88C-1
AIR BAG AND PRETENSIONERS
Airbag and pretensioners: Precautions for the repair
88C
I - PRECAUTIONS FOR REPAIR
When working underneath the vehicle (on the bo-
dywork, sill panel, etc.) or for certain operations invol-
ving removal or refitting of seat trims, it is essential to
lock the airbag computer using the Diagnostic tool
and to disconnect the battery (see 80A, Battery, Bat-
tery: Removal - Refitting, page 80A-2) .The pyrotechnic systems (pretensioners and airbags)
must be checked using the Diagnostic tool :
-after an accident,
-after theft or attempted theft of the vehicle,
-before selling a used vehicle.
II - TRIGGERING OF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS
After detection of an impact, the airbag computer locks
definitively and the « airbag fault » warning light is illu-
minated on the instrument panel. The airbag computer
and the side impact sensors must always be replaced.
III - DURABILITY OF THE PYROTECHNIC
COMPONENTS
The precautions which recommended that pyrotechnic
components (airbags and pretensioners) were repla-
ced 10 years after the registration of the vehicle have
now been lifted.
Pyrotechnic components (airbags and pretensioners)
do not therefore require any maintenance. Equipment required
Diagnostic tool
IMPORTANT
All operations on airbag and pretensioner systems
must be carried out by qualified trained personnel.
The airbags have a pyrotechnic gas generator, with
an ignition module and bag which must not be
separated.
The pretensioners have a pyrotechnic gas genera-
tor and an igniter which must, under no circumstan-
ces, be separated.
IMPORTANT
Never handle the pyrotechnic systems (pretensio-
ners or airbags) near to a source of heat or naked
flame - they may be triggered.
IMPORTANT
To prevent any accidental triggering whilst w orking
on or near a pyrotechnic component (airbags or
pretensioners), lock the airbag computer using the
Diagnostic tool.
When this function is activated, all the trigger lines
are inhibited and the airbag warning light on the ins-
trument panel lights up contin uously (ignition on).
(see Fault finding - Replacement of compo-
nents) (88C, Airbag and pretensioners).
IMPORTANT
To prevent the pyrotechnic components from being
permanently deactivated or triggered (airbags or
pretensioners), check the airbag computer using
the Diagnostic tool.
IMPORTANT
In order to prevent interference with the deployment
of the airbags:
-do not fit a cover to the front seats,
-do not place objects in the area of deployment.
IMPORTANT
To eliminate the risk of any accident, do not reuse
pyrotechnic components.
It is essential to destroy pretensioners or airbags
before scrapping a vehicle or a part only (see 88C,
Air bag and Pretensioners, Airbags and preten-
sioners: Recycling - Destruction, page 88C-2) .
