Service Procedures; Airbag System; Clean-Up Procedure - Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual

B R PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 3
DIAGNOSIS mm TESTING (Continued)
CONNECTOR
Fig. 1 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
(8) Erase the stored DTC data, i f there are no
active fault codes. I f any problems remain, the stored
DTC data will not erase.
(9) With the ignition switch still in the On posi­
tion, make sure nobody is in the vehicle.
(10) From the right side of the vehicle turn the
ignition switch to the Off position, and then back to
the On position. Observe the airbag warning lamp in
the instrument cluster. I t should light for six to eight
seconds -then go out. This indicates that the airbag
system is functioning normally.
NOTE: If the airbag warning lamp fails to light, or
Bights and stays on, there is a system malfunction.
Refer to the Airbag System - Body Diagnostic Pro­
cedures manual to diagnose the problem.
S E R V I C E P R O C E D U R E S
AIRBAG SYSTEM
UNDEPLOYED
At no time should any source of electricity be per­
mitted near the inflator on the back of the airbag
module. When carrying an undeployed airbag mod­
ule, the trim cover should be pointed away from the
body to minimize injury i n the event of accidental
deployment. I f the module is placed on a bench or
any other surface, the plastic trim cover should be
face up to minimize movement in the event of an
accidental deployment.
In addition, the airbag system should be disarmed
whenever the steering wheel or steering column
requires service or removal. Failure to observe this
warning could result in accidental airbag deployment
and possible personal injury. Refer to Group 19 -
Steering for additional service procedures on the
steering wheel and steering column.
DEPLOYED
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use after an
airbag system deployment, must have the airbag
module and clockspring replaced. These are one-time
components and cannot be reused. Other airbag sys­
tem components are replaced as required by the
extent of damage.
CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE
Following an airbag system deployment, the vehi­
cle interior will contain a powdery residue. This res­
idue is primarily sodium bicarbonate (baking soda),
used as an airbag cushion lubricant. However, there
will also be traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a
chemical by-product of the generant used for airbag
system deployment. Since this powder can irritate
the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be sure to wear safety
glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt dur­
ing cleanup (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves
WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION
DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE
AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE
IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE
VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION
CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSI­
CIAN.
Begin clean-up by applying tape over the airbag
exhaust vent so that no more powder will find its
way into the vehicle interior (Fig. 3). Then remove
the airbag module from the vehicle.