GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 Driver or Passenger Seat Side Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 513377 Size: SH

    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.

    Caution: Following the deployment of a side impact air bag, inspect the following parts for damage. Replace these parts if necessary:

       • The seat cushion frame
       • The seat recliner, if equipped
       • The seat adjuster
       • The seat back frame
    Failure to do so may cause future personal injury.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .

    2. Important: Removal of the right or the left inflatable restraint side impact inflator module (seat side air bag) uses the same procedure.

  2. Move the seat to the full forward position.
  3. Remove the seat back panel cover (2) from the seat (1) by lifting up the bottom of the panel and pulling the bottom away from the seat in order to release the hook retainers.

    4. Removal of the seat back panel (2) will expose the fasteners that attach side air bag to seat (1).


    Object Number: 457186 Size: SH

    Important: Do not remove the center fastener from the side impact module. If the center fastener is removed this could cause the side air bag to deploy improperly, or unnecessary air bag system repairs.

  4. Remove the 2 fasteners (1) from the inflatable restraint side impact inflator module (top and bottom fasteners only).

    5. Object Number: 457188 Size: MH
  5. Remove the inflatable restraint side impact module (1) from the seat (2).
  6. 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 and Scrapping .
  7. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (4) from the inflatable restraint side impact module electrical connector (5).
  8. Disconnect the electrical connector (5) from the inflatable restraint side impact module (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 457188 Size: MH

    Important: After a deployment or replacement, both retainer fasteners (3,6) must be replaced in order to ensure the proper module positioning.

  1. Install a new inflatable restraint retainer. Push in the fastener (6) to the inflatable restraint side impact module (1) when replacing the module.
  2. Install a new retainer fastener (3) to the seat (2) when replacing the module.
  3. Connect the electrical connector (5) to the inflatable restraint side impact module (1).
  4. Install the CPA (4) to the electrical connector (5) on the inflatable restraint side impact module.
  5. Install the inflatable restraint side impact module (1) to the seat (2).

    6. Object Number: 457186 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the two fasteners (1) to the inflatable restraint side impact module.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 513377 Size: SH
  7. Install the seat back panel (2) to the seat (1) by sliding the top of the panel up into place and pushing the bottom of the panel in and then down until the hook retainers are secure.
  8. Install the seat to the original position.
  9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .