FixVault

Off-Vehicle Deployment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Cadillac Eldorado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Turn ignition off, remove key and put on safety glasses. Short 2 SIR Deployment Harness (J-38826) leads together by fully seating one banana plug into other banana plug. Connect appropriate pigtail adapter to SIR deployment harness. See Fig 1.
  2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Place driver-side air bag module on ground (preferably outdoors on paved surface) in center of an area at least 6 feet (1.8 m) in diameter, away from any people or objects.
  3. Stretch SIR deployment harness and pigtail adapter to its full length. Place a 12-volt battery near shorted end of SIR deployment harness
  4. Connect driver-side air bag module to pigtail adapter on SIR deployment harness. Ensure area around air bag module is clear of people and objects. Verify that air bag module is resting with trim cover facing up.
  5. Separate 2 banana plugs on SIR deployment harness. Connect SIR deployment harness wires to battery. Air bag module should deploy.
  6. Using Deployment Fixture (J-39401-B) to hold passenger-side air bag module, repeat deployment procedure for passenger-side air bag module. If air bag modules deploy, go to next step. If either air bag module fails to deploy, go to step  8.
  7. DO NOT touch metal surfaces of air bag module for at least 10 minutes due to heat generated during deployment. Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling deployed air bag module. Wash hands with mild soap and water after handling. Dispose of deployed air bag module like any other part. Inspect pigtail adapter and SIR deployment harness for damage after each use. Disconnect SIR deployment harness from battery. Short 2 SIR deployment harness leads together
  8. If air bag module fails to deploy, ensure that SIR deployment harness is disconnected from battery and that 2 banana plugs have been shorted together. Disconnect pigtail adapter from air bag module. Temporarily store air bag module with trim cover facing up. Contact manufacturer for additional instructions.
Fig 1: Preparing Deployment Harness For Off-vehicle Deployment
G96I14009Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.