Disabling the SIR System
Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:
• Air bag deployment • Personal injury • Unnecessary SIR system repairs • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring. • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.
- Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
- Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
- Remove the air bag fuse from the instrument panel fuse block.
- Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Interior Trim.
- Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer and the yellow 2-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column.
Important: The diagnostic energy reserve module (DERM) can maintain sufficient voltage to cause deployment for up to two minutes after the ignition switch is turned off and/or the battery has been disconnected. Many of the service procedures require removal of the air bag fuse and the inflator module yellow 2-way electrical connector from the deployment loop in order to avoid accidental deployment.
Important: With the air bag fuse removed and the ignition switch in the RUN position, the SIR warning lamp will be illuminated. This is normal operation and does not indicate an SIR fault.
Enabling the SIR System
- Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
- Install the yellow 2-way SIR connector and the CPA retainer at the base of the steering column.
- Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Interior Trim.
- Install the air bag to the instrument panel fuse block.
| • | Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. |
| • | Verify that the SIR warning lamp flashes seven times and then turns off. If it does not operate as described, perform the SIR Diagnostic System Check. Refer to SIR Diagnostic System Check in SIR. |
Live (Unemployed) Inflator Module Handling
Use special care when handling and storing a live (unemployed) inflator module. The rapid gas generation produced during deployment of the air bag may cause the inflator module, or another object placed in the front of the inflator module to be thrown through the air in the event of an accidental deployment.
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
Deployed Inflator Module Handling
After an inflator module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used in order to lubricate the bag as the bag inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. However, as a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses in order to prevent any possible irritation of the skin or eyes.
Inflator Module Scrapping Procedure
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.
Refer to Inflator Module Handling, Shipping, and Scrapping in SIR.
