Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 429

DN
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
onds, and then back to the On position. Observe the
airbag indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. It
should light for six to eight seconds, and then go out.
This indicates that the airbag system is functioning
normally.
NOTE: If the airbag indicator lamp fails to light, or
lights and stays on, there is an airbag system mal-
function. See the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual to diagnose the problem.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
AIRBAG SYSTEM
NON-DEPLOYED
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of an airbag
module. When carrying a non-deployed airbag mod-
ule, the trim cover or airbag side of the module
should be pointed away from the body to minimize
injury in the event of an accidental deployment. If
the module is placed on a bench or any other surface,
the trim cover or airbag side of the module should be
face up to minimize movement in the event of an
accidental deployment.
In addition, the airbag system should be disarmed
whenever any steering wheel, steering column, or
instrument panel components require diagnosis or
service. Failure to observe this warning could result
in accidental airbag deployment and possible per-
sonal injury. Refer to Group 8E - Instrument
Panel Systems for additional service procedures on
the instrument panel components. Refer to Group
19 - Steering for additional service procedures on
the steering wheel and steering column components.
DISPOSAL OF NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULES
All damaged or faulty and non-deployed driver side
or passenger side airbag modules which are replaced
on vehicles are to be returned. If an airbag module
assembly is faulty or damaged and non-deployed,
refer to the parts return list in the current Chrysler
Corporation Warranty Policies and Procedures man-
ual for the proper handling and disposal procedures.
DEPLOYED
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use after an
airbag deployment, must have both airbag modules,
the instrument panel assembly, the steering column
assembly and the clockspring replaced. These compo-
nents will be damaged or weakened as a result of an
airbag deployment, which may or may not be obvious
during a visual inspection, and are not intended for
reuse.
PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Other vehicle components
inspected, but are to be replaced only as required by
the extent of the visible damage incurred.
STORAGE
An airbag module must be stored in its original,
special container until used for service. Also, it must
be stored in a clean, dry environment; away from
sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electrical
energy. Always place or store an airbag module on a
surface with its trim cover or airbag side facing up,
to minimize movement in case of an accidental
deployment.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following an airbag system deployment, the vehi-
cle interior will contain a powdery residue. This res-
idue consists primarily of harmless particulate
by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge used to
initiate the airbag deployment propellant. However,
this residue will also contain traces of sodium
hydroxide powder, a chemical by-product of the pro-
pellant material that is used to generate the nitrogen
gas that inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide
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 the cleanup by removing the airbag modules
from the vehicle. Refer to Driver Side Airbag Mod-
ule and Passenger Side Airbag Module in the
should be
Typical
8M - 5
closely