Air Bag - Minimizing Deployment Risk
NO.: TSB-97-52B-001DATE: February, 1997
MODEL: All SRS Models
SUBJECT:
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
This bulletin supersedes TSB-91-52B-002, to include all SRS-equipped models and front passenger air bags.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Air bags are deployed by activating a small quantity of sodium azide, which is considered toxic when in its solid state. When ignited, sodium azide releases a large volume of non-toxic nitrogen gas to inflate the air bag. Deployment is sudden because the nitrogen gas is produced very rapidly. Precautions must be taken when deploying an air bag outside of the vehicle.
PURPOSE
Follow the precautions and procedures in this bulletin to minimize risk of personal injury when deploying an air bag module outside of the vehicle.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
All models equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (air bags):
PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
! WARNING
1. To avoid personal injury, air bag deployment must be done on a wide, level ground without any persons or obstacles within a 20 foot radius.
2. Do not deploy air bags in residential areas. A loud noise will be heard when the air bag module is deployed. If anyone is nearby, warn them of the noise before deploying the air bag. Anyone near the deployment area should wear ear protection.
3. Smoke is produced when the air bag is deployed. Select a well-ventilated area far away from a smoke detector. Though not poisonous, do not inhale the smoke.
4. Wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when handling an air bag module. If residue material does get into your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse the affected area with large quantities of clean water. If any irritation develops, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Place the air bag module downwind of yourself and the deployment battery. Do not deploy the air bag module under windy conditions.
! WARNING
After disconnecting the battery cables, wait at least 60 seconds before proceeding. The SRS system is designed to retain enough voltage to deploy the air bag for a short time after the battery has been disconnected. Unintentional deployment can cause serious injury.
DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cables from the battery. Then remove the battery from the vehicle.
2. Remove the air bag module from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service manual for air bag module removal procedures.
3. To assemble deployment trigger wires:
a. Obtain two wires at least 20 feet long.
(1) For driver side air bag:
Connect the two wires to the leads of the driver side SRS air bag adapter harness (listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin).
(2) For passenger side air bag:
Connect the two wires to the leads of the passenger side SRS air bag adapter harness (listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin).
b. Cover connections with insulation tape.
c. At the other end, temporarily connect the wires to each other (short circuit). This will help prevent sudden unexpected deployment due to static electricity buildup.
4. Wrap two 3-foot long heavy wires around the air bag module mounting studs. Use nuts to secure the wires.
5. Connect the adapter harness to the air bag module. Then place the air bag module in the center of an old used mounted tire.
6. Use the heavy wires to secure the air bag module to the tire.
7. Place the tire flat on the ground with the air bag module facing up. To prevent damaging the adapter harness, be sure the harness has about one foot of slack when placed under the tire.
8. Stack three unmounted used tires on top of the air bag module.
! WARNING
To avoid personal injury, do not deploy the air bag module when anyone is near the deployment area.
9. At an upwind location as far away from the air bag module as possible, separate the two short-circuited wires.
10. To deploy the air bag, connect the two wires to the two battery terminals.
! WARNING
^ Do not inhale the smoke produced when the air bag is deployed.
^ The air bag module will be quite hot after deployment. To avoid personal injury, do not handle for at least 30 minutes.
11. If the air bag module does not deploy after properly following these procedures, do not go near the module. Contact your regional Tech Line for instructions.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
After deployment, dispose of the air bag module as follows:
1. Allow the unit to cool for at least 30 minutes.
2. Do not allow water or oil to contact the air bag after deployment.
! WARNING
Wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when handling the air bag module. If residue material gets into your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse the affected area with large quantities of clean water. If any irritation develops, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Tightly seal the air bag module in a strong vinyl bag.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the air bag module.
IMPORTANT:
Dispose of the air bag module immediately. Consult your dealership's legal counsel for Federal, state, and local laws or regulations pertaining to proper disposal of the air bag module.
PARTS INFORMATION
Description Part Number
Driver Side SRS air bag adapter harness MR203491
Passenger Side SRS air bag adapter harness MB686560
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Normal warranty replaced parts storage and retention policies apply. Do not dispose of any replaced air bag or related parts until after the normal holding period or until a "Scrap Now" notice appears on your statement.