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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2003 >> Venture Base, Van Cargo Extended >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 218 (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System) >> Repair Instructions >> Live and Undeployed Inflator Module >> Tools Required
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Tools Required

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the ignition key.
  3. Put on safety glasses.
  4. Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:
    CAUTION: Refer to SIR INFLATOR MODULE HANDLING & STORAGE CAUTION .
  5. Place the inflator module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench, floor or deployment fixture.
    Fig 1: Inflator Module With Vinyl Trim Cover
    G01814830Courtesy 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.

    Important:  Dual stage deployments are only used in the steering wheel and IP inflator modules, if the vehicle is equipped. If stage 1 was used to deploy a dual stage inflator module, stage 2 may still be active. If disposal of a deployed or undeployed dual stage module is required, both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the inflator module.

  8. If you are deploying a steering wheel module, place the steering wheel module in the center of the space.
    Fig 2: Placing Steering Wheel Module In Center Of Space
    G01814831Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. When deploying an IP module, refer to the following instructions:
    • Place the J 39401-B  (2) in the center of the cleared area
    • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand
    • Mount the IP module (1) in the deployment fixture (2) with the vinyl/plastic trim facing up
    • To mount, use four 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 3: IP Module & Components
    G01814832Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. When deploying a side impact module, refer to the following instructions:
    • Place the J 39401-B  (3) in the center of the cleared area
    • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand
    • Mount the side impact module - LF (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).
    • To mount, use two 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 4: Placing J 39401-B In Center Of Cleared Area
      G01814833Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Inspect the J 38826  SIR deployment harness (1) and the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) for damage. Replace as needed.
  12. Short the two 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 5: Inspecting J 38826, SIR Deployment Harness & Appropriate Pigtail Adapter For Damage
    G01814834Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
    Fig 6: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter To Full Length
    G01814835Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  On a dual stage inflator module, both connectors must be attached to the deployment harness adapter. This will ensure that both stage 1 and stage 2 of the deployment loops are energized, regardless of the deployment state.

  15. Connect the inflator module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
  16. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source, such as a vehicle battery, near the shorted ends of the harness.

    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.
    • If you are deploying a dual stage inflator module with stage 1 already deployed, the fixture may not move and the noise may have been reduced.
      Fig 7: Connecting Inflator Module To Adapter
      G01814836Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Clear the area of people.
  18. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
    Fig 8: Separating Two Banana Plugs On SIR Deployment Harness
    G01814837Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur when contact is made.
    Fig 9: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source
    G01814838Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  20. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the inflator module deploys.
  21. 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.
    CAUTION: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution on page P-6 in Cautions and Notices.
  22. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
    Fig 10: Deployment Harness Leads & Banana Plugs
    G01814839Courtesy 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. Inspect the pigtail adaptor and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
  26. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
  27. Wash hands with a mild soap.
    Fig 11: Disposing Deployed Inflator Module
    G01814840Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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