Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Deployment Outside Vehicle - Steering Wheel Module, IP Module, and Side Impact Module
Tools Required
- J 38826: SIR Deployment Harness. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- J 39401-B: SIR Deployment Fixture. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- An appropriate pigtail adaptor
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, it is determined 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.
- Turn OFF the ignition.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Put on safety glasses.
- Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:
- When removing the steering wheel module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
- When removing the I/P module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement .
- When removing the side impact modules, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - Front .
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices. - Place the inflator module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench, floor, or deployment fixture.
- Clear a space on the floor approximately 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.
- Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
- When deploying the steering wheel module, place the steering wheel module in the center of the space.
- When deploying the I/P module, refer to the following instructions:
- Place the J 39401-B (2) in the center of the cleared area.
- Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
- Mount the I/P module (1) in the deployment fixture (2) with the vinyl/plastic trim cover facing up.
- To mount, use four M 6 bolts (6), nuts (8), and washers (7) in order to properly secure the I/P module (1) to the J 39401-B .
- Tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
- When deploying a side impact module, refer to the following instructions:
- Place the J 39401-B (3) in the center of the cleared area.
- Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand
- Mount the side impact module - LF (1) in the deployment fixture (3) with the vinyl/plastic trim cover facing up.
- Adjust and secure the J 39401-B arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).
- To mount, use two M 6 x 1.0 nuts (2) with washers in order to secure the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture arms (4).
- Securely tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
- Inspect the J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
- Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
- Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the J 38826 (1).
- Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
- Connect the inflator module (1) to the adapter (2) on the J 38826 (3).
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.