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 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 38826-25 Roof Rail Module Adapter
• J 38826-25 Side Impact Module Adapter
• 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:
   • If you are removing the steering wheel module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
   • If you are removing the instrument panel (I/P) module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement (Impala)  or Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement (Monte Carlo) .
   • If you are removing a side impact module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - Front (Monte Carlo) .
   • If you are removing a roof rail module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Roof Rail Module Replacement (Impala) .
Fig 1: Illustrating Proper Storage Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution .
5. Place the inflator module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench.
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 or deployment fixture. 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 steering wheel and I/P inflator modules. 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 air bag.
8. If you have 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. If you have an I/P inflator module, refer to the following instructions:
   1. Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (2) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools .
   2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
   3. Using the proper nuts and bolts, mount the I/P module (1) to the deployment fixture (2), with the vinyl trim facing up.
   4. Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the I/P module (1) to the deployment fixture (2).
Fig 4: View Of Side Impact Module & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. If you have a side impact module, refer to the following instructions:
    1. Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools .
    2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
    3. Using the proper nuts and mount the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3), with the vinyl trim facing up.
    4. Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).
    5. Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3).
Fig 5: Identifying Fasteners Holding Side Impact Module To Deployment Fixture
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. If you have a roof rail module, refer to the following instructions:
    1. Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools .
    2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
    3. Using the proper nuts (2) and mount the roof rail module (1) to the deployment fixture (3), with the vinyl face up.
    4. Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).
    5. Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3).
Fig 6: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Inspect the J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. See Special Tools . Replace as needed.
13. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using one banana plug seated into the other.
IMPORTANT: Refer to Special Tools and Equipment  for Tools Required list for the correct adapter.
14. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
Fig 7: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
Fig 8: Inflator Module & SIR Deployment Harness Adapter
Courtesy 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.
16. Connect the inflator module to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (1).
17. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source (i.e., vehicle battery) near the shorted end 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.
18. Clear the area of people.
Fig 9: Separating Banana Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Fig 10: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
20. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur when contact is made.
Fig 11: View Of Deployment Harness Leads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
21. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the inflator module deploys.
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.
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution .
23. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
Fig 12: Disposing Of Deployed Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
24. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
25. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
26. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
27. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
28. Wash hands with a mild soap.