Air Bag Systems: Testing and Inspection

1. Connect a DRB III(R) scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC), located at left side of the steering column and at the lower edge of the lower instrument panel.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON position. Exit vehicle with scan tool. Use the latest version of the proper cartridge.
3. After checking that no one is inside the vehicle, connect the battery negative terminal.
4. Using the DRB III(R) scan tool, read and record active diagnostic code data.
5. Read and record any stored diagnostic codes.
6. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures if any diagnostic codes are found in Step 4 or Step 5.
7. Erase stored diagnostic codes if there are no active diagnostic codes. If problems remain, diagnostic codes will not erase. Refer to the Proper Body Diagnostic Procedures to diagnose the problem. If airbag warning lamp either fails to light, or goes ON and stays ON, there is a system malfunction. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures to diagnose the problem.

Standard Procedure - Clean Up
Roll or fold the airbag towards the steering wheel or instrument panel surface. Close the door over the folded bag. Then tape the door shut. Do the same for the driver's airbag.

Fig. 1 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets:

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If the heater or air conditioner was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag deployment, operate blower motor on low speed and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heater and A/C outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may to necessary to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.

Service of Deployed Airbag
After an Airbag deployment, the components below must be replaced because they cannot be reused:
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Clock Spring assembly
- Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch

Inspect the airbag system and related components to ensure that they are not damaged. Replaced or repair as necessary.

Inspect the lower instrument panel knee blocker top cover, and any other components that may have been damaged. Replace or repair as necessary.

Standard Procedure - Handling Airbags
Deployed Airbag
The vehicle interior may contain a very small amount of sodium hydroxide powder, a by-product of airbag deployment. Sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long sleeved clothing when cleaning any of the powder residue from the vehicle.

If you find that the cleanup is irritating your skin, run cool water over the affected area. Also, if you experience nasal or throat irritation, exit the vehicle for fresh air until the irritation ceases. If irritation continues, see a physician.

Undeployed Airbag
Airbags must be stored in its original special container until used for service. At no time should a source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should be pointing away from the body to minimize possibility of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface, the airbag will propel into the air if accidentally deployment occurs.

Standard Procedure - Maintenance Inspection
1. Check that both front impact sensors are properly installed to the brackets on the frame with three fasteners each. Verify that the electrical connectors are securely fastened. Repair as required.
2. Check the airbag warning lamp for proper operation as follows:
a. Turn ignition switch to the ON position, the airbag warning lamp should light. If not, test the system using a DRB III(R) scan tool and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures. Repair as required.
b. If the airbag warning lamp lights, but fails to go out after eight seconds, test the system using a DRB III(R) scan tool and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures. Repair as required.
c. After correcting active malfunction, erase stored diagnostic codes.