GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Live (Undeployed) Inflator Module


Object Number: 9039  Size: SH

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.

Be careful when you handle or store a live (undeployed) inflator module. An air bag deployment produces rapid gas generation. This may cause the inflator module or an object in front of the inflator module to jettison through the air in the event of an unlikely deployment.

Shipping Procedures

Refer to the latest service bulletins for proper SIR inflator module shipping procedures.

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. The following information covers the proper procedures for this disposal. Deploy the inflator module before disposal. Do not dispose the module through normal disposal channels.

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.

Do NOT deploy an air bag in the following situations:

    • After replacing an inflator module under warranty, the module may need to be returned undeployed to the original manufacturer. Refer to the latest service bulletin regarding SIR shipping procedures.
    • If the vehicle is the subject of a Product Liability report related to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241), do not alter the SIR system in any manner. Refer to the latest service bulletin on SIR shipping procedures.
    • If the vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator modules, follow the instructions in the Campaign Service Bulletin for proper SIR handling and shipping procedures.

Deployment Procedures

You may deploy the inflator module 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 (Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module)

Tools Required

    • J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
    • An appropriate pigtail adapter

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.

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 inflatable restraint steering wheel 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 does not function properly.
    • The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover.
    • The inflator module pigtail harness is damaged.
    • The inflator module connector is damaged.
    • An inflator module connector terminal is damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject to any required retention period.


    Object Number: 68645  Size: SH
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Inspect J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adaptor for damage. Replace as needed.
  5. Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
  6. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
  7. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module from the vehicle. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 9427  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Place the module on a work bench, with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface.

  10. Object Number: 68646  Size: SH
  11. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 M (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Verify that you have sufficient ventilation.
  12. Clear all loose or flammable objects from the area.
  13. Place the module in the center of the space with the vinyl trim cover facing up.

  14. Object Number: 68655  Size: SH
  15. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the module.
  16. Place a 12-V minimum, 2-A minimum power source (e.g., a vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.

  17. Object Number: 68656  Size: SH
  18. Connect the module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
  19. Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
  20. Clear the area of people.

  21. Object Number: 39382  Size: SH

    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.

  22. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

  23. Object Number: 39388  Size: SH

    Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.

    Important: When the air bag deploys, the inflator module may jump about 30 cm (1 ft) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.

  24. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.

  25. Object Number: 9581  Size: SH
  26. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
  27. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
  28. If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, continue performing the following steps.

  29. Object Number: 9433  Size: SH

    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.

  30. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
  31. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
  32. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
  33. Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
  34. Wash your hands with a mild soap.

Deployment Outside Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint IP Module)

Tools Required

    • J 39401-B Sir Deployment Fixture
    • J 38826 Sir Deployment Harness
    • An appropriate pigtail adapter

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.

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 inflatable restraint instrument panel 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 does not function properly.
    • The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover.
    • The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged.
    • The inflator module connector is damaged.
    • An inflator module connector terminal is damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject to any required retention period.


    Object Number: 68645  Size: SH

    Important: Refer to the latest General Motors Service Bulletins before deploying a passenger inflator module.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Inspect J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
  5. Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
  6. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
  7. Remove the inflatable restraint instrument panel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 9427  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Place the module on a work bench, with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface.

  10. Object Number: 453878  Size: SH
  11. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 M (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Verify that you have sufficient ventilation.
  12. Clear all loose or flammable objects from the area.
  13. Place J 39401-B in the center of the cleared area.
  14. Fill the fixture plastic reservoir with water or sand.

  15. Object Number: 453892  Size: SH

    Important: Securely hand tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.

  16. Secure the J 39401-7A arms (5) to J 39401-B  (2) using carriage bolts (3) and nuts (4).
  17. Mount the module (1) in J 39401-B with the vinyl trim cover facing up.
  18. To mount, use four M6 bolts (6), nuts (8), and washers (7) in order to secure the module (1) to the deployment fixture (2).

  19. Object Number: 453898  Size: SH
  20. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the module.
  21. Place a 12-V minimum, 2-A minimum power source (e.g., a vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.

  22. Object Number: 453902  Size: SH
  23. Connect the module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
  24. Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
  25. Clear the area of people.

  26. Object Number: 39382  Size: SH

    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.

  27. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

  28. Object Number: 453905  Size: SH

    Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.

    Important: When the air bag deploys, the SIR deployment fixture may jump vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.

  29. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.

  30. Object Number: 9581  Size: SH
  31. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
  32. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
  33. If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.

  34. Object Number: 9433  Size: SH

    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.

  35. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
  36. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
  37. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
  38. Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
  39. Wash your hands with a mild soap.

Deployment Outside Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module)

Tools Required

    • J 39401-B SIR Deployment Fixture
    • J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
    • An appropriate pigtail adapter

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.

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 inflatable restraint side impact 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 does not function properly.
    • The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover.
    • The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged.
    • The inflator module connector is damaged.
    • An inflator module connector terminal is damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject to any required retention period.


    Object Number: 68645  Size: SH

    Important: Refer to the latest General Motors Service Bulletins before deploying a side impact inflator module.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Inspect J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
  5. Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
  6. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
  7. Remove the inflatable restraint side impact module. Refer to Driver and Passenger Seat Side Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 483660  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Place the module on a work bench, with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface.

  10. Object Number: 483661  Size: SH
  11. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 M (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Verify that you have sufficient ventilation.
  12. Clear all loose or flammable objects from the area.
  13. Place J 39401-B in the center of the cleared area.
  14. Fill the fixture plastic reservoir with water or sand.

  15. Object Number: 483663  Size: SH

    Important: Securely hand tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.

  16. Mount the module (1) in J 39401-B  (3) with the vinyl trim cover facing up.
  17. To mount, use two M6 x 1.0 nuts (2) with washers in order to secure the module (1) to the deployment fixture (3).

  18. Object Number: 483670  Size: SH
  19. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the module.
  20. Place a 12-V minimum, 2-A minimum power source (e.g., vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.

  21. Object Number: 483667  Size: SH
  22. Connect the module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
  23. Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
  24. Clear the area of people.

  25. Object Number: 39382  Size: SH

    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.

  26. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

  27. Object Number: 483664  Size: SH

    Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.

    Important: When the air bag deploys, the SIR deployment fixture may jump vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.

  28. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.

  29. Object Number: 9581  Size: SH
  30. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
  31. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
  32. If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.

  33. Object Number: 9433  Size: SH

    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.

  34. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
  35. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
  36. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
  37. Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
  38. Wash hands with a mild soap.

Deployment Inside Vehicle - Frontal Air Bags (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

You may deploy the inflator modules inside the vehicle prior to 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 has occurred to the vehicle in a non-deployment type accident.
    • Irreparable damage has occurred 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 the vehicle as the same VIN.

    Object Number: 39392  Size: SH

    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.

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Remove the ignition key.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Remove all loose objects from the front seats.
  5. Disconnect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module yellow 2-way connector.
  6. Cut the yellow 2-way harness 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. Object Number: 39390  Size: SH
  9. Cut two 4.6-M (15-ft) deployment wires from a multi-strand wire 0.8 mm² (18 gage) or thicker. Use these wires to fabricate the driver frontal air bag deployment harness.
  10. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of these wires.
  11. 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 air bag.

  12. Object Number: 39393  Size: SH
  13. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.
  14. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.

  15. Object Number: 39408  Size: SH
  16. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  17. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  18. Object Number: 39414  Size: SH
  19. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  20. Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module yellow 2-way connector.

  21. Object Number: 212655  Size: SH
  22. Route the deployment harness out of the vehicle's driver side.

  23. Object Number: 68649  Size: SH
  24. Disconnect the inflatable restraint IP module yellow 2-way harness connector.
  25. Cut the harness connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
  26. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.

  27. Object Number: 68651  Size: SH
  28. Cut two 6.1-M (20-ft) deployment wires from a multi-strand wire 0.8 mm² (18 gage) or thicker. These wires will be used to fabricate the passenger deployment harness.
  29. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of these wires.
  30. Twist together one end from each of the wires in order to short the wires.

  31. Object Number: 68652  Size: SH
  32. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.

  33. Object Number: 68660  Size: SH
  34. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  35. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  36. Object Number: 68662  Size: SH
  37. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  38. Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint IP module yellow 2-way connector.

  39. Object Number: 212659  Size: SH
  40. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
  41. Clear the inside and outside of the vehicle of any people or loose and flammable objects.
  42. Stretch the driver harness to full length.
  43. Stretch the passenger harness to full length.
  44. Completely cover the windshield and front door window openings with a drop cloth.

  45. Object Number: 212663  Size: SH
  46. Place a power source, 12V minimum, 2A minimum (e.g., a vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
  47. Separate the two ends of the driver frontal air bag deployment harness wires.
  48. Connect the driver frontal air bag deployment harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
  49. Disconnect the driver frontal air bag deployment harness wires from the power source.

  50. Object Number: 212667  Size: SH
  51. Separate the two ends of the passenger frontal air bag deployment harness wires.
  52. Connect the passenger frontal air bag deployment harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint IP module.
  53. Disconnect the passenger frontal air bag deployment harness wires from the power source.

  54. Object Number: 212655  Size: SH
  55. Twist together one end of each wire on the driver frontal air bag deployment harness in order to short the wires.

  56. Object Number: 212659  Size: SH
  57. Twist together one end of each wire on the passenger frontal air bag deployment harness in order to short the wires.
  58. Remove the drop cloth from the vehicle.
  59. Disconnect both harnesses from the vehicle.
  60. Discard the harnesses.
  61. Scrap the vehicle in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
  62. If one or both of the modules did not deploy, perform the following steps:
  63. 47.1. Remove the undeployed modules from the vehicle. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement and Inflatable Restraint IP Module Replacement.
    47.2. Temporarily store the modules.
    47.3. Call the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.

Deployment Inside Vehicle - Side Air Bags (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

You may deploy the inflator modules inside the vehicle prior to 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 has occurred to the vehicle in a non-deployment type accident.
    • Irreparable damage has occurred 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 the vehicle as the same VIN.

    Object Number: 68649  Size: SH

    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.

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Remove the ignition key.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Remove all loose objects from the front seats.
  5. Disconnect the inflatable restraint front side impact module (LH) yellow 2-way connector located under the driver seat.
  6. Cut the yellow 2-way harness 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. Object Number: 39390  Size: SH
  9. Cut two 4.6-M (15-ft) deployment wires from a multi-strand wire 0.8 mm² (18 gage) or thicker. Use these wires to fabricate the driver deployment harness.
  10. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of these wires.
  11. 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 air bag.

  12. Object Number: 68652  Size: SH
  13. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.
  14. Inspect that the previous connection is secure.

  15. Object Number: 68660  Size: SH
  16. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  17. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  18. Object Number: 68662  Size: SH
  19. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  20. Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint front side impact module (LH) yellow 2-way connector.

  21. Object Number: 212655  Size: SH
  22. Route the deployment harness out of the vehicle's driver side.

  23. Object Number: 68649  Size: SH
  24. Disconnect the inflatable restraint front side impact module (RH) yellow 2-way harness connector located under the front passenger seat.
  25. Cut the harness connector out of the vehicle, leaving at least 16 cm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
  26. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each of the connector wire leads.

  27. Object Number: 39390  Size: SH
  28. Cut two 4.6-M (15-ft) deployment wires from a multi-strand wire 0.8 mm² (18 gage) or thicker. These wires will be used to fabricate the passenger deployment harness.
  29. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of these wires.
  30. Twist together one end from each of the wires in order to short the wires.

  31. Object Number: 68652  Size: SH
  32. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire.

  33. Object Number: 68660  Size: SH
  34. Bend flat the twisted connection.
  35. Secure and insulate the connection using electrical tape.

  36. Object Number: 68662  Size: SH
  37. Twist together, bend, and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
  38. Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint front side impact module (RH) yellow 2-way connector.

  39. Object Number: 212659  Size: SH
  40. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
  41. Clear the inside and outside of the vehicle of any people or loose and flammable objects.
  42. Stretch the driver harness to full length.
  43. Stretch the passenger harness to full length.
  44. Completely cover the windshield and front door window openings with a drop cloth.

  45. Object Number: 212663  Size: SH
  46. Place a power source, 12V minimum, 2A minimum (e.g., a vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
  47. Separate the two ends of the driver side air bag deployment harness wires.
  48. Connect the driver side air bag deployment harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint front side impact module (LH).
  49. Disconnect the driver side air bag deployment harness wires from the power source.

  50. Object Number: 212667  Size: SH
  51. Separate the two ends of the passenger side air bag deployment harness wires.
  52. Connect the passenger side air bag deployment harness wires to the power source in order to deploy the inflatable restraint front side impact (RH) module.
  53. Disconnect the passenger side air bag deployment harness wires from the power source.

  54. Object Number: 212655  Size: SH
  55. Twist together one end of each wire on the driver side air bag deployment harness in order to short the wires.

  56. Object Number: 212659  Size: SH
  57. Twist together one end of each wire on the passenger side air bag deployment harness in order to short the wires.
  58. Remove the drop cloth from the vehicle.
  59. Disconnect both harnesses from the vehicle.
  60. Discard the harnesses.
  61. Scrap the vehicle in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
  62. If one or both of the modules did not deploy, perform the following steps:
  63. 47.1. Remove the undeployed modules from the vehicle. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front Side Impact Module Replacement.
    47.2. Temporarily store the modules.
    47.3. Call the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.

Handling a Deployed Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Inflator Module

After the inflator module has deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates), and by-products of the chemical reaction. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, you will probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended, however, as a precaution. Gloves and safety glasses help to prevent possible irritation of the skin or eyes.