Some 1990 DeVilles, Fleetwoods, Eldorados, Sevilles, and Allantes may exhibit the following condition: At key on the "Inflatable Restraint" telltale may turn and stay on without flashing for a period of time which may range from a few seconds to a few minutes. The lamp will then flash seven to nine times and go off indicating a return to normal operation.
Normal operation is for the light to flash seven to nine times after key on and then go off for the duration of the key on cycle.
The cause is a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) which is affected by voltage and temperature. DERM's from date code 9298 to 9333 may exhibit the condition. Refer to Figure 1 to interpret the date code. The condition may occur more frequently in cold ambient temperatures. A BCM code B333, loss of SIR data, may also be set. To repair the condition replace. the DERM with an available exchange part from an authorized AC-Delco Service Center.
Authorized AC-Delco Service Centers are listed in DSIB 90-I-1.
When BCM code B333 is current, (INFLATABLE RESTRAINT telltale on solid) Eldorados and Sevilles will also display the message, "SERVICE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT" on the Driver Information Center. Allantes will illuminate the CHECK INFO CENTER telltale and display the message "SERVICE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT" on the Driver Information Center.
During the condition INFLATABLE RESTRAINT telltale on) the DERM energy reserve is functional. The DERM can deploy the inflator in case of an accident which damages the battery but will not store SIR fault codes or crash data.
DERM's are an exchange part for 1990, and pre-exchange units are available. All exchange stock parts and all GMSPO non-warranty replacement units have been purged of the date code range above. DERM's returned by dealerships to centers for repair will be modified to prevent the condition and will be marked with repair revision "A" or later. Before replacing the DERM, refer to "Service Precautions" in Section 9J of the 1990 Service Information Manuals.
After replacing the DERM, perform the SIR diagnostic system check in Section 9J of the 1990 Service Information Manuals to assure that there are no other system problems which could cause an intermittent SIR light.
WARRANTY INFORMATION VEHICLE SERIES Operation Operation Description Number C D E J K V
Module, Energy Reserve (Supplemental C8815 .6 .2 .2 .6 Inflatable Restraint System) - R& R or Replace Part Group: 14.865 Policy:
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.