Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:
• | Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on
the inflator module |
• | Make sure the bag opening points away from you |
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag
opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests.
When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag
opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the
air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal
injury may result.
Live (Undeployed) Inflator Module
Take special care when handling or storing a live (undeployed) inflator
module. An air bag deployment produces rapid gas generation. This may cause
the inflator module, or an object in front of the inflator module,
to jettison through the air in the event of an unlikely deployment.
Shipping Procedures
Refer to the latest service bulletins for proper SIR inflator module
shipping procedures.
Scrapping Procedure
During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may
arise which will necessitate the disposal of a live (undeployed) inflator
module. The following information covers the proper procedures
for the disposing of a live inflator module. Deploy the
inflator module before disposal. Do not dispose of the module
through normal disposal channels.
Caution: In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could
cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as
normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that
could cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is
damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely
dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to dispose of an inflator
module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, province, or local
laws.
Do not deploy an air bag in the following situations:
• | After replacement of an inflator module under warranty. The module
may need to be returned undeployed to the original manufacturer of inflator
module. Refer to the latest service bulletin regarding SIR shipping
procedures. |
• | If the vehicle is the subject of a Product Liability report related
to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241).
Do not alter the SIR system in any manner. Refer to the latest
service bulletin on SIR shipping procedures. |
• | If the vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator
modules. Follow the instructions in the Campaign Service Bulletin for proper
SIR handling and shipping procedures. |
Deployment Procedures
The inflator module can be deployed inside or outside of the vehicle.
The method used depends upon the final disposition of the vehicle. Review
the following procedures in order to determine which will work best
in a given situation:
Deployment Outside Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module)
Tools Required
• | An appropriate pigtail adapter |
Caution: In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could
cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as
normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that
could cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is
damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely
dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to dispose of an inflator
module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, province, or local
laws.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
Deploy the inflatable restraint steering
wheel inflator module outside of the vehicle when the vehicle will be returned
to service. Situations that require deployment outside of the vehicle
include the following:
• | Using the SIR diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module
does not function properly. |
• | The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover. |
• | The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged. |
• | The inflator module connector is damaged. |
• | An inflator module connector terminal is damaged. |
Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject
to any required retention period.
Important: Refer to the latest General Motors Service Bulletins before deploying
a steering wheel inflator module.
- Turn the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Put on safety glasses.
- Inspect the J 38826
SIR Deployment Harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage.
Replace as needed.
- Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using
one banana plug seated into the other.
- Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment
harness (1).
- Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to
Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement
.
- Remove all horn/steering wheel control buttons from the module,
if equipped.
Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:
• | Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on
the inflator module |
• | Make sure the bag opening points away from you |
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag
opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests.
When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag
opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the
air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal
injury may result.
- Place the module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from
the surface on a work bench.
- Clear a space on the ground
about 1.85 meters (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module.
If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise,
use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Make sure you
have sufficient ventilation.
- Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
- Place the module in the space with the vinyl trim cover facing
up.
- Extend the SIR deployment
harness and adapter to full length from the module.
- Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e.,
vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
- Connect the module (1)
to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
- Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
- Clear the area of people.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
- Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud.
Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator
module.
Important: When the air bag deploys, the inflator module may jump vertically. This
is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas
expansion inside the air bag.
- Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.
- Disconnect the SIR deployment
harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
- Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment
harness leads.
- If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue
the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed
to the following steps.
CAUTION: After an air bag deploys, the metal surfaces of the inflator module
are very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury:
• | Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface
of the inflator module. |
• | Do not place the deployed inflator module near any flammable objects.
|
- Put on a pair of shop gloves.
- Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon
as possible.
- Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace
as needed.
- Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
- Wash hands with a mild soap.
Deployment Outside Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel (IP)
Module)
Tools Required
• | An appropriate pigtail adapter |
Caution: In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could
cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as
normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that
could cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is
damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely
dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to dispose of an inflator
module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, province, or local
laws.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
Deploy the inflatable restraint instrument
panel (IP) inflator module outside of the vehicle when the vehicle will be
returned to service. Situations that require deployment outside of
the vehicle include the following:
• | Using the SIR diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module
does not function properly. |
• | The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover. |
• | The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged. |
• | The inflator module connector is damaged. |
• | An inflator module connector terminal is damaged. |
Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject
to any required retention period.
Important: Refer to the latest General Motors Service Bulletins before deploying
a passenger inflator module.
- Turn the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Put on safety glasses.
- Inspect the J 38826
SIR Deployment Harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage.
Replace as needed.
- Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using
one banana plug seated into the other.
- Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment
harness (1).
- Remove the inflatable restraint instrument panel (IP) module.
Refer to
Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement
for removal.
Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:
• | Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on
the inflator module |
• | Make sure the bag opening points away from you |
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag
opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests.
When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag
opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the
air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal
injury may result.
- Place the module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from
the surface on a work bench.
- Clear a space on the ground
about 1.85 meters (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module.
If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity.
Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the
shop floor. Make sure you have sufficient ventilation.
- Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
- Place the J 39401-B
SIR Deployment Fixture in the center of the cleared area.
- Fill the fixture's plastic reservoir with water or sand.
- Secure the J 39401-7A
arms (5) to the deployment fixture (2) using carriage bolts (3)
and nuts (4).
- Mount the module (1) in the SIR deployment fixture (2)
with the vinyl trim cover facing up using one of the following mounting methods.
Important: Securely hand tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
- To mount, use four M 6 bolts (6), nuts (8), and
washers (7) in order to secure the module (1) to the deployment
fixture (2).
- Extend the SIR deployment
harness and adapter to full length from the module.
- Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e.,
vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
- Connect the module (1)
to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
- Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
- Clear the area of people.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
- Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud.
Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the
inflator module.
Important: When the air bag deploys, the SIR deployment fixture may jump vertically.
This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid
gas expansion inside the air bag.
- Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.
- Disconnect the SIR deployment
harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
- Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment
harness leads.
- If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue
the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed
to the following steps.
CAUTION: After an air bag deploys, the metal surfaces of the inflator module
are very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury:
• | Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface
of the inflator module. |
• | Do not place the deployed inflator module near any flammable objects.
|
- Put on a pair of shop gloves.
- Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon
as possible.
- Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace
as needed.
- Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
- Wash hands with a mild soap.
Deployment Outside Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module)
Tools Required
• | An appropriate pigtail adapter |
Caution: In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could
cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as
normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that
could cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is
damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely
dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to dispose of an inflator
module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, province, or local
laws.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
Deploy the inflatable restraint side impact
inflator module outside of the vehicle when the vehicle will be returned
to service. Situations that require deployment
outside of the vehicle include the following:
• | Using the SIR diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module
does not function properly. |
• | The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover. |
• | The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged. |
• | The inflator module connector is damaged. |
• | An inflator module connector terminal is damaged. |
Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject
to any required retention period.
Important: Refer to the latest General Motors Service Bulletins before deploying
a side impact inflator module.
- Turn the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Put on safety glasses.
- Inspect the J 38826
SIR Deployment Harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage.
Replace as needed.
- Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using
one banana plug seated into the other.
- Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment
harness (1).
- Remove the inflatable restraint side impact module. Refer to
Inflatable Restraint Front Seat Side Impact Inflator Module Replacement
for removal.
Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:
• | Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on
the inflator module |
• | Make sure the bag opening points away from you |
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag
opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests.
When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag
opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the
air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal
injury may result.
- Place the module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the
surface on a work bench.
- Clear a space on the ground
about 1.85 meters (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module.
If possible, use a paved, outdoor location
free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free
of activity on the shop floor. Make sure you have sufficient
ventilation.
- Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
- Place the J 39401-B
SIR Deployment Fixture in the center of the cleared area.
- Fill the fixtures plastic reservoir with water or sand.
- Mount the module (1)
in the SIR deployment fixture (3) with the vinyl trim cover facing
up using the following mounting method.
Important: Securely hand tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
- To mount, use two M 6 x 1.0 nuts (2) with washers in order
to secure the module (1) to the fixture (3).
- Extend the SIR deployment
harness and adapter to full length from the module.
- Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e.,
vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
- Connect the module (1)
to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
- Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
- Clear the area of people.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
- Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud.
Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the
inflator module.
Important: When the air bag deploys, the SIR deployment fixture may jump vertically.
This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid
gas expansion inside the air bag.
- Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.
- Disconnect the SIR deployment
harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
- Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment
harness leads.
- If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue
the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed
to the following steps.
CAUTION: After an air bag deploys, the metal surfaces of the inflator module
are very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury:
• | Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface
of the inflator module. |
• | Do not place the deployed inflator module near any flammable objects.
|
- Put on a pair of shop gloves.
- Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon
as possible.
- Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace
as needed.
- Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
- Wash hands with a mild soap.
Handling a Deployed Inflator Module
After the inflator module has deployed, the surface
of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily
of cornstarch
(used to lubricate the bag as it inflates), and by-products
of the chemical
reaction. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide
dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts
with the
atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium
hydroxide
into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore,
you will
probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. Gloves
and safety
glasses are recommended to prevent possible irritation
of the skin or eyes.
Deployment Inside Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)
Deploy the inflator modules inside of the vehicle when destroying the
vehicle or when salvaging the vehicle for parts. This includes but is not
limited to the following situations:
• | The vehicle has completed its useful life. |
• | Irreparable damage occurs to the vehicle in a non-deployment type
accident. |
• | Irreparable damage occurs to the vehicle during a theft. |
• | The vehicle is being salvaged for parts to be used on a vehicle
with a different VIN as opposed to rebuilding as the same VIN. |
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the
deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures
in the order listed may result in personal injury.
- Turn the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Put on safety glasses.
- Remove all loose objects from the front seats.
- Disconnect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module yellow
2-way connector (2) located next to steering column.
- Cut the yellow 2-way harness
connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in)
of wire
at the connector.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of
the connector wire leads.
- Cut two 4.6 m (15 ft)
deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand
wire. Use
these wires to fabricate the driver deployment harness.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends
of the wires cut in the previous step.
- Twist together one end from each of the wires in order to short
the wires. Deployment wires shall remain shorted, and not connected to a power
source
until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
- Twist together one connector
wire lead to one deployment wire.
- Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
- Twist together, bend,
and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
- Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint steering
wheel module yellow 2-way connector.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the vehicle's driver side.
- Disconnect the driver
side air bag yellow 2-way connector (1) from the vehicle wiring harness (2)
located under the driver seat.
- Cut the two side impact
air bag wires leading to the yellow 2-way harness connector, leaving at least
16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of
the side impact air bag connector wire leads.
- Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft)
deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand
wire. Use these wires to fabricate the deployment harness.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends
of the wires cut in the previous step.
- Twist together one end from each of the wires in order to short
the wires. Deployment wires shall remain shorted, and not connected to a power
source until you are ready to deploy the side air bag
module.
- Twist together one connector
wire lead to one deployment wire.
- Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
- Twist together, bend,
and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the driver side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the inflatable
restraint IP module yellow 2-way harness connector (1) located behind
the
glove box door (3).
- Cut the harness connector
out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at
the
connector.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of
the connector wire leads.
- Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft)
deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand
wire.
These wires will be used to fabricate the passenger deployment harness.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends
of the wires cut in the previous step.
- Twist together one end from each of the wires in order to short
the wires.
- Twist together one connector
wire lead to one deployment wire.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
- Twist together, bend,
and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
- Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint IP
module yellow 2-way connector.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the passenger
side air bag yellow 2-way connector (1) from the vehicle wiring harness (2)
located under the passenger seat.
- Cut the two side impact
air bag wires leading to the yellow 2-way harness connector, leaving at least
16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of
the side impact air bag connector wire leads.
- Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft)
deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand
wire. Use these wires to fabricate the deployment harness.
- Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends
of the wires cut in the previous step.
- Twist together one end from each of the wires in order to short
the wires. Deployment wires shall remain shorted, and not connected to a power
source until you are ready to deploy the side air bag
module.
- Twist together one connector
wire lead to one deployment wire.
- Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
- Twist together, bend,
and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Stretch the two driver side harnesses to full length.
- Stretch the two passenger side harnesses to full length.
- Completely cover the windshield and front door window openings
with a drop cloth.
- Place a power source,
12 V minimum/2 A minimum (i.e., a vehicle battery) near the
shorted
end of the harnesses.
- Separate the two ends of the inflatable restraint IP module deployment
harness wires.
- Connect the inflatable restraint IP module deployment harness
wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint IP module.
- Disconnect the inflatable restraint IP module deployment harness
wires from the power source.
- Separate the two ends of the passenger inflatable restraint side
impact inflator module deployment harness wires.
- Connect the inflatable restraint side impact inflator module deployment
harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint
side
impact inflator module.
- Disconnect the inflatable restraint side impact inflator module
deployment harness wires from the power source.
- Twist together one end
of each wire of IP inflatable restraint module on the passenger side deployment
harness
in order to short the wires.
- Twist together one end of each wire of side air bag module on
the passenger side deployment harness in order to short the wires.
- Move the power source,
12 V minimum/2 A minimum (i.e., a vehicle battery) near the
shorted
end of the harnesses to driver side.
- Separate the two ends of the inflatable restraint steering wheel
module deployment harness wires.
- Connect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module deployment
harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint
steering
wheel module.
- Disconnect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module deployment
harness wires from the power source.
- Separate the two ends of the driver inflatable restraint side
impact inflator module deployment harness wires.
- Connect the inflatable restraint side impact inflator module deployment
harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint
side impact
inflator module.
- Disconnect the inflatable restraint side impact inflator module
deployment harness wires from the power source.
- Twist together one end
of each wire of inflatable restraint steering module on the driver side deployment
harness
in order to short the wires.
- Twist together one end of each wire of side air bag module on
the driver side deployment harness in order to short the wires.
- Remove the drop cloth from the vehicle.
- Disconnect all harnesses from the vehicle.
- Discard the harnesses.
- Scrap the vehicle in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
- If one or all of the inflator modules did not deploy, perform
the following steps to remove the undeployed module(s) from the vehicle:
- Call the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.