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Info - New SIR System Disabling and Enabling Procedure

Subject:New SIR System Disabling and Enabling Procedure

Models:2003-2006 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2003-2006 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500-C8500 Series Medium Duty
2003-2006 GMC TopKick C4500-C8500 Series Medium Duty
2003-2006 HUMMER H2
2006 HUMMER H3
2005-2006 Saab 9-7X
with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System



SIR System Disabling and Enabling

Past experience with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) systems enables simplification of the SIR Disabling and Enabling procedure. Testing has shown that it is not always necessary to disconnect air bag(s) in the area of repairs. Future designs will eliminate certain deployment loop in-line connectors. The new SIR Enabling and Disabling procedure requires only a fuse removal and/or the negative battery cable disconnect.

The new SIR Enabling and Disabling procedure is less invasive (therefore eliminating potential squeak and rattle conditions that may occur from the previous procedure) and is a simpler and quicker approach. The labor time for operations requiring SIR disabling will be adjusted as appropriate according to the new procedure and revisions will appear in future releases of the GM Labor Time Guide.

SIR components are installed in various locations around the vehicle. To find the location of the SIR components, refer to the SIR Identification Views in the service manual. The following information covers the proper procedures for disabling/enabling the SIR system.

Condition

Action

If the vehicle was involved in an accident with an air bag deployment.

Disconnect the negative battery cable(s)*. Then refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision in the service manual.

When performing SIR diagnostics.

Follow the appropriate SIR service manual diagnostic procedure(s)*.

When removing or replacing an SIR component or a component attached to an SIR component.

Disconnect the negative battery cable(s)*.

If the vehicle is suspected of having shorted electrical wires.

Disconnect the negative battery cable(s)*.

When performing electrical diagnosis on components other than the SIR system.

Remove the SIR/Airbag fuse(s) when indicated by the diagnostic procedure to disable the SIR system.

*Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will be lost when the negative battery cable is disconnected.

SIR Service Precautions

Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components. Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedure could also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs.

The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) maintains a reserved energy supply. The reserved energy supply provides deployment power for the air bags if the SDM loses battery power during a collision. Deployment power is available for as much as one minute after disconnecting the vehicle power. Waiting one minute before working on the system after disabling the SIR system prevents deployment of the air bags from the reserved energy supply.

General Service Instructions

The following are general service instructions that must be followed in order to properly repair the vehicle and return it to its original integrity:

    • Do not expose inflator modules to temperatures above 65°C (150°F).
    • Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a different vehicle.
    • Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Do not use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.

Discard any of the following components if it has been dropped from a height of 91 cm (3 feet) or greater:

    • Inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
    • Any inflatable restraint air bag module.
    • Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil.
    • Any inflatable restraint sensor.
    • Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioners.
    • Inflatable restraint Passenger Presence System (PPS) module or sensor.

Disabling Procedure -- Air Bag Fuse

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
  3. Important: The inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) may have more than one fused power input. To ensure there is no unwanted SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs, remove all fuses supplying power to the SDM. With all SDM fuses removed and the ignition switch in the ON position, the AIR BAG warning indicator illuminates. This is normal operation, and does not indicate a SIR system malfunction.

  4. Locate and remove the fuse(s) supplying power to the SDM. Refer to SIR Schematics and/or Electrical Center Identification Views.
  5. Wait one minute before working on the system.

Enabling Procedure -- Air Bag Fuse

  1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
  2. Install the fuse(s) supplying power to the SDM. Refer to SIR Schematics and/or Electrical Center Identification Views.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
  4. Perform the Diagnostic System Check -- Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check -- Vehicle.

Disabling Procedure -- Negative Battery Cable

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
  3. Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) from the battery. Refer to the Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure.
  4. Wait one minute before working on system.

Enabling Procedure -- Negative Battery Cable

  1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
  2. Connect the negative battery cable(s) to the battery. Refer to the Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
  4. Perform the Diagnostic System Check -- Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check -- Vehicle.