Action following an accident

Action following an accident

If any component of the safety system is damaged following an accident, it MUST be replaced. Never attempt to repair the control unit, clock spring or air bag modules.

Accidents with or without activation of the air bag system

Some components of the safety system should be inspected if the system has been activated, if the system has been only partly activated or if the system has not be activated at all.

These components are as follows:

• steering column;
• steering column mounts;
• electronic control unit and module anchorage area;
• clock spring contact;
• facia (in passenger air bag module area).

The component should be replaced if found to be distorted, broken or bent.

Accidents involving activation of the air bag system

Some components of the safety system must be replaced if the vehicle experiences a head-on collision involving activation of the safety system.

These components are as follows:

• air bag modules;
• electronic control unit.

Wiring and connectors must be inspected to identify signs of burning, melted outer insulation or damage due to excess heat.

Components must be replaced if signs of damage are noted on the clock spring and electronic control unit or air bag module anchorage areas.

Painting operations

No particular safety precautions need to observed in the case of painting and subsequent stove drying, because the safety system (air bags and pretensioners) is designed to remain undamaged when the outside vehicle surfaces are heated using normal paint drying systems.

It is forbidden to use naked flames near to modules.
All electronic control units (including the air bag system control unit) must nevertheless be removed if there is a likelihood of their being heated to 85°C or over).