Deployment Outside Vehicle - Inflatable Restraint I/P Module

Tools Required

• EL-46850  SIR Deployment Harness Adapter. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• J 38826  SIR Deployment Harness. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• J 39401-B  SIR Deployment Fixture. See Special Tools and Equipment .

Deploy the inflatable restraint I/P 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 does not function properly.
• The inflator module is scratched or ripped on the cover.
• The inflator module pigtail, if equipped, is damaged.
• The inflator module connector is damaged.
• An inflator module connector terminal is 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. Inspect the J 38826  and the EL-46850  for damage. See Special Tools and Equipment . Replace as needed.
5. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
   Fig 1: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Connect the SIR deployment harness adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
7. Remove the inflatable restraint I/P module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Fig 2: Illustrating Proper Storage Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Place the module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench.
Fig 3: Module Deployment Area
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the 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.
10. Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
11. Place the J 39401-B  in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools and Equipment .
12. Fill the fixture plastic reservoir with water or sand.
IMPORTANT: Securely hand tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
13. Mount the module in the SIR deployment fixture with the vinyl trim cover facing up using one of the following mounting methods.
Fig 4: Securing I/P Module To Fixture
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. To use the stud mount method, remove the original mounting nuts.
15. Use the J 39401-1 mounting nuts (3) in order to secure the module (1) to the fixture (2).
Fig 5: Identifying I/P Module Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. To use the flange mount method, use 4 of the J 39401-13 hold-down nuts whenever possible in order to secure the module to the fixture.
17. If clearance restrictions do not allow the use of the J 39401-13 hold-down nuts, use four M 6 bolts (6), nuts (8), and washers (7) in order to properly secure the I/P module (1) to the deployment fixture.
18. Securely tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
Fig 6: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the module.
20. Place a 12 volt minimum/2 amp minimum power source, i.e., vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harness.
Fig 7: Connecting I/P Module To Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
21. Connect the module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
22. Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
23. Clear the area of people.
Fig 8: Separating Banana Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflatable Module Deployment Outside Vehicle Caution in Cautions and Notices.
24. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Fig 9: Deploying I/P Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT:
• The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.
• When the air bag deploys, the SIR deployment fixture may jump vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.
25. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.
Fig 10: View Of Deployment Harness Leads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
26. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
27. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
28. If the air bag 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 in Cautions and Notices.
Fig 11: Disposing Of Deployed Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
29. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
30. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
31. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
32. Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
33. Wash hands with a mild soap.