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On-Vehicle Deployment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2000 Buick Park Avenue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Ensure air bag system is disabled. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Turn ignition switch OFF, remove key and put on safety glasses. Disconnect driver, passenger and side impact air bag module connectors. See Figure, Figure or Figure . Cut air bag module harness connectors from vehicle leaving at least 6" of wire at connector.
  2. Strip 1/2" (13 mm) of insulation from each connector wire lead. Cut 2 15-foot deployment wires from 18-gauge multi-strand wire. Strip 1/2" (13 mm) of insulation from both ends of wires. Twist wires together at one end to short.
  3. Twist together one connector wire lead to other end of each deployment wire. See Fig 1. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate. Repeat this step for other connector wire lead.
  4. Remove all loose objects from front seat, and ensure no one is in vehicle. Connect deployment harness to air bag module connector. Stretch wires away from car as far as possible.
  5. Repeat steps  1 through 4 for passenger-side air bag module. Cover windshield and front door openings with a drop cloth.
  6. Separate wire ends. Connect each pair of wires to a 12-volt battery. Air bags should deploy. Disconnect wires from battery. DO NOT touch air bag module area for at least 10 minutes due to heat generated during deployment. Wear gloves and safety glasses before handling deployed air bag module. Wash hands with mild soap and water afterward. Deployed air bag modules can be disposed of like any other part. Repeat deployment procedure for passenger-side air bag.
  7. If air bag modules do not deploy, carefully remove from vehicle. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Temporarily store module with trim facing up. Contact manufacturer for proper disposal instructions.
Fig 1: Preparing Deployment Harness For On-vehicle Deployment
G96H14008Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.