For 1990-2009 cars

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

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

### Live (Undeployed) Inflator Module

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.

### Scrapping Procedure

During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may arise which will require the disposal of a live (undeployed) inflator module. Do not dispose a live (undeployed) inflator module through normal disposal channels until the inflator module has been deployed. The following information covers the proper procedures for the disposing of a live (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 (GM-1241) related to the SIR system. When a vehicle is the subject of a product liability report, do not alter the SIR 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 SIR Deployment Harness

• | J 39401-B SIR Deployment Fixture

• | An appropriate pigtail adaptor

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the ignition key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:

• | If you are removing the steering wheel module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .

• | If you are removing the IP module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .

• | If you are removing the side impact module - LF, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - Left Side .

• | If you are removing the side impact module - RF, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - Right Side .

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

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.
5. Place the inflator module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench.
6. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the inflator module. 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.
7. Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
8. When deploying the steering wheel module, place the steering wheel module in the center of the space.
9. When deploying the IP 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

• | Mount the IP module (1) in the deployment fixture (2) with the vinyl/plastic trim facing up

• | To mount, use four M 6 bolts (6), nuts (8), and washers (7) in order to properly secure the IP module (1) to the deployment fixture.

• | Securely tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.

10. When deploying 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

• | Mount the side impact module (1) in the deployment fixture (3) with the vinyl/plastic trim cover facing up.

• | Adjust and secure the J 39401-B arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).

• | To mount, use two M 6 x 1.0 nuts (2) with washers in order to secure the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture arms (4).

• | Securely tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.

11. Inspect the J 38826 SIR deployment harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
12. Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
13. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
14. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
15. Connect the inflator module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
16. Clear the area of people.

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.

Important: 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.

17. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
18. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e. vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness.
19. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur when contact is made.
20. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source.
21. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.

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.

22. 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.
23. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
24. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
25. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
26. Wash hands with a mild soap.

### Deployment Inside Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

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.

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.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the ignition key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Remove all loose objects from the front seats.
5. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
6. Cut the steering wheel module coil connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
7. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.
8. Cut two 4.6 m (15 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. These wires will be used for the steering wheel module deployment harness.
9. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
10. 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.
11. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.
12. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
13. Bend flat the twisted connection.
14. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
15. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
16. Connect the deployment harness to the steering wheel module.
17. Install the steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
18. Route the deployment harness out of the driver side of the vehicle.
19. Disconnect the inflatable restraint side impact module - LF connector.
20. Cut the side impact module - LF connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
21. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.
22. Cut two 4.6 m (15 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. These wires will be used for the side impact module - LF deployment harness.
23. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
24. 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.
25. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.
26. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
27. Bend flat the twisted connection.
28. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
29. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
30. Connect the deployment harness to the side impact module - LF connector.
31. Route the deployment harness out of the driver side of the vehicle.
32. Disconnect the inflatable restraint IP module connector (1).
33. Cut the IP module connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
34. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.
35. Cut two 4.6 m (15 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. These wires will be used for the IP module deployment harness.
36. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
37. 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.
38. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.
39. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
40. Bend flat the twisted connection.
41. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
42. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
43. Connect the deployment harness to the IP module connector (1).
44. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
45. Disconnect the inflatable restraint side impact module - RF connector.
46. Cut the side impact module - RF connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
47. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.
48. Cut two 4.6 M (15 ft) deployment wires from a 0.8 mm (18 gage) or thicker multi-strand wire. These wires will be used for the side impact module - RF deployment harness.
49. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
50. 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.
51. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.
52. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.
53. Bend flat the twisted connection.
54. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.
55. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
56. Connect the deployment harness to the side impact module - RF connector.
57. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
58. Completely cover the windshield and the front door openings with a drop cloth.
59. Deploy each deployment loop one at a time.
60. Stretch out all of the deployment harness wires on the left and right side of the vehicle to their full length.
61. Place a power source, 12 V minimum/2 A minimum (i.e., a vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harnesses.
62. Separate one set of wires and touch the wire ends to the power source in order to deploy the inflator modules.
63. Disconnect the deployment harness from the power source and twist the wire ends together.
64. Continue the same process with the remaining deployment harnesses that are available.
65. Remove the drop cloth from the vehicle.
66. Disconnect all harnesses from the vehicle.
67. Discard the harnesses.
68. Scrap the vehicle in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
69. If one or more of the inflator modules did not deploy, perform the following steps to remove the undeployed module(s) from the vehicle:

• | If the steering wheel module did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .

• | If the IP module did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .

• | If the side impact module - LF did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - Left Side .

• | If the side impact module - RF did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - Right Side .

70. Call the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.