GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 44298 Drivers Air Bag Removal Tool

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .

  2. Object Number: 640349  Size: SH
  3. On the back side of the steering wheel are 4 openings for removing the driver inflator module.
  4. Position the steering wheel so that 2 of the openings are at the top.
  5. Adjust and install J 44298 into the 2 holes.
  6. Important: Seat the air bag removal tool fully in the openings.

  7. Push the handle back towards I/P, releasing the 2 spring-loaded retainers at the same time.
  8. Position the steering wheel in order to access the 2  remaining openings at the top.
  9. Push the handle back towards the I/P in order to release the 2  remaining spring-loaded retainers at the same time.
  10. Pull the driver inflator module gently away from the steering wheel.

  11. Object Number: 255209  Size: SH

    Important: Note the driver inflator wire routing positions and the horn wire routing positions for the correct re-assembly.

  12. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) from the electrical connector.
  13. Disconnect the electrical connector (4) from the driver inflator module.
  14. Disconnect the horn electrical connector (2).
  15. Remove the steering wheel module (5).
  16. Fully deploy the 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 .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 255209  Size: SH
  1. Connect the horn electrical connector (2).
  2. Connect the inflator module electrical connector (4). Install the CPA to the driver inflator module electrical connector.
  3. Important: Route the driver inflator wires and the horn wires correctly.

  4. Align the driver inflator module retainers to the steering wheel.
  5. Push the driver inflator module (5) firmly to the steering wheel in order to engage the drivers inflator retainers.
  6. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .