198002956 - INTRODUCTION - AIR BAG SYSTEM
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FOLLOWED FOR OPERATIONS ON VEHICLES FITTED WITH AIR BAG SYSTEMS
The following instructions MUST BE FOLLOWED during any operation involving vehicles equipped with Air Bags. |
Preliminary instructions
It should be remembered that Air Bag modules should be handled with care. Their use, transportation and storage are regulated by the procedures for handling such components, which are given below. |
Before carrying out any repair operations to the bodywork, welding or operations that involve removing the Air Bag modules or the control unit:
- Remove the key from the ignition switch.
- Always disconnect the battery, i.e.: disconnect the two leads from the pole and insulate them taping them carefully.
- Disconnect the electrical connection for the control unit waiting at least 10 minutes after disconnecting the battery.
The continuity of the system components can only be measured after the modules have been replaced with specific dummy resistances. |
The safety system components should ONLY be fitted and dismantled by skilled, authorized personnel. Failure to follow the procedures described below could result in the accidental activation of the system, personal injury or repairs to the system that are not necessary. AIR BAG MODULES MUST NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, BE DISMANTLED.. |
Any attempt to resue, adapt or install one on a different type of vehicle could result in serious injury or even be fatal for the occupants of the vehicle in the case of an accident. |
Interventions on system components
After every repair to the system it should be checked using the EXAMINER or other diagnostic equipment.Module durationThe system pyrotechnic components have different life spans.Therefore they must be replaced at the following intervals:
- Air Bag modules: 14 years
- Clock spring: 10 years
- Pretensioner: 10 years
If an Air Bag module is being replaced because it is defective or the warranty has expired:
- Remove the detachable part of the adhesive label from the new module and place it in the special folder containing the vehicle details (model, registration date, chassis number) and the serial number of the old module. The file should be kept for future checks.
- A new adhesive plate is supplied together with the module and it should be stuck on top of the one located either near the driver (door or centre pillar) or in the passenger glove compartment. However, it must be perforated first at the month 14 years after the year in which the module is fitted (e.g. 2019 for 2005).
Painting operations
There are no special safety regulations to follow for painting and subsequent drying operations in an oven because the modules in particular have been designed in such a way that the outside surfaces of the vehicle are not damaged when they get hot from normal paint drying systems.It is forbidden to use naked flames near the modules.All the electronic control units (including the Air Bag system) are always removed if the ambient temperature could reach or exceed 85°C.Interventions after an accident
If any of the safety system components is damaged following an accident it MUST be replaced.Do not attempt to repair the control unit, clock spring or Air Bag modules.Accidents with or without air bags activatedSeveral of the system components should be inspected after an accident whether the system has been activated or whether it has NOT been activated. These components are:
- Steering column;
- Steering column supports;
- Electronic control unit and modules mounting area;
- Clock spring;
- Dashboard (the area of the passenger Air Bag module).
In the case of partial activation (pretensioners, Side Bags or Head Bags), these components are:
- Pretensioners, Side Bags or Head Bags
- Electronic control unit (only after the third activation of the pretensioners, Side Bags or Head Bags)
In the case of total activation (Air Bags, Side Bags, Head Bags and pretensioners), these components are:
- Front Air Bag modules
- Pretensioners, Side Bags or Head Bags
- Electronic control unit
Dangers to health
The following precautions should be observed when handling activated Air Bag modules:
- wear polythene protective gloves and safety goggles;
- wash your hands and other parts of the body exposed with soap and water after touching exploded Air Bag units.
In the case of:
- Contact with skin: wash immediately with soap and water.
- Contact with eyes: wash eyes immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Inhalation: take the affected person into the open air immediately.
- Swallowing: induce vomiting if the person is conscious.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR HANDLING AIR BAG MODULES
In normal conditions the driver''s and passenger Air Bags are activated by the electronic command during the impact. The gases that develop in these conditions are not toxic.It is important that the personnel who carry out repairs to devices fitted on the vehicle follow the safety regulations listed below.The personnel working on the devices should be trained and should observe the following precautions:
- When removing and replacing open (exploded) Air Bags, only move the modules one at a time and wear protective gloves and goggles for the removal.
- Always rest the Air Bag module with the opening flap and the pre-breaking splining facing upwards. Never place anything on top of this flap.
- At the end of the operations wash your hands thoroughly with soap and, if there is any contact with the residual powder and your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of running water.
- On all versions with Air Bags it is forbidden to work from the front seats before having rendered the system inoperative by disconnecting the two battery leads and waiting at least 10 minutes
- The metal Air Bag components are very hot just after it has exploded. Avoid touching these components for 20 minutes after the Air Bag has been activated.
- Never carry out repair operations on Air Bag modules. Send all defective modules to the supplier.
- Never heat the Air Bag module (e.g. through welding, striking, drilling, mechanical machining, etc.);
- Never fit Air Bag units that have been dropped or show signs of any type of damage.
SCRAPPING AIR BAG MODULES
The Air Bag modules fitted on the vehicle should not be scrapped with the actual vehicle, but removed first.The Air Bag units cannot be scrapped unless they have been activated first.If the Air Bag module has not been activated during an accident it should be considered as still charged.All unexploded material SHOULD NOT BE ACTIVATED, but should be sent to a specialist centre with the following written on the accompanying docket: "AIR BAG CONTAINING PYROTECHNIC CHARGE TO BE DEACTIVATED".The local laws in force must be observed.The devices must be sent in the packaging that replacement components are received in and, if it is not available, the packaging only can be ordered from the PARTS DEPT.Obviously, if Air Bags are being replaced, the original packaging should be kept intact for dispatching devices not activated.Not following the procedures described here can cause the accidental activation of Air Bag units and result in personal injury. Air Bag units that have NOT been activated should be disposed of through normal methods. Air Bag units that have not bee activated contain substances that are dangerous to health and can cause personal injury if the sealed container is damaged during disposal. The disposal of Air Bag units not carried out in accordance with this procedure may be in violation of regulations in force on this subject. |