Info - Frontal SIR On-Off Switch Kits, New Parts and Procedures

This bulletin is being revised to add the 1999 & 2000 model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 73-90-23 (Section 9 -- Accessories).

Important: "GM of Canada" and "IPC" Dealers are not authorized to utilize this service bulletin.

Never consider installing an air bag on-off switch unless the following conditions are met:

1. The customer presents a letter from NHTSA authorizing the installation of the air bag on-off switch.
2. The dealership gives the customer a copy of the NOTICE TO GM OWNERS ABOUT AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCHES.
3. The customer still wants the air bag on-off switch installed.

This bulletin includes information regarding switches to turn off and on frontal air bags, additional switch/display light diagnosis, switch installation kit content descriptions and ordering directions for special parts (if required).

Some time ago, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new regulation about air bags. The new regulation includes procedures that will permit the installation of air bag on-off switches for the few customers who, in NHTSA's opinion, fit the criteria for switches.

Important: Due to the new regulation, DEALERS SHOULD NO LONGER USE THE INFORMATION ON AIR BAG DISCONNECTION (Corporate Bulletin # 73-90-12, dated June, 1997). INSTEAD, USE THE INFORMATION INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN.

The switch installation kit contains the necessary components (switch, bracket, attaching hardware, display light, applique, sheet for switch and light, tie straps and instruction sheets) for system operation.

Some kits also include a replacement safety belt for certain vehicles that are designed with specific FORCE LIMITING safety belt systems. Special Owner's Manual inserts are included in the installation kit for system operation review by the owner.

Additional equipment such as a 12 volt test lamp and the J 38125-B (-A or -500 will also apply) Terminal Repair Kit, are required to complete the switch kit installation. In some cases, scan tools (Tech II or equivalent) may be required to reprogram certain control modules.

The cost of the switch kit and labor to install the switch kit are the responsibility of the customer. Suggested times for installation are included at the end of this bulletin (see below).

Important: In rare instances, the installation of switch(es) may turn on the vehicle air bag warning light. This condition may exist due to the additional resistance of the switch and harness when added to the SIR system. In these rare instances, a SPECIAL SERVICE ONLY Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) of Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will be made available to the owner from GMSPO at no charge for the parts and labor. Prior to ordering and/or installing a switch kit, the customer should be advised that this potential does exist and can be resolved by one of the following options:

If the light does come on after switch installation (AND PROPER INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN VERIFIED), advise the customer that the light has come on and that the vehicle:

The standard SIR system diagnosis can be made by disconnecting the switch from the SIR wiring harness and following the directions for SIR System Diagnosis found in the appropriate Service Manual.

A description of the major components of the installation kit is as follows:

One switch kit will be required for each air bag (driver or passenger) and will be ignition key operated. When the switch is in the OFF position, the air bag will remain OFF until the switch is turned to the ON position . Turning the switch to the ON position will allow the air bag to function.

The recommended locations for the switches on most vehicles is in the instrument panel glove compartment (center console if vehicle has no glove compartment) or, in the case of some vans, in the center stowage compartment (see the recommended location illustrations that are provided with each switch kit).

Important: Switches or display light indicators MUST NOT be placed on any instrument panel surfaces directly in front of the driver's or passenger's leg or knee areas.

Each switch requires a display light to indicate the OFF status of the air bag. Each display light includes a harness to be connected to the switch harness. The recommended mounting locations for the display lights vary, but are typically located at the center front edge of the roof headliner (or windshield garnish molding) above the rear view mirror (see the recommended location illustrations provided with each switch kit).

Important: When installed, driver and/or passenger display light(s) must be visible by all front seat occupants.

Important: Switches or display light indicators MUST NOT be placed on any instrument panel surfaces directly in front of the driver's or passenger's leg or knee areas.

In general terms, the switch will be connected IN SERIES with the appropriate air bag (at the service disconnect) and will require additional connection of a feed wire to an ignition fed circuit and a ground wire to the body to complete the circuit for the display light indicator.

Diagnostics for the switch and display light are included with this bulletin (see below).

As always, the technician should make sure to review the wiring harness routing and installation for pinching, rubbing and chafing to brackets, braces (etc.) and take appropriate actions to protect the wiring from those potential conditions.

Order the appropriate Installation Kit(s) (passenger, driver, or both) from GMSPO. For kit part numbers and usage, see Group 14.865 of the appropriate GMSPO Parts Catalog.

If special DERMs or SDMs are required to resolve a WARNING LIGHT ON condition, order the part from GMSPO in the normal manner. For part numbers and usage see Group 14.865 of the appropriate GMSPO Parts Catalog.

Important: 1995-98 G (Aurora and Riviera) and 1997-00 Y (Corvette) switch kits include replacement safety belts. These belts MUST replace the original safety belts when installing a switch kit. Aurora and Riviera models built on or after January 1, 1998 will include DEPOWERED air bags, and the safety belts on these vehicles will not be included in switch kits and MUST NOT BE CHANGED. The 1997-00 Corvette models will require safety belt changes regardless of build dates. The belts will be replaced at no charge for the parts or the labor.

Switch kits and installation are NOT considered a warranty repair. Parts and labor charges (except for special DERM or SDM and replacement safety belt installation if required) are the responsibility of the customer. If special DERMs or SDMs are required to resolve a WARNING LIGHT ON condition, USE THE EXISTING LABOR OPERATION AND TIME ALLOWANCES WITH THE SPECIAL CUSTOMER AND FAILURE CODES WHEN SUBMITTING CLAIMS:

USE LABOR OPERATION C8815, CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODE WK AND FAILURE CODE 93. USE PUBLISHED LABOR OPERATION TIMES.

USE LABOR OPERATION C8817, CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODE WK AND FAILURE CODE 93. USE PUBLISHED LABOR OPERATION TIMES.

When installing switch kits on 1995-98 Aurora, Riviera and 1997-00 Corvette models, the appropriate safety belts must be replaced. When submitting claims, use the existing labor operation and time allowances with special customer complaint and failure codes. The LABOR ONLY may be claimed. The cost of the belt is included in the kit price.

USE C9040 RIGHT SIDE ONLY, C9041 LEFT SIDE ONLY OR C9047 FOR BOTH AND INCLUDE THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODE MH AND FAILURE CODE 93. USE PUBLISHED LABOR OPERATION TIMES.

When the dealer decides to install an air bag on-off switch under NHTSA's new regulation, the dealer should fill out and send to NHTSA the form entitled INSTALLATION OF AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. The dealer should also keep:

1. A copy of the INSTALLATION form.
2. A copy of the letter NHTSA sent to the customer authorizing the switch.
3. A copy of any waiver the dealer obtains from the customer when the switch is installed.

Important: In addition, the new regulations require dealers to send the original of the customer's signed authorization form to NHTSA at the following address:

National Highway Traffic Safety Association

Attention: Air Bag Switch Forms

400 Seventh Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20590-1000