SERVICE GUILD: ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE DAMAGE

To avoid damaging sensitive electronic parts while handling in the dealership, certain guidelines must be followed.

When handling an electronic part that has an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive sticker (see Figure 1) the service technician should follow these guidelines to reduce the possibility of electrostatic charge build-up on the service technician's body and the electronic part prior to and during handling the electronic part in the dealership:

1. Do not open package until it is time to install the part.

2. Avoid touching electrical terminals of the part.

3. Before removing the part from its package, ground the package to a known good ground on the car.

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 the seat, sitting down from a standing position, or walking a distance.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.