1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 warning

Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag (Supplementary Restraint System)
Repair Procedures
Description
Two airbaes are fitted to the 97 model year DB7.
The drivers airbag is located in the centre of the
steering wheel (Fig 1-1), the passenger airbag is
located behind the fascia panel (Fig 1-2).
Figure!. Airbag Locations
The following procedures and safety precautions
must be adhered to while handling, installing and
testing airbag modules. Failure to observe these
precautions could cause the airbag to inadvertently
deploy with the risk of personal injury.
The procedures and precautionary guidelines
conform to the 'Handling and storage - The
Explosives Act 1875 & 1923' and to the 'Health and
Safety at Work Act - 1974' or local guidelines as
appropriate.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
Handling Undeployed Airbags
The electrically actuated airbag module contains
sodium azide and sodium nitrate which are
poisonous and extremely flammable substances.
Their contact with
acid,
water or heavy metals may
produce harmful, irritant gases or combustible
compounds.
The airbag module is non-serviceable and must not
be dismantled, punctured, incinerated or welded.
WARNING: Do not attempt any repairs or
electrical measurements on the airbag module.
Never measure the resistance of the airbag module,
as this may cause the airbag to deploy. Suspect
modules must be returned to Aston Martin Lagonda

Limited,
or their importer for replacement.
Tampering or mishandling can result in personal
injury.
Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames. Do
not store at temperatures exceeding 93°C (200°F).
Keep away from electrical equipment as electrical
contact may cause ignition.
Do not drop or impact the airbag module. Always
position the module 'cover-up'.
Ensure that the module connector is protected to
prevent damage. Never carry the airbag module by
the wires or connector.
Store modules in a secure lockable cabinet.
Never position material over the undeployed
module which could be projected and cause injury
in the event of inadvertent deployment.
Do not wrap arms around the module when carrying
and always carry the module with the cover and
vents facing away from the body to avoid personal
injury in the event of inadvertent deployment.
The chemical propellant mixture deploying the
airbag is a solid and therefore inhalation exposure
is unlikely even if the module is ruptured without
deployment.
As far as practical, avoid skin contact
with,
or
ingestion of, the materials present after combustion.
Exposure to high concentrations of propellant
mixture may cause headache, nausea, blurred

vision,
faintness, cyanosis, lowering of blood
pressure, tachycardia and shortness of breath.
WARNING: Sodium azide has been listed as an
'Extraordinary Hazardous Substance or
Carcinogen' by the state of
Massachusetts,
USA.
Sodium azide has been listed on the
'Right
to Know
Hazardous Substance
List'
by the state of New
Jersey and is also regarded as a 'Special Health
Hazard Substance' by the state. The propellant
mixture is sensitive to premature ignition by
electrical sources if not properly protected and
isolated.
September 1996 6-69

^=2?
Electrics
Airbag System
Eye Protection
Chemical protective goggles are recommended
where there is a possibility of eye contact with the
propellant. Safety glasses with side shields are
recommended for all other operations.
Protective Clothing
Approved protective gloves, overalls and shoes/
boots should be worn.
Handling and Storage Precautions
Do not store airbag modules near live electrical
equipment or circuitry. Store in a dry environment
at ambient temperatures.
Good housekeeping and engineering practices
should be employed to prevent the generation and
accumulation of
dusts.
Store in compliance with all
local state and federal regulations.
Driver and Passenger Airbag Modules
Assembly/Removal/Service Instructions
WARNING: In the event of a vehicle impact where the
airbags and the seatbeltpretensioner (if fitted) are
deployed, the following actions MUST be
performed:
Check the condition of the seatbelts, steering

wheel,
steering column, all connections to airbags,
and the column switchgear connectors for integrity
and damage. If in any
doubt,
replace suspected
parts for new parts.
Replace both crash
sensors,
the
safing sensor
and
the seatbelt pretensioner module (if fitted).
On completion of all repair procedures, switch on
the ignition and check that the
Airbag/SRS
warning
light comes on when the ignition is switched on
and extinguishes after approximately six seconds
indicating satisfactory completion of the airbag
and pretensioner
system
self
tests.

WARNING: Before starting
work,
ensure
that the ignition
switch is in position 'O' and the ignition key is

removed.
Disconnect the battery negative lead
within 12 seconds of switching off the ignition to
prevent the alarm system triggering.
As the airbag control module is equipped with a
back-up power source and due to the risk of the
airbag being inadvertently deployed, wait one
minute or longer after disconnecting the battery
before starting work on the airbag module.
• Disconnectingthe battery negative cable cancels
the memory for the 'one-touch' window down
system and stops the vehicle clock. Reset the
window memory and the clock when work is

completed.

• Never use airbags from other vehicles, always
use new parts.
• After work is completed, reconnect the battery
and perform the airbag warning light check
• Never use electrical probes to check voltage or
electrical resistance of the airbag modules.
• Disconnect the airbag before carrying out any
work on, or in the vicinity of the module, or
when using electric welding equipment.
• Always ensure that the battery negative lead has
been disconnected for at least one minute before
commencing any removal procedure.
September 1996 6-71

Electrics
Airbag System =7?
Spillage and Leakage
If material is spilled or released, contact Aston
Martin Technical Support for advice on clean-up
procedures. All personnel must be kept away from
the contaminated area.
Do not dispose of contaminated propellant or
water into storm or sanitary sewers, ground water
or
soil.

Spills may be reportable to state and/or federal
authorities.
Materials must be disposed of by incineration or
chemical oxidation under carefully controlled
conditions by specially trained individuals and in
accordancewith local stateandfederal regulations.
Scrapping Vehicles with Live Airbags
when scrapping a vehicle with live airbags, first
deploy the airbags in accordance with the following
procedure. This procedure assumes that the airbag
wiring is undamaged
See Handling/Safety Information.
If the airbags are to be removed, see the airbag
module assembly/removal/servicing instructions.
Equipment required:
Four insulation displacement connectors
(scotch locks).
Charged 'slave' battery.
Two 10 metre lengths of
1
mm^ wire fitted with
crocodile clips on one end.
Procedure
WARNING: The deployment procedure must be
carried out outdoors away from other personnel.

1.
Remove any loose debris from around the airbag
modules and ensure that no flammable liquids are
present.

2.
Disconnect the vehicle battery.
WARNING: Always connect to the airbag
first,
as

the bag will deploy immediately on connection to
the battery.
3. Remove the passenger side airbag deployment
door and underscuttle panel.

4.
Remove the drivers side underscuttle panel.
5. Disconnect the airbag connector for the spiral
cassette under the fascia and at the wire (drivers

side).

6. Locate the harness connectors and cut the wires
leading from the airbag just above the mating plug
(passengers side).
Note: The harness connected between the driver's

airbag
and the connector
has
one red
feed
wire and
one

grey/orange return
wire.
The
harness
connected between
the
passenger's
airbag and the connector
has
one blue/

orange
feed wire and one
pinl return wire.
6-72 September1996

^^
Electrics
Airbag System
WARNING: Make the battery connections
last.

The airbag will deploy as the battery connections are made.
Minimum 10 Metres (33 Feet)-
7. Pass the cut ends of the two 10 metre (33ft) link
wires through an open window and connect using
two scotchlocks to the feed and return wires for one

airbag.

8. Closethe vehicle doors and leave the window with
the link wires open.
9. Check that no personnel are in the car or in the area
around the car. Warn personnel in adjacent areas
of the impending airbag deployment.

10.
Move back 10 metres (33ft) and connect the link
harness crocodile clips to the positive and negative
terminals ofthe slave battery; the airbag will deploy
immediately.

11.
Allow the deployed unit to cool for at least 20
minutes and monitor continuously to ensure that
the heat generated during deployment does not
create a fire with spilled liquids or other debris.

12.
Using all appropriate safety precautions (see all
warnings and precautions after the 'Safety
Precautions and Warnings' Heading), enter the
vehicle and cut the link harness wires from the
deployed airbag.

13.
Usingtwonewscotchlocks,connectthelinkharness
to the feed and return wires for the second airbag
and deploy it by repeating steps 7 to 11 of this
procedure.

14.
The vehicle may now be scrapped in the normal
manner with thedeployed airbag modules installed.

15.
In the event of any problems or queries, contact
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited - Technical Services
Department.
Scrapping Vehicles
Air bags

with Deployed

when scrapping a vehicle with a deployed airbag,
first check that all installed airbags have been
deployed or removed.
In the eventthatonly one airbag has beendeployed,
it must be assumed thatthe second airbag is still live
and therefore must be treated using the 'Scrapping
Vehicles with Live Airbags' procedure.
when it is verified that both airbags have been
deployed or removed, the vehicle may
be
scrapped
in the normal manner.
September 1996 6-73

Electrics
Airbag System E:m3^2?
Disposal of Live Airbags
Modu
les
removed/renewed by Aston Martin dealers
are to be deployed using the following procedure.
WARNING: Never use a customer's vehicle to
deploy airbags.
Equipment Required:
Link harness

'Slave'
battery
Safety goggles to BS 2092 grade 2 or equivalent
Rubber gloves to PrEN 374 class 2 or equivalent
Ear protectors
Particulate respirator to EN 149 grade FFP 25
Deployment cage
Note: If you do not
have access
to a deployment
cage,

please
contact Aston Martin
Lagonda
Limited
Technical

Support Department for advice.
Procedure
This procedure must be performed outdoors, away
from other personnel.
Remove any loose debris from around the airbag
and ensure that no flammable liquids are present.
Assemble the disposal cabinet and fit the airbag as
shown in figure 1 in line with the following
procedures:
a) Remove the mesh guard from the rig frame.
b) Attach the guard to the frame by bolting the
hinges to the frame.
c) Ensure the relevant plate is fitted and rotate into

position.

d) Fit and secure the airbag module onto the plate.
e) Clamp the plate down using the two toggle
clamps.
f) Close the mesh guard.
Note: The harness connected between the driver's
airbag and
the
connector
has
one red
feed
wire and one
grey/orange return wire. The harness connected between
the
passenger's
airbag and the connector
has
one blue/
orange feed wire and one pink/black return wire.
Connect the 10 metre {33ft) link harness to the

airbag.

Ensure that no personnel are in the vicinity of the
cabinet.
5. Move 10 metres (33ft) and connect the link harness
crocodile clips to the 'slave' battery; the airbag will
deploy immediately.
6. Allow the unit to cool for at least 20 minutes.
7. Open the mesh guard and remove the deployed
airbag module.
Note: Should the
design
of your deployment
cage
differ
from that described above, please contact the cage
manufacturer for advice on mounting the airbag.
8. Seal the deployed module into a plastic bag ready
for disposal.
9. In the event of any problems or queries, contact
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited -Technical Services
Department.
Disposal of Deployed Airbags
Deployed airbags are to be disposed of as special
waste and disposal must comply with local
environmental requirements. If
in
any doubt, contact
the local authority for disposal instructions.
Note; The storage, transportation, disposal and/or
recycling of airbag module components must be
performed in accordance with all applicable federal,

state
and local regulations including, but not limited to,

those
governing building and fire
codes,
environmental
protection, occupational health and safety and
transportation.
Modules removed and deployed by Aston Martin
Dealers are to be returned to Aston Martin Lagonda
Limited for disposal following prior consultation.
6-74 September 1996

'=2?
Electrics
Airbag System
4.5.01.3 Driver's Airbag Module Renew
Read and adhere to all warnings and safety
procedures quoted at the start of this section when
working on airbag modules.

1.
Ensure that the steering system is centralised and
that the steering wheel is in the lowest tilt position.

2.
Disconnect the vehicle battery and insulate the
battery lead to avoid accidental reconnection. Wait
for at least one minute before proceeding with work
on the removal of the airbag.
Hote: The vehicle battery
must be
disconnected within
12 seconds of switching off
the
ignition to avoid the alarm
siren sounding.
5. Carefully remove the module from the steering
wheel and disconnect the airbag module multi-

plug.

6. To ensure personal safety, double check that the
battery is still disconnected and the battery lead
safely insulated. Connect the new airbag module

multi-plug.
Fit and align the new module to the
steering wheel and tighten the two securing torx
screws. Return the steering to the straight ahead

position.

7. Remove the battery lead insulation and reconnect
the battery
lead.

Note:
The vehicle
clockandthe window control unitwill
need
resetting
after completion of
this
procedure.
8. Switch on the ignition and check that the airbag
warni ng
I
ight comes on when the ignition is switched
on and extinguishes after approximately sixseconds
indicating satisfactory completion of the airbag
system self tests.
Insert the ignition key and turn to position I. Turn
the steering wheel to the left, 90° from its straight
ahead position, and loosen thefirstmoduiesecuring
torx screw.
Turn the steering wheehSO" to the rightand loosen
the second module securing torx screw.
September 1996 6-75

Electrics
Airbag System ^^?

7.8.02.6

Renew
Passenger's Airbag Module
Read and adhere to all warnings and safety
procedures quoted at the start of this section when
working on airbag modules.
Disconnect the battery and wait for at least one
minute before proceeding with the airbag removal.
Note:
The
vehicle battery
must
be disconnected within
12
seconds
of switchingoff
the
ignition
to
avoid the alarm
siren sounding.
2. Open the passenger airbag deployment door.
3. Release four nuts and remove the airbag module.

4.
Disconnect the airbag harness multi-plug.
5. Connect and fit the new module and secure with
four nuts.
6. Refit the airbag deployment door.
Note:
The vehicle
clock and
the
window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of
this
procedure.
7. Reconnect the battery. Switch on the ignition and
check that the airbag warning
I
ight comes on when
the ignition is switched on and extinguishes after
approximately six seconds indicating satisfactory
completion of the airbag system self tests.
6.1.23.1/6.2.10.1 Airbag
Crash
Sensors
Renew
Read and adhere to all warnings and safety
procedures quoted at the start of this section when
working on the airbag system.

1.
Disconnect the battery and wait for at least one
minute before working on the airbag system.
Note: The vehicle
battery
must be disconnected within
12
seconds
of switchingoff
the
ignition
to
avoid thealarm
siren sounding.

4.

5.
Raisethevehicleon a rampand remove the relevant
front roadwheel and wheel arch liner.
Disconnect the sensor connector and feed the
protected loom forward through the body aperture.
Open the bonnet and release two bolts securing the
crash sensor to the body.
Fit and secure the new sensor and feed the sensor
loom back through the body aperture.
Reconnect the sensor. Refit the wheel arch liner
and the roadwheel.
Note:
The vehicle
clock and
the
window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of
this
procedure.
Reconnect the battery, switch on the ignition and
check that the airbag warning
I
ight comes on when
the ignition is switched on and extinguishes after
approximately six seconds indicating satisfactory
completion of the airbag system self tests.
6-76 September 1996

^7
Electrics
Airbag System

6.4.21.2
Airbag 'Safing' Sensor Renew
Read and adhere to all warnings and safety
procedures quoted at the start of this section when
working on the airbag system.

1.
Disconnect the battery and wait for at least one
minute before working on the airbag system.
Note:
The
vehicle battery must be disconnected within
12 secondsofswitchingoffthe ignition to avoid the alarm
siren sounding.
^h
Note: RH drive shown,
the safing sensor is
always
on
the drivers side
of the car
2. Open the drivers door and remove the lower 'A'
post
trim.

3. Release two screws retaining the airbag safing
sensor.

4.
Disconnect and remove the airbag safing sensor.
5. Connectand securethe replacement sensor. Replace
the 'A' post
trim.

Note:
The
vehicle clock and
the
window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of
this
procedure.
6. Reconnect the battery, switch on the ignition and
check that the airbag warning
I
ight comes on when
the ignition is switched on and extinguishes after
approximately six seconds indicating satisfactory
completion of the airbag system self tests.

6.4.21.1

Renew
Airbag Diagnostic Module

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.
7.
Read and adhere to all warnings and safety
procedures quoted at the start of this section when
working on the airbag system.
Disconnect the battery and wait for at least one
minute before working on the airbag system.
Note: The vehicle battery must
be
disconnected within
l2secondsofswitchingofftheignitiontoavoidthealarm

siren
sounding.
Disarm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
Remove the facia assembly.
Note: RH drive shown,
diagnostic module always on

passengers
side of
the
car
Disconnect the airbag control module (Fig 1-1).
Release the module from the top of the airbag
carrier assembly and remove the module.
Refit and secure the replacement airbag control
module and connect the harness connector.
Refit the facia assembly.
Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
Note:
The
vehicle clock and
the
window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of this procedure.
September 1996 6-77