
2 Precautions Page 2-16
Page 2-16
• Accessory type or after-market bull-bars
or such devices not approved and fitted to
a vehicle with OPS may adversely affect
the vehicle’s desired threshold
characteristics for deployment.
• Accessory and after-market seat covers
must not be fitted to a vehicle with side
inflatable restraints unless approved by
the vehicle manufacturer. Seat covers that
are not approved could greatly inhibit the
performance of the side inflatable
restraint, compromising the occupant’s
safety in the event of side inflatable
restraint deployment.
• Accessory or after-market instrument
panel covers, or the like, must not be
installed. This would greatly inhibit the
performance of the front passenger
inflatable restraint and reduce front
passenger’s safety in the event of an
inflatable restraint deployment.
• Fitting of accessories such as drink
holders, cassette / CD racks, additional
mirrors, etc. are not permitted in the
immediate deployment area of the front
passenger’s inflatable restraint as these
may be propelled towards the occupants
when the airbag is deployed.
4.1 Repairs To Vehicle Structure
Correct operation of the Occupant Protection
System (OPS) requires that any repairs to the
vehicle structure must return it to its original
production configuration.
The procedures to achieve this are in line with those detailed in the rel eva nt Section of th is Supplement.
The integrity of the front side rail assembl ies is critical to the function of the OPS. If the front side rail assemblies are
damaged, or incorrectly repaired following damage, it is possible the OPS will not function as intended, resulting in
incorrect deployment timing and placing the occupant(s) at increased risk of injury.
The following strategy should be used when repairing the front side rail assemblies:
1 If minor damage has occurred to the front of the front side rail assembl y which does not involve significant creasing
or crumple, it may be straightened.
2 If significant creasing or crumple of the front side rail assembly has occurred, but is restricted to the area forward of
the front suspension crossmember, the front side rail assembly may be cut at a point b etween the two
crossmember mounting bolts and a ne w partial section welded in place. For informatio n o n the recomme nded cut
point, refer to Section 4 Front End.
3 If significant creasing or crumple of the front side rail assembly has occurred and continues rearward of the front of
the front suspension crossmember, the full front side rail assembly should be replaced.