GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

CAUTION:  Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag(s) in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended.

After any collision, inspect the following components as indicated. If damage is detected, replace the component. If damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware is detected, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

    • Steering column - Perform the steering column accident damage inspection procedures. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
    • IP Knee Bolsters and Mounting Points - Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
    • IP brackets, braces, etc. - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
    • Seat Belts - Perform the seat belt operational and functional checks. Refer to Operational and Functional Checks in Seat Belts.
    • IP Cross Car Beam - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
    • IP Mounting Points and Brackets - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
    • Seats and Seat Mounting Points - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.

Frontal Inflator Module Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections

After a collision involving inflator module deployment, replace the following components.

    • Inflatable restraint IP module
    • Inflatable restraint steering wheel module
    • Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)

Perform additional inspections on the following components.

    • Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil and coil wiring pigtail - Inspect for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.
    • Mounting points and mounting hardware for the inflatable restraint IP module, steering wheel module, and SDM - Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.

Side Inflator Module Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections

After a collision involving a side inflator module deployment, replace the following components on the side of the impact.

    • Inflatable restraint side impact sensor (SIS)
    • Inflatable restraint side impact module
    • Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)

Perform additional inspections on the following components.

    • Mounting points or mounting hardware for the inflatable restraint SIS and side impact module on the side of the impact - Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
    • Mounting points or mounting hardware for the inflatable restraint SDM - Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.

Sensor Replacement Guidelines

The SIS replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision.

    • Replace the sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed.
    • Replace the sensor even if it appears to be undamaged.

Sensor damage which is not visible, such as a slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the sensor. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged, replace the sensor.