Restraints - SRS Service Precautions

TITLE: SRS PRECAUTIONS

SECTION: ELECTRICAL

BULLETIN # 160

MODELS: ALL TOYOTA LEXUS and SCION

DATE: DECEMBER 2007

For vehicles equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners failure to follow diagnostics and servicing procedures in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to deploy unexpectedly and lead to serious injury. Furthermore if a mistake is made while servicing the SRS it is possible the SRS may fail to operate properly. Be sure to read and follow all applicable precautions and service information closely. SRS service information can be found in model-specific Repair Manuals (www.techinfo.toyota.com).

Important SRS Precautions include. but are not limited to:

^ When troubleshooting the SRS, always check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) before disconnecting the battery.

^ If one or more DTC's are displayed, note each DTC, then disconnect; the negative (-) battery terminal, the malfunctioning circuit, and the SRS computer connector.

^ Work must be started no less than 90 seconds after the SRS power source has been disconnected to allow for back-up power discharge.

^ In minor collisions where the SRS does not deploy, all SRS components and wiring should be inspected before further use of the vehicle.

^ Never use SRS components or wiring from another vehicle, use only new Genuine OE parts.

^ Before body repairs, remove airbag sensor assemblies if shocks are likely to be applied near the sensors.

^ Never attempt to disassemble or repair airbags, pretensioners, or sensor assemblies.

^ Do not attempt to refinish any SRS components, covers, or trim. Refinish materials may alter deployment characteristics.

^ Do not expose any SRS components or wiring to excessive heat or open flame.

^ Do not probe SRS wiring with a test light. Use a voltmeter/ohm meter with high impedance (minimum 10 kC)) for troubleshooting.

^ When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the 12 volt battery and the center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting pins. This feature reduces the possibility of airbag deployment due to current entering the squib wiring.

^ Never connect or disconnect the center airbag connectors without the sensor being secured in its factory installed location.

^ Never reuse a center airbag sensor that has been involved in a collision where the SRS has deployed.

^ Never repair SRS wiring or connectors. Replace damaged wiring.