Land Rover Defender: Air Bag and Pre-Tensioner Deployment

WARNING: During deployment parts of the air bag module become hot enough to burn you. Wait 30 minutes after deployment before touching the air bag module.

Deployment procedures and precautions as detailed in this manual should be strictly adhered to. Only personnel who have undergone the appropriate training should undertake deployment of air bag and pre-tensioner modules. The following precautions must be complied with:

• Only use deployment equipment approved for the intended purpose.
• Deployment of air bag/pre-tensioner modules must be performed in a well ventilated area which has been designated for the purpose.
• Make sure air bag/pre-tensioner modules are not damaged or ruptured before attempting to deploy.
• Where local legislation exists, notify the relevant authorities of intention to deploy air bag and pretensioner units.
• When deploying air bag pre-tensioner units, make sure that all personnel are at least 15 metres (45 feet) away from the deployment zone.
• Make sure deployment tool is connected correctly, in compliance with the instructions detailed in the SRS section of this manual. In particular, make sure deployment tool is NOT connected to battery supply before connecting to air bag module connector.
• When deploying safety belt pre-tensioners, make sure pre-tensioner unit is secured correctly to the seat.
• When removing deployed air bag modules and pre-tensioner units, wear protective clothing. Use gloves and seal deployed units in a plastic bag.
• Following deployment of any component of the SRS system within the vehicle, all SRS components must be replaced. DO NOT re-use or salvage any parts of the SRS system.
• Do not lean over an air bag module when connecting deployment equipment.

If a vehicle is to be scrapped, undeployed air bag modules and pre-tensioner units must be manually deployed. In this case air bags can be deployed in the vehicle. Before deployment, make sure the air bag module is secure within its correct mounting position. Deployment of the driver air bag in the vehicle may damage the steering wheel; if the vehicle is not being scrapped, deploy the module outside of the vehicle.

SRS COMPONENT REPLACEMENT POLICY

CAUTIONS:

• The Restraints Control Module (RCM) will log a crash fault after every impact which is severe enough to cause air bag deployment. It is possible to have three crashes/impacts logged after one event where, for example, a front, side and rollover has occurred. After the third fault is logged, the SRS warning lamp will be illuminated and the restraints control module (RCM) must be replaced.
• The SRS side/front impact sensor(s) must be replaced if there are any signs of physical damage or if the restraints control module (RCM) is registering a fault.

The following information details the policy for replacement of SRS components as a result of a vehicle accident.

Impacts which do not deploy the air bags or pre-tensioners

Check for structural damage in the area of the impact paying particular attention to bumper armatures, longitudinals and bracketry.

Impacts which deploy the air bags or pre-tensioners

The replacement and inspection policy is dependent on the type and severity of the crash condition. The following guidelines are the minimum that should be exercised as a result of the deployment of specific SRS components.

Check for structural damage in the area of impact paying particular attention to bumper armatures, longitudinals and bracketry.

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