| • | An air bag and sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) should not be used if it has been dropped from a height of 0.9 meters (3 feet) or greater. |
| • | When an SDM is replaced, it must be oriented with the arrow on the SDM pointing toward the front of the vehicle. |
| • | It is very important for the SDM to be installed flat on the mounting surface, parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis. |
| • | To avoid setting DTCs, do not apply power to the SIR unless all components are connected or a diagnostic chart requests it. |
| • | The SIR Diagnostic System Check must be the starting point of any SIR diagnostics. The SIR Diagnostic System Check will verify proper air bag indicator operation and will lead you to the correct chart to diagnose any SIR malfunctions. Bypassing these
procedures may result in extended diagnostic time and incorrect parts replacement. |
Air Bag Deployment - Inside of Vehicle
Caution: When deploying a SIR component for disposal, perform the deployment procedures
in the order listed. Failure to observe the procedures in the order listed may result
in personal injury.
Deploy the air bags before disposing them. If a vehicle is to be scrapped, the air bag may be deployed inside the vehicle.
| • | Wear gloves and eye protection during the disposal procedure. |
| • | Do not connect the voltage source until after having completed all other preparations for the deployment of air bags. |
| • | Before deploying the air bags, remove all loose objects from the air bag expansion area. |
| • | Deploy the air bags only in an evacuated area. Service personnel who must be present during the deployment should be at least 10 meters (33 feet) in front of the vehicle. |
| • | Deploy the air bags with the vehicle doors closed and the side windows open. |
| • | If the deployment fails, disconnect the voltage source and wait 5 minutes before approaching the vehicle. |
| • | Allow a deployed air bag module or pretensioner to cool for 30 minutes before handling. |
Caution: Refer to Sensing and Diagnostic Module Handling Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
- Disconnect both battery cables and place the battery at least 10 meters (33 feet) from the vehicle.
- Remove the driver side knee bolster or instrument panel lower cover from the steering column. Refer to
Knee Bolster Replacement
.
- At the lower steering column, cut the 2 wires leading from the SIR harness to the steering wheel module coil.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of the wires leading to the steering wheel module coil.
- Use 2 additional wires, each at least 10 meters (33 feet) long, to reach from the deployment battery to the inflator module.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of these 2 additional wires.
- Twist the 2 wires together at one end.
- Place the twisted ends of the 2 wires near the deployment battery. Do not connect the wires to the battery at this time.
- Using the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires leading to the steering wheel module coil, make 2 splices, 1 at each wires from the air bag modules.
- Wrap the wires with insulation tape.
- Now that the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires are spliced to the air bag module wires, and the ends that are twisted together are near the deployment battery, clear the area.
- Untwist the wires that are near the deployment battery.
- Touch 1 wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the other wire to the negative battery terminal. The air bag will deploy.
- Repeat this procedure for the I/P module, side impact modules, and pretensioners.
- Using proper precautions, dispose of the deployed air bags/pretensioners. Refer to
Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping
.
Air Bag Module Deployment - Outside of Vehicle
If the vehicle is within the warranty period, contact the General Motors regional service manager for approval or special instructions before deploying the air bag modules.
Deploy air bag modules in following situations :
| • | If the vehicle is to be scrapped--Refer to Air Bag Deployment - Inside of Vehicle . |
| • | If an air bag module is damaged during transit, storage, or service |
Caution: When deploying a SIR component for disposal, perform the deployment procedures
in the order listed. Failure to observe the procedures in the order listed may result
in personal injury.
Deploy the air bags before disposing them. If a vehicle to be scrapped, the air bag may be deployed inside the vehicle.
| • | Wear gloves and eye protection during the disposal procedure. |
| • | Do not connect the voltage source until after having completed all other preparations for the deployment of air bags. |
| • | Before deploying the air bags, remove all loose objects from the air bag expansion area. |
| • | Deploy the air bags only in an evacuated area. Service personnel who must be present during the deployment should be at least 10 meters (33 feet) in front of the vehicle. |
| • | Deploy the air bags with the vehicle doors closed and the side windows open. |
| • | If the deployment fails, disconnect the voltage source and wait 5 minutes before approaching the vehicle. |
| • | Allow a deployed air bag module or pretensioner to cool for 30 minutes before handling. |
- Position the air bag module face up, on flat ground outdoors, at least 10 meters (33 feet) from any obstacles or people.
- Place a vehicle battery at least 10 meters (33 feet) away from the air bag module.
- Deploy the air bag module.
- If you do not have a deployment tool, follow the procedure below.
- Cut the yellow wires to the air bag module/pretensioner.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of the wires leading to the air bag module/pretensioner.
- Use 2 additional wires, each at least 10 meters (33 feet) long, to reach from the deployment battery to the air bag module/pretensioner.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the ends of these 2 additional wires.
- Twist the 2 wires together at one end.
- Place the twisted ends of the 2 wires near the deployment battery. Do not connect the wires to the battery at this time.
- Using the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires leading to the air bag module/pretensioner, make 2 splices, 1 at each wire from the air bag module/pretensioner.
- Wrap the splices with insulating tape.
- Now that the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires are spliced to the air bag module/pretensioner wires, and the ends that are twisted together are near the deployment battery, clear the area.
- Untwist the wires that are near the deployment battery.
- Touch 1 wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the other wire to the negative battery terminal. The air bag will deploy.
- Using proper precautions, dispose of the deployed air bags/pretensioners. Refer to
Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping
.
Deployed Air Bag Module Disposal Procedure
Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Disposal Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to SIR Inflatable Module Deployment Outside Vehicle Caution in the Preface section.
Important: Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection during the disposal procedure.
Deploy an air bag or pretensioner before disposing of it.
This includes those in a whole vehicle being scrapped. If the vehicle is still within the warranty period contact the General Motors regional service manager for approval or special instructions before deploying an air bag module or a pretensioner. A deployed
air bag module or pretensioner should be disposed of in the same manner as other scrap parts, with the addition of the following steps:
- Place the deployed air bag or pretensioner in a sturdy plastic bag.
- Seal the plastic bag securely.
- Wash your hands and rinse them with water after handling a deployed air bag.
