GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: In order to prevent accidental deployment and the risk of personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as normal shop waste. Undeployed inflator modules contain substances that could cause severe illness or personal injury if their sealed containers are damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to observe the following disposal methods may be a violation of federal, state, or local laws.

    Caution: Use care when working around the roof rail inflator module because sharp objects may puncture the roof rail airbag and the airbag will not deploy correctly.

    In order to avoid personal injury, if any part of the module is damaged replace the entire module

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling and SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Remove the headliner and the garnish moldings from the vehicle. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.
  3. Important: Remove all clips and plastic guides from the structure. Clips are designed for single usage only. The new inflator assembly will contain new clips and plastic guides.

  4. Unsnap the SIR tether retainer and remove the tether from the windshield pillar.

  5. Object Number: 964653  Size: SH
  6. Remove the SIR curtain fasteners from the inflator retention tabs and clips. Remove the SIR curtain from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 964653  Size: SH

    Important: If the vehicle is equipped with a side head curtain inflator module, position the module tether rearward of the molding attaching clips.

  1. Unpack the new inflator assembly. Start at the rear of the vehicle and install the inflator head to the structure with integral T-locator and fasteners.
  2. Working from the rear of the vehicle, install the retaining tabs to the structure to hold the inflator assembly in place.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Visually inspect the side curtain to assure that the curtain is not twisted.

  4. Install the remaining side SIR curtain fasteners.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

  6. Install the hook on the curtain tether to the windshield pillar. Snap the hook retainer into place.
  7. Install the headliner and the garnish moldings to the vehicle. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.
  8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling and SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  9. After replacing the module, deploy the old module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .