GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 G3 🢒 Preface 🢒 Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions 🢒 SIR Disabling and Enabling

SIR component location affects how a vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the SIR system installed in various locations around a vehicle. To find the location of the SIR components, refer to the Passenger Compartment/Roof Component Views.

There are several reasons that warrant disabling the SIR system, such as repairs to the SIR system or servicing a component near or attached to an SIR component. There are several ways to disable the SIR system depending on what type of service is being performed. The following information covers the proper procedures for disabling/enabling the SIR system.

    • If the vehicle was involved in an accident with an air bag deployment, remove the negative battery cable. Then refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision.
    • When performing SIR diagnostics follow the service manual diagnostic procedures and disable the SIR system when indicated to do so by removing the negative battery cable.
    • When performing electrical diagnosis on components other than the SIR system, remove the SIR/Airbag fuse(s) when indicated by the diagnostic procedure.
    • When removing or replacing a component attached to or near an SIR component, remove the negative battery cable as indicated in the R & R procedure.

Note: If at anytime it is determined the SIR system is affected by the repairs to another component, the negative battery cable should be removed

SIR Service Precautions

Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) maintains a reserved energy supply. The reserved energy supply provides deployment power for the air bags if the SDM loses battery power during a collision. Deployment power is available for as much as 1 minute after disconnecting the vehicle power. Waiting 1 minute before working on the system after disabling the SIR system prevents deployment of the air bags from the reserved energy supply.

General Service Instructions

The following are general service instructions which must be followed in order to properly repair the vehicle and return it to its original integrity:

    • Do not expose inflator modules to temperatures above 65°C (150°F).
    • Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a different vehicle.
    • Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Do not use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.

Discard any of the following components if it has been dropped from a height of 91 cm (3 feet) or greater:

    • Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
    • Inflatable restraint instrument panel (I/P) module
    • Inflatable restraint steering wheel module
    • Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
    • Inflatable restraint side impact modules (front seat)
    • Inflatable restraint roof side rail modules
    • Inflatable restraint side impact sensors (SIS)
    • Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioners
    • Inflatable restraint front end sensor
    • Inflatable restraint passenger presence system (PPS)

Disabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

    3. Note: With the AIR BAG fuse removed and the ignition switch in the ON position, the AIR BAG warning indicator illuminates. This is normal operation, and does not indicate an SIR system malfunction.

  3. Remove the cover for the I/P fuse center.
  4. Locate and remove the F1 Fuse from the I/P fuse center.
  5. Wait 1 minute before working on system.

Enabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse
  1. Place the ignition in the OFF position.
  2. Install the F1 Fuse in the interior fuse center.
  3. Replace the fuse center cover.
  4. Use caution while reaching in and turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
  5. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.

Disabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable
  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Place the ignition in the OFF position.
  3. Open the hood.
  4. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  5. Wait 1 minute before working on system.

Enabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable
  1. Place the ignition in the OFF position.
  2. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  3. Use caution while reaching in and turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
  4. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.