Info - Availability of Front Side Impact Airbag

This bulletin is being issued to clarify the VIN restraint digit or the RPO indicator on the 1997 Cadillac Catera.

Front side impact airbags (mounted in the side of the front seat backs) were scheduled for introduction in the Catera in the spring of 1997, but were cancelled.

All 1997 Cateras built between VIN breakpoints VR138015 to VR199999 were produced with the electronics, the wiring and even the 7th VIN position of a "4" indicating side air bag equipped, but were not programmed nor equipped with front side air bag modules. These vehicles have a trim panel with the word "CATERA" embossed on the face where the front side air bag module would normally be located. Because of the late changes made in 1997, GMVIS will show these vehicles under build information with "AJ6-side air bag-driver & passenger" which is not correct.

These vehicles are not configured for front side air bags and no attempt should be made in any way to modify the system or add front side air bags to them.