GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Live (Undeployed) Inflator Module

Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in the Preface section.


Object Number: 9039  Size: SH

Take special care when handling or storing a live (undeployed) inflator module. An inflator module deployment produces a rapid generation of gas. This may cause the inflator module, or an object in front of the inflator module, to project through the air in the event of an unlikely deployment.

Scrapping Procedure

During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may arise which will require the disposal of a live (undeployed) inflator module. Do not dispose a live (undeployed) inflator module through normal disposal channels until the inflator module has been deployed. The following information covers the proper procedures for the disposing of a live (undeployed) inflator module.

Do not deploy the inflator module in the following situations:

    • After replacement of an inflator module under warranty. The inflator module may need to be returned undeployed to the manufacturer.
    • If the vehicle is the subject of a Product Liability report related to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241). Do not alter the SIR system in any manner.
    • If the vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator modules. Follow the instructions in the Campaign Service Bulletin for proper SIR handling procedures.

Deployment Procedures

The inflator module can be deployed inside or outside of the vehicle. The method used depends upon the final disposition of the vehicle. Review the following procedures in order to determine which will work best in a given situation:

Deployment Outside Vehicle (Steering Wheel Module, I/P Module, and Side Impact Module)

Deploy the inflator module outside of the vehicle when the vehicle will be returned to service. Situations that require deployment outside of the vehicle include the following:

    • Using the SIR diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module is malfunctioning.
    • The inflator module is cosmetically damaged (scratched or ripped).
    • The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged.
    • The inflator module connector is damaged.
    • The inflator module connector terminals are damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject to any required retention period.

Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Disposal Caution in the Preface section.

Tools Required

    • J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
    • J 39401-B Deployment Fixture
    • J 38826-50 Steering wheel module adapter
    • J 38826-25 Side impact and I/P module adapter
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the ignition key.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:
  5. • If you are removing the steering wheel module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
    • If you are removing the I/P module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
    • If you are removing a side impact module, refer to Driver and Passenger Seat Side Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement .

    Object Number: 9427  Size: SH
    • Place the inflator module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench.

    Object Number: 68646  Size: SH
  6. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the inflator module or deployment fixture. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Ensure that you have sufficient ventilation.
  7. Ensure that no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
  8. If you have a steering wheel inflator module, place the inflator module in the center of the space.

  9. Object Number: 453892  Size: SH
  10. If you have an I/P inflator module, refer to the following instructions:
  11. • Place the J 39401-B SIR deployment fixture (2) in the center of the cleared area.
    • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
    • Using the proper nuts and bolts, mount the I/P module (1) to the deployment fixture (2), with the vinyl trim facing up.
    • Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the I/P module (1) to the deployment fixture (2).

    Object Number: 483663  Size: SH
  12. If you have a side impact module, refer to the following instructions:
  13. • Place the J 39401-B SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area.
    • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
    • Using the proper nuts and mount the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3), with the vinyl trim facing up.
    • Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).
    • Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3).

    Object Number: 68645  Size: SH
  14. Inspect the J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
  15. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using 1 banana plug seated into the other.
  16. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).

  17. Object Number: 68655  Size: SH
  18. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.

  19. Object Number: 68656  Size: SH
  20. Connect the inflator module to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (1).
  21. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e., vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
  22. Important: 

       • The rapid expansion of gas involved with deploying an inflator module is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.
       • When the inflator module deploys, the deployment fixture may jump about 30 cm (1 ft) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module due to the force of the rapid expansion of gas inside the inflator module.

  23. Clear the area of people.

  24. Object Number: 39382  Size: SH
  25. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

  26. Object Number: 39388  Size: SH
  27. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur when contact is made.

  28. Object Number: 9581  Size: SH
  29. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the inflator module deploys.
  30. If the inflator module did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.
  31. Caution: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution in the Preface section.

  32. Seat 1 banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.

  33. Object Number: 9433  Size: SH
  34. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
  35. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
  36. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
  37. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
  38. Wash hands with a mild soap.

Deployment Inside Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

Deploy the inflator modules inside of the vehicle when destroying the vehicle or when salvaging the vehicle for parts. This includes but is not limited to the following situations:

    • The vehicle has completed its useful life.
    • Irreparable damage occurs to the vehicle in a non-deployment type accident.
    • Irreparable damage occurs to the vehicle during a theft.
    • The vehicle is being salvaged for parts to be used on a vehicle with a different VIN as opposed to rebuilding as the same VIN.

Caution: Refer to SIR Inflatable Module Deployment Outside Vehicle Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 464953  Size: SH
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Remove the ignition key.
  3. Remove the SIR fuse.
  4. Put on safety glasses.
  5. Remove all loose objects from the front seats.
  6. Disconnect the steering wheel module yellow connector (4) located next to steering column (2).

  7. Object Number: 39392  Size: SH
  8. Cut the yellow harness connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
  9. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.

  10. Object Number: 68651  Size: SH
  11. Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. Use these wires to fabricate the driver deployment harness.
  12. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
  13. Twist together 1 end from each of the wires in order to short the wires. Deployment wires shall remain shorted, and not connected to a power source until you are ready to deploy the inflator module.

  14. Object Number: 39393  Size: SH
  15. Twist together 1 connector wire lead to 1 deployment wire.
  16. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.

  17. Object Number: 39408  Size: SH
  18. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  19. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  20. Object Number: 39414  Size: SH
  21. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  22. Connect the deployment harness to the steering wheel module yellow connector.

  23. Object Number: 188200  Size: SH
  24. Route the deployment harness out of the driver side of the vehicle.

  25. Object Number: 262991  Size: SH
  26. Disconnect the driver side impact module yellow connector (1) from the vehicle wiring harness (4) located under the driver seat.

  27. Object Number: 416211  Size: SH
  28. Cut the 2 side impact module wires leading to the yellow harness connector, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
  29. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the side impact module connector wire leads.

  30. Object Number: 68651  Size: SH
  31. Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. Use these wires to fabricate the deployment harness.
  32. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
  33. Twist together 1 end from each of the wires in order to short the wires. Deployment wires shall remain shorted, and not connected to a power source until you are ready to deploy the side impact module.

  34. Object Number: 39393  Size: SH
  35. Twist together 1 connector wire lead to 1 deployment wire.
  36. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.

  37. Object Number: 39408  Size: SH
  38. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  39. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  40. Object Number: 39414  Size: SH
  41. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  42. Connect the deployment harness to the side impact module - LF.

  43. Object Number: 188200  Size: SH
  44. Route the deployment harness out of the driver side of the vehicle.

  45. Object Number: 464940  Size: SH
  46. Disconnect the I/P module yellow harness connector (2) above passenger side sound insulator.

  47. Object Number: 68649  Size: SH
  48. Cut the harness connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
  49. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.

  50. Object Number: 68651  Size: SH
  51. Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. These wires will be used to fabricate the passenger deployment harness.
  52. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
  53. Twist together 1 end from each of the wires in order to short the wires.

  54. Object Number: 68652  Size: SH
  55. Twist together 1 connector wire lead to 1 deployment wire.

  56. Object Number: 68660  Size: SH
  57. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  58. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  59. Object Number: 68662  Size: SH
  60. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  61. Connect the deployment harness to the IP module yellow connector.

  62. Object Number: 188211  Size: SH
  63. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.

  64. Object Number: 262991  Size: SH
  65. Disconnect the passenger side impact module yellow connector (1) from the vehicle wiring harness (4) located under the passenger seat.

  66. Object Number: 416211  Size: SH
  67. Cut the 2 side impact module wires leading to the yellow harness connector, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
  68. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the side impact module connector wire leads.

  69. Object Number: 68651  Size: SH
  70. Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. Use these wires to fabricate the deployment harness.
  71. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
  72. Twist together 1 end from each of the wires in order to short the wires. Deployment wires shall remain shorted, and not connected to a power source until you are ready to deploy the side air bag module.

  73. Object Number: 68652  Size: SH
  74. Twist together 1 connector wire lead to 1 deployment wire.
  75. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.

  76. Object Number: 68660  Size: SH
  77. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  78. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  79. Object Number: 68662  Size: SH
  80. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  81. Connect the deployment harness to the side impact module - RF.

  82. Object Number: 188211  Size: SH
  83. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.

  84. Object Number: 188228  Size: SH
  85. Completely cover the windshield and front door window openings with a drop cloth.
  86. Stretch out all of the deployment harness wires on the left and right side of the vehicle to their full length.
  87. Place a power source, 12 V minimum/2 A minimum (i.e., a vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harnesses.
  88. Separate the 1 set of wires and touch the wires ends to the power source in order to deploy the inflator modules, doing 1 module at a time.
  89. Disconnect the deployment harness from the power source and twist the wire ends together.
  90. Continue the same process with the remaining deployment harnesses that are available.
  91. Remove the drop cloth from the vehicle.
  92. Disconnect all harnesses from the vehicle.
  93. Discard the harnesses.
  94. Scrap the vehicle in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
  95. If 1 or all of the inflator modules did not deploy, perform the following steps to remove the undeployed modules from the vehicle:
  96. •  Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement
    •  Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement
    •  Driver and Passenger Seat Side Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement
  97. Call the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.