Deployment Outside Vehicle (Steering Wheel Module and I/P Module)

Deploy the inflator module outside of the vehicle when the vehicle will be returned to service, for seat belt retractor pretensioner deployment outside the vehicle refer to Pretensioner Handling and Scrapping . Situations that require deployment outside of the vehicle include the following:

• Using the SIR diagnostics, 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:
   • 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 .
Fig 1: Illustrating Proper Storage Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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. 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. When deploying the steering wheel module, place the steering wheel module in the center of the space.
Fig 3: Identifying I/P Module Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. When deploying the I/P module, refer to the following instructions:
   1. Place 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) prior to deployment.
Fig 4: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Inspect J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. See Special Tools . Replace as needed.
11. Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
IMPORTANT: Refer to Tools Required list for the correct adapter.
12. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
Fig 5: Extending 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 6: Inflator Module & 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).
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.
15. Clear the area of people.
Fig 7: Separating Banana Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source, such as a vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness.
17. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Fig 8: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
18. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Inflator module deployment will occur when contact is made.
19. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source.
Fig 9: View Of Deployment Harness Leads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
20. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
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: After deployment, the metal surfaces of the SIR component may be very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury:
• Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface of the SIR component.
• Do not place the deployed SIR component near any flammable objects.
Fig 10: Disposing Of Deployed Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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.
25. Wash hands with a mild soap.