GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1999 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Restraints 🢒 SIR 🢒 Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

   • Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
   • Make sure the bag opening points away from you
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.


    Object Number: 640349 Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR System. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .
  2. On back side of steering wheel there are four openings/holes for removing the driver inflator module.
  3. Position the steering wheel so that two of the opening/holes are on top.
  4. Adjust and install J 44298 into two of the holes.

    5. Important: Air bag removal tool must be seated all the way in to perform properly.

  5. Push the handle back towards IP releasing the two spring loaded fasteners at the same time.
  6. Turn the steering wheel and repeat the same steps for the other two opening/holes.
  7. Gently pull the driver inflator module away from the steering wheel.
  8. Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling, Shipping, and Scrapping .

    9. Object Number: 255209 Size: SH

    Important: Observe the following routing positions for correct reassembly:

       • The driver inflator wire routing positions
       • The redundant control wire routing positions
       • The horn wire routing positions

  9. Disconnect the following components:
    10. • The Connector Position Assurance (CPA)
    • The driver inflator module electrical connector
  10. Remove the horn ground lead (2) from the threaded hole in the steering wheel (6).
  11. Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise ¼ turn.
  12. Remove the horn contact lead from the steering column cam tower.
  13. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (5).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 255209 Size: SH
  1. Install the horn ground lead (2) into the lower left threaded hole in the steering wheel (6).
  2. Install the horn contact lead (2) into the steering column cam tower.
  3. Rotate the horn contact ¼ turn clockwise in order to lock.
  4. Connect the following components:
    5. • The Connector Position Assurance (CPA)
    • The driver inflator module electrical connector

    Important: Route the following wires correctly:

       • The drive inflator wires
       • The redundant control wires
       • The horn wires

  5. Align the driver inflator module fasteners to the steering column fastener holes.
  6. Push the driver inflator module firmly into the steering column in order to engage the fasteners.
  7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .