SUPPLE. INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM WIRING REPAIR PROCEDURE

Models Affected: 1990 FIREBIRD

Special wiring repair procedures have been developed for use on the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System due to the nature of the circuitry. These specific procedures and instructions must be followed when working with SIR System wiring and wiring components (such as connectors and terminals). Some system components require replacement, while others may be repaired. Always follow the guidelines given below when working with SIR wiring.

When repairs to the SIR system wiring are made, always use the Crimp and Seal splices, crimping tools, and repair instructions supplied with Wiring Repair Kit J 38125-A. No alternate repair methods are allowed.

COMPONENT REPLACEMENT AND WIRE REPAIR GUIDELINES

Wire repair on the following components is by replacement only. (No repair of any type is to be performed on the following components).

Component Replacement Service Part Number --------- ------------------------------- Firebird

Inflator Module 17988696

Sensors:

Forward sensor 16088821 Passenger compartment sensor 16088841 Arming sensor 16088831 Contact Coil Initiator 26013854 Resistor Module 12085219

Wire repair is allowed only on the following components:

SIR Wiring Harness

SIR WIRE HARNESS REPAIR

If any wire within the SIR wiring harness is damaged, the wire should be repaired by splicing in a new section of wire of the same gauge size (.5, .8, 1.0 etc). The sealed splices and crimping tool from terminal repair kit J 38125-A must be used for these splices. Carefully follow the instructions included in the kit for proper sealed splice application.

SIR WIRE HARNESS SPLICE REPAIR

If any of the original equipment splices (S201, etc., three wires or more) in the SIR wiring harness are damaged they should be repaired by applying a new splice clip (not sealed) from terminal kit, J 38125-A. Carefully follow the instructions included in the kit for proper splice clip application. Cloth duct tape may be substituted for splice tape if necessary.

SIR CONNECTOR (PLASTIC BODY) AND TERMINAL (METAL PIN) REPAIR

If any connector or terminal in the SIR wire harness is damaged, the component should be repaired using one of the connector repair assembly packs listed below. These kits include an instruction sheet and the sealed splices which will be necessary to splice the new wires, connector, and terminals to the harness. The crimping tool from terminal repair kit J 38125-A must be used to apply these splices.

The terminals in the SIR system are made of a special metal to provide necessary contact integrity for the sensitive low energy circuits. These terminals are only available in the connector repair assembly packs and no other terminal should be substituted.

If individual terminals are damaged on the DERM or resistor module, they should be repaired using P/N 12085510. If individual terminals are damaged on any other SIR connection, the entire connection should be replaced using the appropriate Connector Repair Assembly Pack.

1990 Firebird SIR Connector Repair Assembly Packs

Connector Repair Assembly Pack P/N (Harness Connectors Only) --- ------------------------- Resistor Module 12085214 Steering Column Base 12085514 Forward Sensor 12101764 Passenger Compartment Sensor 12085515 Arming Sensor 12085513 DERM 12085218 DERM/Resistor Terminal Repair 12085510 Assembly Pack

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Alternative Repair Methods

No alternative repair methods are available for the SIR system wiring and components. If the proper tools and/or components are not available, contact your Pontiac Zone Office for assistance.

Warranty Information:

Labor Operation Number: N6473

Labor Time .5

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.