GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2009 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Safety and Security 🢒 Supplemental Inflatable Restraints 🢒 Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision

Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment - Component Inspections

Warning: Proper operation of the 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 in a collision or deployment for conditions less severe than intended.

After a collision, inspect the following components as indicated. If any 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 checking procedures. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection.
    • Instrument panel (I/P) knee bolsters and mounting points--Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
    • I/P 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.
    • Seats and seat mounting points--Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.
    • Passenger seat bottom with passenger presence system (PPS)--Check for any DTCs or problems that may cause the PPS not to function properly.
    • The roof and headliner mounting points

Frontal Inflator Module Deployment

After a collision involving air bag deployment, replace the following components.

Note:  The front passenger seat is equipped with a PPS, which detects an occupant. If the requirements for disabling the I/P air bag are met then the PPS will communicate with the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) to disable/turn OFF the I/P air bag, even in a accident. For more information on the PPS refer to SIR System Description and Operation.

    • Inflatable restraint I/P module, if deployed and after performing the necessary inspections listed above
    • Inflatable restraint steering wheel module
    • Inflatable restraint SDM
    • Inflatable restraint front end sensor, left/right
    • Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioners

Perform additional inspections on the following components.

    • Steering wheel module coil and the coil wiring pigtail--Inspect for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.
    • Mounting points or mounting hardware for the I/P, steering wheel module, SDM, and pretensioners--Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.

Accident With Side Air Bag Deployment - Component Replacement and Inspections

After a collision involving side air bag deployment, replace the following components.

    • Inflatable restraint side impact sensors (SIS), left/right, on the side of the impact
    • Inflatable restraint roof rail module, left/right, on the side of the impact
    • Inflatable restraint SDM
    • Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioner

Perform additional inspections on the following components.

    • Mounting points or mounting hardware for the SIS--Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
    • Mounting points or mounting hardware for the roof rail module (left/right) on the side of impact--Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
    • Mounting points or mounting hardware for the SDM and seat belt pretensioners--Inspect for any damage and repair or replace each component as needed.