Deployment Outside Vehicle (Steering Wheel Module, I/P 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 scratched or ripped.
• The inflator module pigtail 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.

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 - LH .
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Fig 1: Illustrating Proper Storage Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Place the inflator module on a work bench with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the work surface.
Fig 2: Clearance For Deployment Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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 a steering wheel inflator module, place the inflator module in the center of the space.
Fig 3: Identifying I/P Module Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. When deploying an I/P module, refer to the following instructions:
   • Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (2) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools .
   • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
   • Mount the I/P module (1) in the deployment fixture (2) with the vinyl/plastic trim facing up.
   • To mount, use 4 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.
Fig 4: View Of Side Impact Module & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. When deploying the side impact module - LF, refer to the following instructions:
    • Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools .
    • 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). See Special Tools .
    • To mount, use 2 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.
Fig 5: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Inspect the J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. See Special Tools . Replace as needed.
12. Short the 2 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).
Fig 6: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
Fig 7: Inflator Module & SIR Deployment Harness Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Connect the inflator module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
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.
• 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.
16. Clear the area of people.
Fig 8: Separating Banana Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
17. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Fig 9: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
18. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source, such as the 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.
Fig 10: View Of Deployment Harness Leads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution in Cautions and Notices.
21. Seat 1 banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
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.
Fig 11: Disposing Of Deployed Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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.