Info - Frontal SIR On-Off Switch Kits, New Parts and Procedures

This bulletin is being revised to add the 1999 & 2000 model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 85-90-01 (Section 9 -- Accessories).

Important: This bulletin is intended for use by "GM of Canada" dealers only.

Never consider installing an air bag on-off switch unless the following conditions are met:

1. The customer presents a completed de-activation form, stamped by either Transport Canada or in the province of Quebec by Societe de L'assurance Automobile du Quebec (SAAQ), authorizing the installation of the air bag on-off switch.
2. The dealership gives the customer a copy of the NOTICE TO GM OWNERS ABOUT AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. (included in dealer information package)
3. The customer still wants the air bag on-off switch installed.

This bulletin includes information regarding switches to turn off and on frontal air bags, additional switch/display light diagnosis, switch installation kit content descriptions and ordering directions for special parts (if required).

Some time ago, Transport Canada/SAAQ announced a method that will permit the installation of air bag on-off switches for the few customers who, in the opinion of Transport Canada or SAAQ, fit the criteria for switches.

Important: Due to this new method, DEALERS SHOULD NO LONGER USE THE INFORMATION OUTLINED IN HOME OFFICE LETTER # 97-054 dated August, 1997). INSTEAD, USE THE INFORMATION OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN.

The switch installation kit contains the necessary components (switch, bracket, attaching hardware, display light, applique, sheet for switch and light, tie straps and instruction sheets) for system operation.

Some kits also include a replacement safety belt for certain vehicles that are designed with specific FORCE LIMITING safety belt systems. Special Owner's Manual inserts are included in the installation kit for system operation review by the owner.

Additional equipment such as a 12 volt test lamp and the J 38125-B (-A or -500 will also apply) Terminal Repair Kit, are required to complete the switch kit installation. In some cases, scan tools (Tech 2 or equivalent) may be required to reprogram certain control modules.

The cost of the switch kit and labour to install the switch kit are the responsibility of the customer. Suggested times for installation are included at the end of this bulletin (see below).

Important: In rare instances, the installation of switch(es) may turn on the vehicle air bag warning light. This condition may exist due to the additional resistance of the switch and harness when added to the SIR system. In these rare instances, a SPECIAL SERVICE ONLY Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) or Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will be made available to the owner from GMSPO at no charge for the parts and labour. Prior to ordering and/or installing a switch kit, the customer should be advised that this potential does exist.

Important: In the event that this condition occurs:

The standard SIR system diagnosis can be made by disconnecting the switch from the SIR wiring harness and following the directions for SIR System Diagnosis found in the appropriate Service Manual.

A description of the major components of the installation kit is as follows:

One switch kit will be required for each air bag (driver or passenger) and will be ignition key operated. When the switch is in the OFF position, the air bag will remain OFF until the switch is turned to the ON position . Turning the switch to the ON position will allow the air bag to function.

The recommended locations for the switches on most vehicles is in the instrument panel glove compartment (center console if vehicle has no glove compartment) or, in the case of some vans, in the center stowage compartment (see the recommended location illustrations that are provided with each switch kit).

Important: Switches or display light indicators MUST NOT be placed on any instrument panel surfaces directly in front of the driver's or passenger's leg or knee areas.

Each switch requires a display light to indicate the OFF status of the air bag. Each display light includes a harness to be connected to the switch harness. The recommended mounting locations for the display lights vary, but are typically located at the center front edge of the roof headliner (or windshield garnish molding) above the rear view mirror (see the recommended location illustrations provided with each switch kit).

Important: When installed, driver and/or passenger display light(s) must be visible by all front seat occupants.

Important: Switches or display light indicators MUST NOT be placed on any instrument panel surfaces directly in front of the driver's or passenger's leg or knee areas.

In general terms, the switch will be connected IN SERIES with the appropriate air bag (at the service disconnect) and will require additional connection of a feed wire to an ignition fed circuit and a ground wire to the body to complete the circuit for the display light indicator.

Diagnostics for the switch and display light are included with this bulletin (see below).

As always, the technician should make sure to review the wiring harness routing and installation for pinching, rubbing and chafing to brackets, braces (etc.) and take appropriate actions to protect the wiring from those potential conditions.

Order the appropriate Installation Kit(s) (passenger, driver, or both) from GMSPO. For kit part numbers and usage, see Group 14.865 of the appropriate GMSPO Parts Catalog.

If special DERMs or SDMs are required to resolve a WARNING LIGHT ON condition, order the part from GMSPO in the normal manner. For part numbers and usage see Group 14.865 of the appropriate GMSPO Parts Catalog.

Important: 1995-98 G (Aurora and Riviera) and 1997-2000 Y (Corvette) switch kits include replacement safety belts. These belts MUST replace the original safety belts when installing a switch kit. Aurora and Riviera models built on or after January 1, 1998 will include DEPOWERED air bags, and the safety belts on these vehicles will not be included in switch kits and MUST NOT BE CHANGED. The 1997-2000 Corvette models will require safety belt changes regardless of build dates. The belts will be replaced at no charge for the parts or the labour.

Switch kits and installation are NOT considered a warranty repair. Parts and labour charges (except for special DERM or SDM and replacement safety belt installation if required) are the responsibility of the customer. If special DERMs or SDMs are required to resolve a WARNING LIGHT ON condition, USE THE EXISTING LABOUR OPERATION AND TIME ALLOWANCES WITH THE SPECIAL CUSTOMER AND FAILURE CODES WHEN SUBMITTING CLAIMS:

USE LABOUR OPERATION C8815, CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODE WK AND FAILURE CODE 93. USE PUBLISHED LABOUR OPERATION TIMES.

USE LABOUR OPERATION C8817, CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODE WK AND FAILURE CODE 93. USE PUBLISHED LABOUR OPERATION TIMES.

When installing switch kits on 1995-98 Aurora, Riviera and 1997-2000 Corvette models, the appropriate safety belts must be replaced. When submitting claims, use the existing labour operation and time allowances with special customer complaint and failure codes. The LABOUR ONLY may be claimed. The cost of the belt is included in the kit price.

USE C9040 RIGHT SIDE ONLY, C9041 LEFT SIDE ONLY OR C9047 FOR BOTH AND INCLUDE THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODE MH AND FAILURE CODE 93. USE PUBLISHED LABOUR OPERATION TIMES.

When the dealer decides to install an air bag on-off switch under the Transport Canada or the SAAQ on-off switch program, the dealer must complete the last section of the Transport Canada or SAAQ form and the dealer must then send that completed form to Transport Canada or the SAAQ at the address shown on the form.

General Motors of Canada Limited also STRONGLY suggests that dealers retain for their own files a copy of all key documents including:

1. The customers stamped Transport Canada or SAAQ DECLARATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR AIR BAG DEACTIVATION form, with the final section (For Dealer and Repair Businesses use only) filled out by the dealer, and which the dealer sends Transport Canada or the SAAQ after installing the switch.
2. The waiver the dealer obtains from the customer when a switch is installed.

Important: Following installation of an on-off switch, General Motors of Canada Limited requires that the dealer send a copy of the customer signed waiver to General Motors of Canada for its files.

Please send to the following address:

General Motors of Canada Limited

1908 Colonel Sam Drive

Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1P7

Attention: Manager -- Litigation