Commander 4WD V8-4.7L VIN N (2006)
Air Bag: Service and Repair
Cleanup Procedure
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following a supplemental restraint deployment, the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue. This residue consists primarily of harmless
particulate by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge that initiates the propellant used to deploy a supplemental restraint. However, this residue may
also contain traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical by-product of the propellant material that is used to generate the inert gas that inflates the
airbag. Since sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be certain to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved
shirt during cleanup.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, 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 PHYSICIAN.
1. Begin the cleanup by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work
your way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a non-cleaned area.
2. Be certain to vacuum the heater and air conditioning outlets as well. Run the heater and air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting and
vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initiators (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not have live pyrotechnic material within the
inflator. Do not dispose of these airbags unless you are sure of complete deployment. Refer to AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS. All damaged, faulty, or
non-deployed supplemental restraints which are replaced on vehicles are to be handled and disposed of properly. If an airbag or seat belt tensioner
unit is faulty or damaged and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System for proper disposal. Be certain to dispose of all
non-deployed and deployed supplemental restraints in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local and federal regulations.
3. Next, remove the deployed supplemental restraints from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate removal procedures.
4. You may need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.
