GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Handling Procedure

  1. Do not carry a seat belt pretensioner by it's wiring harness lead.
  2. Do not apply power to a pretensioner except as specified.
  3. Do not attempt to make any repairs to the pretensioner assembly. A damaged or defective component must be replaced.
  4. Do not weld, solder, braze, hammer, machine drill, or otherwise heat any SRS component.

Deployment Procedure - (In Vehicle)

For in vehicle deployment procedure, refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping.

Deployment Procedure - (Out Of Vehicle)

Deploy the seat belt pretensioners 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, it is determined that the seat belt pretensioner is malfunctioning.
    • The seat belt pretensioner pigtail, if equipped, is damaged.
    • The seat belt retractor pretensioner connector is damaged.
    • The seat belt retractor pretensioner connector terminals are damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning seat belt pretensioner is subject to any required retention period.

Warning: Do not strike or jolt the inflatable restraint front end sensor. Before applying power to the front end sensor make sure that it is securely fastened. Failure to observe the correct installation procedure could cause SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Special Tools

    • J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
    • J 38826-25 for seat belt pretensioner module adapter
    • J 39401-B SIR Deployment Fixture
    • An appropriate pigtail adaptor

    Object Number: 1225155  Size: SH
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the ignition key.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Remove the seat belt retractor pretensioner from the vehicle. Refer to Front Seat Belt Replacement.
  5. When carrying a seat belt retractor pretensioner to the deployment area, keep fingers clear of the seat belt webbing.

  6. Object Number: 1225166  Size: SH
  7. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter (a) for deployment of the seat belt pretensioner. 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.
  8. Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
  9. Place the J 39401-B in the center of the cleared area.
  10. Fill the fixture plastic reservoir with water or sand.

  11. Object Number: 1225176  Size: SH
  12. Mount the seat belt pretensioner (1) in the SIR deployment fixture (3) with the open end facing up using the following mounting method.
  13. • Adjust and secure the J 39401-B arms (4) to the deployment fixture, with the short slotted portions of the arms standing vertically and facing toward the center of the deployment fixture.
    • To mount, use the proper size bolt (2) and nut (5) with washers in order to secure the seat belt pretensioner (1) to the deployment fixture brackets.
    • Securely tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.

    Object Number: 68645  Size: SH
  14. Inspect the J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
  15. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using 1 banana plug seated into the other.

  16. Object Number: 1225179  Size: SH
  17. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
  18. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
  19. Connect the seat belt pretensioner connector to the adapter on the deployment harness.
  20. Note: When deploying a seat belt retractor pretensioner, the rapid expansion of gas is very loud. Notify the people in the immediate area that a seat belt pretensioner will be deployed.

  21. Clear the area of people.

  22. Object Number: 39382  Size: SH
  23. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

  24. Object Number: 1225186  Size: SH

    Note: When the seat belt retractor pretensioner deploys, the deployment fixture may jump about 30 cm (1 ft) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the seat belt pretensioner due to the force of the rapid expansion of gas inside the pretensioner.

  25. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source, such as a vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harness.
  26. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Seat belt pretensioner deployment will occur when contact is made.
  27. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the seat belt retractor pretensioner deploys.

  28. Object Number: 9581  Size: SH
  29. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
  30. If the seat belt retractor pretensioner did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.
  31. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
  32. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the seat belt retractor pretensioner as soon as possible.
  33. Dispose of the deployed seat belt retractor pretensioner through normal refuse channels.
  34. Wash hands with a mild soap.