Deployment Outside Vehicle-I/P Module and Steering Wheel Module

Deploy inflator modules 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 cosmetically damaged (scratched or ripped).
• The inflator module pigtail, if equipped, 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.

Tools Required

• J 38826  SIR Deployment Harness. See Special Tools .
• J 39401-B  SIR Deployment Fixture. See Special Tools .
• J 38826-75 Steering Wheel Module Adapter
• J 38826-80 I/P Module Adapter

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the ignition key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:
   • When removing the steering wheel module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
   • When removing the I/P module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
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: Illustrating Proper Storage Of Inflator Module

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Clear an area on the floor approximately 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 an area free of activity on the shop floor. Ensure that you have sufficient ventilation.
   Fig 2: Clearance For Deployment Of Inflator Module

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Ensure that no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
IMPORTANT: Dual stage deployments are only used in steering wheel and I/P inflator modules. If stage 1 was used to deploy the 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 air bag.
8. When deploying a steering wheel module, place the steering wheel module in the center of the cleared area.
9. When deploying an I/P module, refer to the following instructions:
   • Place the J 39401-B  (2) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools .
   • Fill the deployment fixture (2) 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) to properly secure the I/P module (1) to the deployment fixture (2).
   • Tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
   Fig 3: Identifying I/P Module Components

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Inspect the J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. See Special Tools . Replace as needed.
11. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
12. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
    Fig 4: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
13. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
    Fig 5: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Connect the inflator module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
    Fig 6: Inflator Module & SIR Deployment Harness Adapter

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT:
• The rapid expansion of gas involved with deploying an inflator module is very loud. Notify all people in the immediate area that an inflator module will be deployed.
• When the inflator module deploys, the deployment fixture may jump vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module due to the force of the rapid expansion of gas inside the inflator module.
15. Clear the area of people.
16. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
    Fig 7: Separating Banana Plugs

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
17. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source, i.e. vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness.
18. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur when contact is made.
    Fig 8: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source.
20. Seat 1 banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
    Fig 9: 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. If the inflator module did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance. Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.
22. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
23. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
24. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
    Fig 10: Disposing Of Deployed Inflator Module

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
25. Wash hands with a mild soap.