GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2007 🢒 Epica 🢒 Safety and Security 🢒 Supplemental Inflatable Restraints 🢒 Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision
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Caution: 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.

  • If any supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) components are damaged, they must be replaced. If the SIR components mounting points are damaged, they must be repaired or replaced.
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  • Never use SIR parts from another vehicle. This does not include remanufactured parts purchased from an authorized source.
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  • Do not attempt to service the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), the steering wheel module coil, or other air bag modules. These items must be replaced if they are defective.
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  • Verify the part number of the replaced air bag modules. Some inflator modules look identical but contain different internal components.

    • Accident With Deployment Components Replacements

    All SIR components must be replaced after a frontal crash involving air bag deployment. After deployment, a powdery residue may be on the surface of the air bag. The powder consists primarily of cornstarch, used to lubricate the bag as it inflates, and by-products of the chemical reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. Replace the following SIR components:

           Important: Wear gloves and safely glasses during the disposal procedure. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

        • The SDM
        • Air bag modules and pretensioners
        • SIR wiring
        • Steering wheel module coil

    Accident Without Deployment Component Inspection

    Certain inspections must be performed after any crash, whether the air bag has deployed or not.

        • The steering column must be dimensionally inspected.
        • Inspect the knee bolsters and mounting points for distortion, bending and cracking, or other damages.
        • Inspect the instrument panel (I/P) and the steering column reinforcement plate for distortion, bending and cracking, or other damage.
        • Inspect the I/P braces for distortion, bending and cracking, or other damage.
        • Inspect the seat belt and mounting points. Refer to Seat Belt System Description and Operation .