323002604 - 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 must 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 by taping them carefully.
  • Disconnect the electrical connection for the control unit, waiting at least 10 minutes after disconnecting the battery.
Position the devices with the cover upwards in the lockable metal cupboard. This cupboard, especially designed for this purpose, should not, under any circumstances, be used to store any other types of material, particularly if they are flammable. The cupboard should be designed to store pyrotechnic charges (metal, impact resistant cupboard with grates to allow natural ventilation) and should have the markings required by law (DANGER EXPLOSIVES - NO NAKED FLAMES - NOT TO BE OPENED BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL).All the connectors used and wired to the Air Bag modules contain a short circuit clip. Until the Air Bag modules are connected to an appropriate energy source there is no possibility of them being accidentally activated.
The continuity of the system components can only be measured after the modules have been replaced with specific simulation resistances.
A system component that has not been activated during an accident is considered to still be "active". Therefore unexploded components that have to be removed from the vehicle (on account of defects or because the warranty has expired, etc.) should be returned to the special centre, following the procedure described below.
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..
All the system components have been specifically designed to work on a specific marque and type of vehicle, therefore Air Bags should not be adapted, reused or installed on other vehicles, only the ones for which they have been designed and produced.
Any attempt to reuse, adapt or install one on a different type of vehicle could result in serious injury or could even be fatal for the occupants of the vehicle in the event 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
Air bag module replacement (on account of defects or expiry of warranty)

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 this 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, then at 14 years after the year in which the module is fitted (e.g. 2019 for 2005).
Similarly, if the clock spring or a pretensioner is being replaced, remember that the recommended life of these components is 10 years.Control unit replacementThe electronic control unit should ALWAYS be replaced after an impact that results in the entire system being activated (Air Bag and pretensioners).If the control unit is being replaced, the detachable part of the adhesive label must also be removed and placed in the special file mentioned above.Replacing the clock springThe clock spring for connecting the driver''s Air Bag module is equipped with a device that automatically stops it rotating when the steering wheel is removed. This is designed to prevent the upper plate, now no longer secured to the steering wheel, from turning freely and unwinding or winding the coil inside the device and possibly causing it to break. The device is automatically released when the steering wheel is refitted.If replaced, the clock spring is supplied together with the steering wheel interface and must not be separated. Installation must be carried out with the wheels straight because this is the corresponding position of the new device. The new device is equipped with a safety tab that keeps it locked.This tab should be removed when fitting the steering wheel to allow the system to rotate correctly.

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 activated

Several 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).
If the component shows signs of distortion, breaks or bends it should be replaced.Accidents with air bags activatedSeveral of the system components should be replaced if the vehicle is subject to a frontal impact that has fully or partly activated the system.

In the event 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 event 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
As far as the wiring and connectors are concerned, they should be inspected for any signs of burning, melting of the outside insulation or damage from excessive heat.Any signs of damage to the clock spring or in the area where the electronic control unit and Air Bag modules are mounted means that the damaged components should be replaced.

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 exposed parts of the body with soap and water after touching exploded Air Bag units.
Effects of overexposureThere is no potential danger of exposure to the propellants as the system is completely sealed.The propellant mixture is in a solid state; therefore it is impossible to inhale it even if the gas generator cartridge is broken.There is no danger to human health if the gas escapes.Contact with the skin should be avoided and the propellant should not be swallowed.

In the event 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.
A doctor should always be called in these situations.

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.
The storage of Air Bag modules together with flammable or combustible materials is prohibited.Gas generators should not come into contact with acid, grease or heavy metal: contact with these substances could cause the formation of gases that are poisonous or harmful or explosive compounds.Replacement parts should be stored in their original packaging and the same procedures as for Air Bag modules that have not been activated and have been removed from the vehicle should be followed for their temporary storage, i.e. in a specially designed, locked, metal cupboard (impact resistant metal cupboard with grates for natural ventilation) The cupboard should have special warning signs (DANGER: EXPLOSIVES - NO NAKED FLAMES - NOT TO BE OPENDED BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL).

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 which have not been 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 must NOT be disposed of through normal methods. Air Bag units that have not been 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.

ORDERING METHODS

If necessary, the devices can be ordered, as and when required, from the Aftersales Parts Department - Volvera through the V.O.R. procedure since Dealers do not keep these parts in stock. In any case, a record should be kept of internal movements, recording the module identification numbers and vehicle details (chassis number, registration date, model, etc.).