Clean-Up Procedure; Removal And Installation; Airbag Module - Jeep 1996 Grand Cherokee Service Manual

8M - 4 PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
be reused. Other components are replaced as
required by the extent of the damage incurred.

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
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 during
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 by removing the airbag modules from the
vehicle as described in this group.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the
vehicle and work your way inside, so that you avoid
kneeling or sitting on an uncleaned area.
Be sure to vacuum the heater and air conditioning
outlets as well (Fig. 3). Run the heater and air con-
ditioning blower on the lowest speed setting and vac-
uum any powder expelled from the outlets. You may
need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second
time to recover all of the powder.
Place the deployed airbag modules in your vehicu-
lar scrap pile.
Fig. 3 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

AIRBAG MODULE

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE THE AIR-
BAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND)
CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FUR-
THER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PER-
SONAL INJURY.
• WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG MOD-
ULE, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG MODULE AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
DRIVER'S SIDE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If the airbag module is undeployed, wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before
further service.
(2) Remove the three screws securing the driver's
airbag module to the steering wheel (Fig. 4).
(3) Unplug the airbag and horn switch wiring con-
nectors and remove the airbag module from the
steering wheel.
(4) If the airbag is deployed, see the procedure for
replacing the clockspring in this group.
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