Deployment Procedures

You can deploy the air bag either inside or outside of the vehicle. The method used depends upon the final disposition of the vehicle. Review the following procedures in order to determine which will work best in a given situation:

Deployment Outside Vehicle - Steering Wheel Air Bag, Instrument Panel Air Bag, and Roof Rail Air Bag 

Deploy the air bag 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 air bag is malfunctioning.
• The air bag is cosmetically damaged, scratched, or ripped.
• The air bag pigtail is damaged.
• The air bag connector is damaged.
• The air bag connector terminals are damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning air bag is subject to any required retention period.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING:

Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Warning .

2. Remove the air bag.
Fig 1: Identifying Clearance For Deployment Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
3. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the air bag 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.
4. Clear the area of loose or flammable objects.
NOTE:

Dual stage deployments are only used in steering wheel and instrument panel air bags. If stage 1 was used to deploy a dual stage air bag, stage 2 may still be active. If disposal of a dual stage air bag is required, both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the air bag.

5. If you are deploying a steering wheel air bag, place the air bag in the center of the space with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface.
Fig 2: Identifying I/P Module Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
6. When deploying an instrument panel air bag, perform the following instructions:
   1. Place the EL-39401-B  fixture in the center of the cleared area.
   2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
   3. Using the proper nuts and bolts, mount the instrument panel air bag (1) to the deployment fixture (2), with the vinyl trim facing up.
   4. Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the instrument panel air bag (1) to the deployment fixture (2).
Fig 3: Identifying Fasteners Holding Side Impact Module To Deployment Fixture
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
7. When deploying a roof rail air bag, perform the following instructions:
   1. Place the EL-39401-B  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 air bag in the deployment fixture and securely tighten all fasteners.
Fig 4: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
8. Inspect the EL-38826  harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) for damage. Replace as needed.
9. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using one banana plug seated into the other.
10. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
Fig 5: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
11. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to the full length from the deployment fixture or area.
Fig 6: Identifying Inflator Module, SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY