Service Precautions
WARNING:
To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Deactivate air bag system before performing any repairs. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
Before proceeding with diagnosis, the following precautions must be followed:
- When disconnecting battery cables, always disconnect negative battery cable first.
- Deactivate air bag system before performing any repairs. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
- Ensure at 20 minutes has passed after disconnecting battery cables before starting repair work near air bag system components. Not waiting specified time could cause activation of air bag modules.
- DO NOT drop removed air bag module.
- Store removed air bag with trim cover facing up and away from loose objects.
- Always handle air bag module with trim cover facing away from your body.
- Always wear safety glasses for eye protection.
- DO NOT wear rings, watches, loose hanging jewelry or loose clothing.
- DO NOT store removed steering column assembly on end or in an unsupported position that would allow it to bend.
- DO NOT strike end of steering column or intermediate shaft for any reason. Doing so could cause components to compress.
- DO NOT attempt to disassemble or repair intermediate shaft compression joint. Compression joint is used to determine serviceability of the steering column assembly after a collision impact.
- DO NOT allow steering wheel to rotate when steering column "U" joints are not connected. Air bag system rotary coupler or other internal components could be damaged.