Deployment Outside Vehicle (Steering Wheel Module, I/P Module, and Roof Rail 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 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.
   • If you are removing the steering wheel module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
   • If you are removing the I/P module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
   • If you are removing a roof rail module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Roof Rail Module Replacement - Front .
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 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 or deployment fixture. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Ensure you have sufficient ventilation.
7. Clear the area of loose or flammable objects.
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 dual stage module is required, both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the air bag.
8. If you are 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 inflator module, perform the following instructions:
   1. Place the J 39401-B  (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: Identifying Fasteners Holding Side Impact Module To Deployment Fixture
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. When deploying a roof rail module, perform the following instructions:
    1. Place the SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area.
    2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand to provide sufficient stabilization of fixture during deployment.
    3. Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3), using the proper nuts and bolts.
    4. Attach the roof rail module in the deployment fixture and securely tighten all fasteners.
Fig 5: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Inspect the J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) for damage. See Special Tools . Replace as needed.
12. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using one banana plug seated into the other.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the tools required list for the correct adapter.
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 the full length from the deployment fixture or area.
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.
• 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.
16. Clear the area of people.
Fig 8: Separating Banana Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
17. Place a 12-volt minimum/2-amp minimum power source, such as a vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harness.
18. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness that were shorted together earlier in the procedure.
Fig 9: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Deployment of the Inflator module will occur when contact is made.
20. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the inflator module deploys.
Fig 10: View Of Deployment Harness Leads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
21. Seat one 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 and contact the Technical Assistance Group.

    If deployment was successful, proceed to the following steps.

CAUTION: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution in Cautions and Notices.
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. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
26. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
27. Wash your hands with a mild soap.