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.
Frontal Supplemental Inflatable Restraint Switch Kit (98-T-28)
Reference number: 98-T-28
FRONTAL SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SWITCH KIT
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Superceded Bulletin(s): 97-T-33
FRONTAL SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINTS (SIR) SWITCH KITS - PARTS AND SERVICE PROCEDURES
APPLICATION
Model(s): 1992-98 Saturn Models
Group/Seq. No.: SIR - 01
Corporation No.: 888210
Bulletin No.: 98-T-28
Date: August, 1998
VEHICLES AFFECTED
1992 - 1998 Saturn vehicles
PURPOSE
NEVER CONSIDER INSTALLING AN AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH UNLESS THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET:
- THE CUSTOMER PRESENTS A LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH.NOTE: Make sure to make a photocopy of the customer's letter from the NHTSA and retain the photocopy in the CSO VIN jacket, stapled to the CSO hardcopy.
- THE RETAILER GIVES THE CUSTOMER A COPY OF THE "NOTICE TO GM/SATURN OWNERS ABOUT AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCHES." (Refer to Retail Support Team Bulletin 97-SC-07.)
- THE CUSTOMER STILL WANTS THE AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH INSTALLED.
This bulletin provides service information for the installation and removal of air bag On-Off switches to turn Off and On frontal supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) (Air Bags), along with switch and system diagnosis.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given approval and direction for deactivating Frontal Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) systems in special situations. Within this approval, the method to deactivate the Frontal SIR modules (air bags) includes a switch(es) to turn the air bag(s) off and on, and display to indicate SIR system deactivation status.
The air bag On-Off switch installation kit contains the necessary components (air bag On-Off switch, brackets, attaching hardware, display light, applique sheet for switch and light, tie straps and instruction sheets) for system operation. Each kit also contains an Owner's Handbook insert describing system operation for review by the owner.
The cost of the air bag On-Off switch kit and labor to install the switch kits are the responsibility of the customer. Suggested labor times for kit installation are included at the end of this bulletin.
The standard SIR system diagnosis can be made by disconnecting the air bag On-Off switch from the SIR wiring harness and following the directions for SIR system diagnosis found in the appropriate year "SIR Service Manual."
A description of each of the installation kits major components is as follows:
AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCHES
Each air bag On-Off switch kit contains material for one air bag (driver or passenger). The air bag On-Off switches are key operated. When the air bag On-Off switch is in the "OFF" position, the air bag will remain "OFF" until the air bag On-Off switch is turned to the "ON" position. Turning the air bag On-Off switch to the "ON" position will allow the air bag to function.
The recommended location for air bag On-Off switches on Saturn vehicles is in the instrument panel (glovebox) compartment assembly.
DISPLAY LIGHT
Each air bag On-Off switch requires a display light to indicate the "ON" or "OFF" status of the air bag. Each display light includes a harness to be connected to the air bag On-Off switch harness.
The recommended location for the display lights is at the center of the roof headliner (refer to the location illustration, See Fig 16 thru Fig 18 , in this bulletin and the instruction sheet).
WIRING CONNECTIONS
The air bag On-Off switch will be connected "in series" with the yellow two-way air bag connector. The air bag On-Off switch also requires ignition circuit, body ground, and display light connections.
Diagnostics for the switch and display light are included with this bulletin. Refer to the appropriate model year SIR service manual for SIR system diagnosis.
PARTS INFORMATION
Order the appropriate installation kit(s) (driver, passenger or both) from SSPO. Parts information containing the air bag On-Off switch kit part numbers is located at the end of this bulletin.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Air bag On-Off switch kits and installation are NOT considered a warranty repair. Parts and labor charges are the responsibility of the customer.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.