Handling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitive Parts

Handling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD):

NOTICE: When handling electronic parts identified as ESD sensitive, you should observe the following guidelines. These guidelines reduce possible electrostatic charge build-up from your body and from electronic parts in the Saturn retail facility.

1. Do not open protective package until ready to install the part. When installing always touch the package to a ground before opening.
2. Avoid touching electrical terminals of the part when using a screwdriver or similar tool. Never jump, ground a circuit, or use test equipment probes on any component or connector unless specified to do so by the service manual when diagnosing an electronic system.
3. Remember solid-state components also can be damaged when bumped, dropped or laid on any metal work benches or components that operate electrically, such as a radio, TV or oscilloscope.
4. Always touch a known good ground before handling the part. This should be repeated while handling the part and more frequently after sliding across a seat, sitting down from a standing position or walking a distance.
5. When working with the instrument panel cluster and related internal components, the grounding wrist strap of the anti-static mat (SA9502Z) must be worn and the mat should be properly grounded.
Not all parts that can be damaged by an electrostatic discharge have an ESD label. Components that can be damaged by an electrostatic discharge are:
^ Instrument panel clusters
^ Powertrain control module (PCM)
^ Chime module
^ Cruise control module
^ Radio
^ Antilock brake system (ABS) control module
^ Electronic ignition (EI) module
^ Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
6. Remember solid-state components also can be damaged when bumped, dropped or laid on any metal work benches or components that operate electrically, such as a radio, TV or oscilloscope.
7. Always touch a known good ground before handling the part. This should be repeated while handling the part and more frequently after sliding across a seat, sitting down from a standing position or walking a distance.