GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Tracker - 4WD 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console 🢒 Instrument Panel Service Precautions

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

   • Air bag deployment
   • Personal injury
   • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
   • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
   • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) is able to maintain sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 2 minutes after you turn the ignition switch to LOCK or you disconnect the battery. Many of the service procedures require the disconnection of the following 3 electrical components from the deployment loop in order to avoid an accidental deployment:

    • The air bag fuse, which is located at the air bag fuse box
    • The steering column circuit, which is located between the SIR coil assembly and the inflator module
    • The passenger-side inflator module circuit

Removal Procedure
  1. Turn the steering wheel in order to point the vehicle's wheels straight ahead.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK.
  3. Remove the AIR BAG fuse from the air bag fuse box.
  4. Remove the left side cap of the steering wheel.
  5. Disconnect the yellow connector of the driver inflator module.

    6. Object Number: 350916 Size: MH
  6. Pull out the instrument panel compartment (3) while pushing the compartment stoppers from both right and left sides.
  7. Disconnect the yellow connector of the passenger inflator module.

Installation Procedure
  1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK.

    2. Object Number: 350916 Size: MH
  2. Connect the passenger inflator module connector. Secure the connector with the passenger side connector position assurance (CPA) (2).
  3. Close the instrument panel compartment (3).
  4. Connect the driver inflator module connector. Secure the connector with the driver's side CPA (1).
  5. Replace the steering wheel cover.
  6. Install the AIR BAG fuse to the air bag fuse box.
  7. Turn the ignition switch to ACC or ON.
  8. Inspect the air bag indicator in order to verify that the indicator flashes for approximately 6 seconds and then turns off. If the indicator does not operate as described, perform the SIR Diagnostic System Check in Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System.

SIR General Safety Procedures
  1. Do not store the inflator modules at temperatures above 65°C (150°F).
  2. Do not use the following module if you drop them from a height of 91.4 cm (3 ft) or more:
    3. • The driver's inflator module
    • The passenger's inflator module
    • The sensing module assembly
  3. Do not apply power to the SIR unless all of the components are connected or a diagnostic chart requests power application. Powering up the SIR with components disconnected sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC).
  4. The SIR Diagnostic System Check in Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System must be the starting point of any SIR diagnostics. The SIR Diagnostic System Check verifies the proper air bag indicator operation and leads you to the correct chart to diagnose any SIR faults. Bypassing the procedures may result in one of the following conditions:
    5. • Extended diagnostic time
    • Incorrect diagnosis
    • Incorrect parts replacement