Scraping Noise from Upper Steering Column Behind Steering Wheel (Reposition Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Wires)

This bulletin is being revised to include additional models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-09-41-005 (Section 09 - Restraints).

Some customers may comment on noise from the steering column and/or noise from behind the steering wheel when turning the steering wheel.

The inflatable restraint steering wheel module wires that go between the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) coil and the inflatable restraint steering wheel module are applying a downward force where the wires come out of the SIR coil. This force may be causing the top cover of the SIR coil to make contact with the SIR coil housing which creates a scraping noise. This force is primarily due to the routing of the wires during installation of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

On vehicles with this condition, follow the service procedure below to reposition the inflatable restraint steering wheel module wires in order to eliminate the noise condition.

1. Disable the SIR system (Zone 3).

•	For 2004 Saturn VUE, refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" (SI Document ID# 1245047).

•	For 2005-2006 Chevrolet Equinox, refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" (SI Document ID# 1353712).

•	For 2006 Pontiac Torrent, refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" (SI Document ID# 1353712).

2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

•	For 2004 Saturn VUE, refer to "Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement" (SI Document ID# 1226185).

•	For 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, refer to "Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement" (SI Document ID# 1226185).

•	For 2006 Chevrolet Equinox and 2006 Pontiac Torrent, refer to "Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement" (SI Document ID# 1698860).




3. If both yellow airbag wires are taped together, then remove both pieces of black tape (only 2004 Saturn VUE should have tape condition).
4. Straighten out the yellow wires to remove kinks.



5. Orient the yellow wires as if they have never been taped together. Yellow wires should be separate, starting from the SIR coil connector. Refer to the illustration.
6. Reconnect both yellow wires to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. For Saturn VUE only, do not connect the horn switch connector at this time.
7. Rotate the inflatable restraint steering wheel module one revolution clockwise while keeping the steering wheel from turning.
8. Connect the horn switch connector from the steering wheel to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.




Important: When reinstalling the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, pull the airbag leads (yellow wires) in an upward direction, towards the top of the steering wheel hub. This will prevent the wires from pressing down on the SIR coil connector. Then make sure the wires go back into "pocket" area behind the SIR coil.

9. Reinstall the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

•	For 2004 Saturn VUE, refer to "Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement" (SI Document ID# 1226185).

•	For 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, refer to "Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement" (SI Document ID# 1226185).

•	For 2006 Chevrolet Equinox and 2006 Pontiac Torrent, refer to "Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement" (SI Document ID# 1698860).

10. Enable the SIR system (Zone 3).

•	For 2004 Saturn VUE, refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" (SI Document ID# 1245047).

•	For 2005-2006 Chevrolet Equinox, refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" (SI Document ID# 1353712).

•	For 2006 Pontiac Torrent, refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" (SI Document ID# 1353712).

11. Start the vehicle and verify that the noise has been eliminated.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim for: