Technician Safety Information

SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) SYSTEM
Certain vehicles include a driver's side airbag, located in the steering wheel hub, as part of a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (SIR). Servicing, disassembling or replacing these items will require special caution and tools and should therefore be done by a properly trained technician.

WARNING: To avoid rendering the SIR inoperative, which can lead to personal injury or death in the event of a severe frontal collision, all maintenance must be performed by a properly trained technician. Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal injury caused by unintentional activation of the airbag. All SRS electrical wiring harnesses are covered with yellow outer insulation, and related components are located in the steering column, center console, dash, and front fenders. Do not use electrical test equipment on these circuits.

OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS
1. All SIR system components, including harness and brackets, must be inspected after an accident. Any SIR components that are damaged or bent must be replaced with new parts even if a deployment did not occur. Never use SIR parts from another vehicle. DO NOT attempt to repair SIR parts; service is by replacement only.
2. The DERM (Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module) can maintain sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned "OFF" and the battery is disconnected.
3. Be very careful when handling a sensor. Never strike or jar a sensor. If you do, it could cause deployment and result in personal injury or improper operation of the SIR. Never power up the SIR system when a sensor is not rigidly attached to the vehicle since the sensor is easily activated when not attached, and deployment could result.
4. When carrying a live inflator module, make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from you. Never carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the underside of the module.
5. After deployment, the air bag surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the air bag is harmless. Wash your hands with mild soap and water after handling deployed air bags.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Always wear appropriate eye protection.
- Always block drive wheels and set parking brake before performing any service.
- Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jackstands, on a flat and level hard surface, for safe support.
- Read all related instructions &/or procedures, and review all related diagrams before performing any service on emission control or engine management systems.

CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
- Use caution when working near the catalytic converter to prevent the possibility of burns. The temperatures within the converter can exceed 1000°F.
- Avoid performing cylinder shorting or oxygen sensor testing for more than two minutes.

IGNITION / ELECTRICAL
Ignition systems present a shock hazard; exercise care when performing spark test and always use non-conductive ignition wire pliers.

FUEL
When servicing the fuel system use the following cautions:

- Put a "CAUTION: FLAMMABLE" sign in the workshop.
- Be sure to furnish the shop with the proper fire extinguisher.
- Be sure to disconnect battery ground cable before any service work is done.
- Place a suitable container under the connection to be opened.
- Slowly open connection, allow pressure to escape, and catch spilled fuel in container.
NOTE: If available, use system bleed valve (schrader) to relieve pressure.
- Disconnect line or hose, then plug all fittings.
- Put any drained fuel in an explosive-proof container and put the lid on securely.