Live and Undeployed Inflator Module
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 |
Take special care when handling or storing a live (undeployed) inflator
module. An inflator module deployment produces a rapid generation
of gas. This may cause the inflator module, or an object in front
of the inflator module, to project through the air in the event of
an unlikely deployment.
Dual Stage Inflator Module
Dual stage inflator modules have two deployment stages. If stage 1
was used to deploy a dual stage inflator module, stage 2 may still
be active. Therefore, a deployed inflator module must still be treated
as an active inflator module. If disposal of a deployed or undeployed
dual stage module is required, both deployment loops must be energized
to deploy the inflator module.
Scrapping Procedure
During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may
arise which will require the disposal of a live and undeployed inflator
module. Do not dispose a live and undeployed inflator module
through normal disposal channels until the inflator module
has been deployed. If scrapping a deployed dual stage inflator module,
both stages must be energized. The following information
covers the proper procedures for the disposing of a live and undeployed
inflator module. Do not deploy the inflator module in the following
situations:
| • | After replacement of an inflator module under warranty. The inflator
module may need to be returned undeployed to the manufacturer. |
| • | If the vehicle is the subject of a product liability report, GM1241,
related to the SIR or seat belt system. When a vehicle is the subject of
a product liability report, do not alter the SIR or seat belt system
in any manner. |
| • | If the vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator
modules. Follow the instructions in the campaign service bulletin for proper
SIR handling 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 - Steering Wheel Module, IP Module,
and Side Impact Module
Deploy the 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
is malfunctioning. |
| • | The inflator module is cosmetically damaged , scratched, or ripped. |
| • | The inflator module pigtail, if equipped, is damaged. |
| • | The inflator module connector is damaged. |
| • | The inflator module connector terminals are damaged. |
Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject
to any required retention period.
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.
Tools Required
| • | J 38826-25 Side Impact Module Adapter |
| • | J 38826-75 Steering Wheel Module Adapter (Dual Stage
Air Bags) |
| • | J 38826-80 IP Module Adapter (Dual Stage Air Bags) |
- Turn OFF the ignition.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Put on safety glasses.
- Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:
- Place the inflator 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 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the inflator
module or deployment fixture. 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.
Important: Dual stage air bags deployments are only used in steering wheel and
IP inflator modules, if the vehicle is equipped. If stage 1 was use
to deploy a dual stage inflator module, stage 2 may still be active.
If disposal of a deployed or undeployed dual stage module is required
both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the air bag.
- If you have a steering wheel inflator module, place the inflator module
in the center of the space.
- If you have an IP inflator
module, refer to the following instructions:
| • | Place the J 39401-B
SIR deployment fixture (2) in the center of the cleared area. |
| • | Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand. |
| • | Using the proper nuts and bolts, mount the IP module (1)
to the deployment fixture (2), with the vinyl trim facing up. |
| • | Tighten all fasteners that hold the IP module (1) to the
deployment fixture (2). |
- If you have a side impact
module, refer to the following instructions:
| • | Place the J 39401-B
SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area. |
| • | Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand. |
| • | Using the proper nuts and mount the side impact module (1)
to the deployment fixture (3), with the vinyl trim facing up. |
| • | Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment
fixture (3). |
| • | Tighten all fasteners that hold the side impact module (1)
to the deployment fixture (3). |
- Inspect the J 38826
and the appropriate pigtail adapter
for damage. Replace as needed.
- Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using
one banana plug seated into the other.
Important: Refer to Tools Required list for the correct adapter.
- Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment
harness (1).
- Extend the SIR deployment
harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
Important: On the steering wheel dual stage inflator module both connectors must
be attached to the deployment harness adapter. This will ensure that both
stage 1 and stage 2 of the deployment loops are energized,
regardless of the deployment state.
- Connect the inflator module to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment
harness (1).
- Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e.,
vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
Important:
| • | The rapid expansion of gas involved with deploying an inflator module
is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend
to deploy the inflator module. |
| • | When the inflator module deploys, the deployment fixture may jump about
30 cm (1 ft) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the
inflator module due to the force of the rapid expansion of gas inside
the inflator module. |
| • | If you are deploying a dual stage inflator module with stage 1
already deployed, the fixture may not move and the noise may have been reduced. |
- Clear the area of people.
- Separate the 2 banana
plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
- Connect the SIR deployment
harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur
when contact is made.
- Disconnect the SIR deployment
harness from the power source after the inflator module deploys.
- If the inflator module 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.
|
- Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short
the deployment harness leads.
- 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 inflator module through normal refuse
channels.
- Wash hands with a mild soap.
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.
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to
Disabling the SIR System
.
Caution: A deployed dual stage inflator module will look the same whether one or both
stages were used, always assume a deployed dual stage inflator module has an active
stage 2. Improper handling or servicing can activate the inflator module and cause
personal injury.
- Disconnect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module
yellow connector (4) located next to steering column (2).
Important: If vehicle is equipped with dual stage air bags the steering wheel module
and IP module will each have 4 wires and standard air bags will only
have 2 wires. Refer to
SIR Connector End Views
for determining high and low circuits.
- Cut the yellow 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 2 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 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 inflator module.
- Twist together the two
connector wire leads of the high circuits from both stages of the IP module
to one of the deployment harness wires. Refer to
SIR Connector End Views
in order to determine the correct circuits.
- Inspect that the 3 wire connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the
3 wire connection to deployment harness using electrical tape.
- Twist together 2 connector
wire leads of the low circuits from both stages of the steering wheel module
to one sets of deployment wires. Refer to
SIR Connector End Views
in order to determine the correct circuits.
- Inspect that the 3 wire connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the
3 wire connection to deployment harness using electrical tape.
- Connect the deployment
harness to the steering wheel module in-line connector.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the driver side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the driver
side impact module yellow connector (1) from the vehicle wiring harness (4)
located under the driver seat.
- Cut the 2 side impact
module wires leading to the yellow 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 module connector wire leads.
- Cut 2 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 1 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 impact module.
- Twist together 1 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 side impact module - LF.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the driver side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the IP module
yellow harness connector (2) above passenger side sound insulator.
Important: If vehicle is equipped with dual stage air bags the IP module will each
have 4 wires and standard air bags will only have 2 wires.
Refer to
SIR Connector End Views
for determining high and low circuits.
- Cut the yellow 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 the two
connector wire leads of the high circuits from both stages of the IP module
to one of the deployment harness wires. Refer to
SIR Connector End Views
in order to determine the correct circuits.
- Inspect that the 3 wire connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the
3 wire connection to deployment harness using electrical tape.
- Twist together the two
connector wire leads of the low circuits from both stages of the IP module
to the deployment harness wire. Refer to
SIR Connector End Views
in order to determine the correct circuits.
- Inspect that the 3 wire connection is secure.
- Bend flat the twisted
connection.
- Secure and insulate the
3 wire connection to deployment harness using electrical tape.
- Connect the deployment harness to the IP module in-line connector.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the passenger
side impact module yellow connector (1) from the vehicle wiring harness (4)
located under the passenger seat.
- Cut the two side impact
module wires leading to the yellow 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 module 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.
- Connect the deployment harness to the side impact module - RF.
- Route the deployment harness
out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Completely cover the windshield and front door window openings
with a drop cloth.
- Stretch out all of the deployment harness wires on the left and
right side of the vehicle to their full length.
- Deploy each deployment loop one at a time.
- Place a power source, 12 V minimum/2 A minimum,
i.e., a vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harnesses.
- Separate the one set of wires and touch the wires ends to the
power source in order to deploy the inflator modules, doing one module at
a time.
- Disconnect the deployment harness from the power source and twist
the wire ends together.
- Continue the same process with the remaining deployment harnesses
that are available.
- 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 Technical Assistance Group.
