Connector/Side Curtain Airbag Connector

Disconnecting

To release the lock, pull the spring-loaded sleeve (A) toward the stop (B) while holding the opposite half of the connector, then pull the connector halves apart. Be sure to pull on the sleeve and not on the connector half.





Connecting

Hold both connector halves, and press them firmly together until the projection (A) of the sleeve-side connector clicks.






Front Seats With Side Airbags

Front seats with side airbags have a "SIDE AIRBAG" label on the seat-back.





* Clean the seats with a damp cloth. Do not soak the seats with liquid. Do not spray steam on the seats.
* Do not repair a torn or frayed seat-back cover/pad. Replace the seat-back cover/pad if it is damaged.
* After a collision where the side airbag was deployed, replace the side airbag and the seat frame with the new parts. If the seat-back cover is split, it must be replaced. Refer to Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment.
* Never put aftermarket accessories on the seats (covers, pads, seat heaters, lights, etc.).