Safety precautions when working with the steering system

Before starting work on steering elements, carefully read the principle of operation, SRS operating rules and safety measures given in Chapter «Controls and methods of operation».

Certain precautions must be taken to ensure that the airbag deploys in a crash, and to avoid the risk of injury from accidental airbag deployment (see also Chapter 12):

• a) Before working on the airbag, or near the SRS wiring, be sure to disconnect first the negative and then the positive battery cable. Insulate the battery terminals to prevent accidental shorts. Start work at least 1 minute after disconnecting the battery, - time is needed to discharge the capacitor of the backup power source;
• b) Do not allow the airbag module to heat up above +80°C. Do not turn the removed airbag module upside down;
• c) Do not allow solvents, oils, water and detergents to get on the surface of the module - use only a clean, slightly damp cloth to wipe the steering wheel;
• d) The SRS control unit and airbag modules are sensitive to directional overloads (blows) and after a fall from a height of more than 80 cm must be replaced;
• e) Before carrying out welding work on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the electrical wiring of the SRS control unit;
• f) To avoid personal injury, do not install any accessories or place any foreign objects in the airbag deployment area.
• g) Before disconnecting the wiring, you must remove the electrostatic voltage from yourself, for which briefly touch the metal wedge of the door lock or the car body!
• h) Checking the performance of airbag modules should only be carried out in a service station using special control devices. Never attempt to test the SRS electrical circuits using a test lamp, voltmeter, or ohmmeter;
• i) Always place the removed airbag module with the decorative cover up. If stored upside down, accidental operation of the gas generator increases the risk of injury. Do not leave the removed security module unattended;
• j) Never use airbag modules previously installed on another vehicle or intended for installation on other models, when replacing a module, always use only new ones approved by Opel;
• k) When connecting the battery, people must not be inside the car!