Handling Precautions on Related Components
HANDLING PRECAUTIONS ON RELATED COMPONENTS1. SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
The TACOMA is equipped with an SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), such as the driver airbag and a front passenger airbag.
Failure to carry out service operations in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deploy during servicing, possibly leading to a serious accident.
Further, if a mistake is made in servicing the SRS, it is possible the SRS may fail to operate when required. Before performing servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following items carefully, then follow the correct procedure described in the applicable service procedures for relevant model.
Locations of SRS Components
Servicing vehicle with a Supplemental Restraint System (referred to as the SRS in the remainder of this manual) installed.
When handling SRS components (removal, installation or inspection, etc.), always follow the directions given in the applicable service procedures for the relevant model year to prevent the occurrence of accidents and airbag malfunction. Also take the following precautions when repairing the body:
- Work must be started after 90 seconds or longer from the time the ignition switch is set to the LOCK position and the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery. (The SRS is equipped with a back up power source so that if work is started within 90 seconds of disconnecting the negative (-) terminal cable of the battery, the SRS may be deploy.) When the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, memory of the clock and audio systems will be cancelled. So before starting work, make a record of the contents memorized by the audio memory system. When work is finished, reset the audio systems as before and adjust clock. When the vehicle has tilt and telescopic steering, power seat, outside rear view mirror and power shoulder belt anchorage, which are all equipped with memory, function it is not possible to make a record of the memory contents. So when the operation is finished, it will be necessary to explain this fact to the customer, and request the customer to adjust the features and reset the memory.
- When using electric welding, first disconnect the SRS connector (yellow color and 2 pins) under the steering column near the combination switch connector on the glove compartment finish plate and lower the front scuff plate before starting work.
- Before repairing the body, remove the SRS parts if, during repair, shocks are likely to be applied to the sensors due to vibrations of the body or direct tapping with tools or other parts.
- Do not expose the SRS parts directly to hot air or flames.
NOTE:
1. The maximum ambient temperature tolerance is 120 degrees C (248 degrees F) for the front airbag sensor, 105 degrees C (221 degrees F) for the center airbag sensor assembly and 93 degrees C (200 degrees F) for the steering wheel pad, and front passenger airbag assembly. If it is possible that the ambient temperature may reach or exceed the temperature limit, remove the sensors and the steering wheel pad from the vehicle or protect them with a hot insulation material before staring work.
2. Prior to welding, remove adjacent SRS parts form the vehicle or protect then with fire proof covers.
- If the vehicle is damaged, visually inspect for damage to the steering wheel pad using the inspection procedures described in applicable service procedures in Restraint Systems for the relevant model year.
- When removing or handling the steering wheel pad, and front passenger airbag assembly keep the pad upper surface facing upward. Also, lock the lock lever of the twin lock type connector at the rear of the pad and take care not to damage the connector. (Storing the pad or front passenger airbag assembly with its metallic surface up may lead to a serious accident if the airbag inflates for some reason.)
- Store the steering wheel pad and the front passenger airbag assembly where the ambient temperature remains below 93 degrees C (200 degrees F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.
- Be careful not to let painting materials contact the SRS parts.
- Information labels are attached to the periphery of the SRS components. Follow the NOTICES.
- Store the airbag assembly where the ambient temperature remains below 93 degrees C (200 degrees F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.
2. BRAKE SYSTEM
The brake system is one of the most important safety components. Always follow the directions and notes given in applicable service procedures for the relevant model year when handling brake system parts.
3. DRIVE TRAIN AND CHASSIS
The drive train and chassis are components that can have great effects running performance and vibration resistance of the vehicle. After installing components in the sections listed in the table, perform alignments to ensure correct mounting angles and dimensions. Particularly accurate repair of the body must also be done to ensure correct alignment.
HINT: Correct procedures and special tools are required for alignment. Always follow the directions given in the applicable service procedures for the relevant model during alignment.
4. COMPONENTS ADJACENT TO THE BODY PANELS
Various types of component parts are mounted directly on or adjacently to the body panels. Strictly observe the following precautions to prevent damaging these components and the body panels during handling.
- Before repairing the body panels, remove their adjacent components or apply protective covers over the components.
- Before prying components off using a screwdriver or a scraper, etc., attach protective tape to the tool tip or blade to prevent damaging the components and the body paint.
- Before removing components from the outer surface of the body, attach protective tape to the body to ensure no damage to painted areas.
HINT: Apply touch-up paint to any damaged paint surfaces.
- Before drilling or cutting sections, make sure that there are no wires, hoses, etc. on the reverse side.
5. ECU (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT)
Many ECUs are mounted in this vehicle.
Take the following precautions during body repair to prevent damage to the ECUs.
- Before removing and inspecting the electrical parts or before starting electric welding operations, disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery.
- Do not expose the ECUs to ambient temperatures above 80 degrees C (176 degrees F).
NOTE: If it is possible the ambient temperature may reach 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) or more, remove the ECUs from the vehicle before starting work.
- Be careful not to drop the ECUs and not to apply physical shocks to them.