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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSATURN1997SC1 AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)QUICK LOOKUPSTECHNICAL BULLETINSTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSRESTRAINTS CONTROL SYSTEMSDISCONNECT/RECONNECT PROCEDURE FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIR MODULES (97-T-33A)
1997 Saturn SC1 Automatic

Disconnect/Reconnect Procedure For Driver And Passenger Sir Modules (97-T-33A)

1997 Saturn SC1 AutomaticSECTION Disconnect/Reconnect Procedure For Driver And Passenger Sir Modules (97-T-33A)
Publication date: 2001-10-17
Reference number: 97-T-33A

DISCONNECT/RECONNECT PROCEDURE FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIR MODULES

DISCONNECT/RECONNECT PROCEDURE FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIR MODULES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 97-T-33A, Date of Issue:  September, 1997
SATURN: 1992-1998 All Models
GROUP/SEQ. NO.: SIR-02
CORPORATION NO.: 788208

SUBJECT

Disconnect/Reconnect Procedure for Driver and Passenger Frontal Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Modules (with NHTSA Waiver Letter)

MODELS AFFECTED

1992-1998 Saturns equipped with SIR system

PURPOSE

NEVER CONSIDER DISCONNECTING AN AIR BAG UNLESS ALL FOUR CONDITIONS ARE MET:

  1. THE CUSTOMER PRESENTS A LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AUTHORIZING THE DISCONNECT.
    IMPORTANT: 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.
  2. THE RETAILER DECIDES THAT THE DISCONNECTION IS APPROPRIATE.
  3. THE CUSTOMER RECEIVES "NOTICE TO VEHICLE OWNERS REGARDING AIR BAG DISCONNECTION."
  4. THE CUSTOMER STILL WANTS THE AIR BAG DISCONNECTED.

The following provides technical information on the disconnect procedure for Driver and/or passenger frontal supplemental restraint (SIR) modules (air bags). If additional information is required, refer to the appropriate model year "SIR Service Manual," or contact Technical Assistance.

Driver and/or passenger frontal SIR modules (air bags) may be disconnected by using the following procedure. These procedures should turn On the AIR BAG warning lamp. The warning light will remain On until steps are taken to reconnect the SIR system. DO NOT REMOVE THE WARNING LAMP BULB OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION TO RENDER THE WARNING LAMP INOPERATIVE.

CAUTION: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TWO AIR BAGS AND ONLY ONE AIR BAG IS DISCONNECTED, THE CUSTOMER SHOULD BE INFORMED BY APPROPRIATE RETAILER PERSONNEL THAT SINCE THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL REMAIN ON, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR CANNOT BE NOTIFIED BY THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP IF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS.

DISABLING THE SIR SYSTEM

  • To disable both the driver and passenger frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) modules (driver and passenger air bags), follow procedures 1 and 2 in this bulletin.
  • To disable the driver frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module (driver air bag) only follow procedure 1.
  • To disable passenger frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module (passenger air bag) only follow procedure 2.

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION: WHEN YOU ARE PERFORMING SERVICE ON OR NEAR THE SIR COMPONENTS OR THE SIR WIRING, YOU MUST DISABLE THE SIR SYSTEM. USE THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE TO TEMPORARILY DISABLE THE SIR SYSTEM. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CORRECT PROCEDURE COULD CAUSE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, PERSONAL INJURY, OR UNNECESSARY SIR SYSTEM REPAIRS.

THE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE OR THE DIAGNOSTIC ENERGY RESERVE MODULE (DEPENDING ON MODEL YEAR OF VEHICLE) MAINTAINS A RESERVE ENERGY SUPPLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE POWER IS INSUFFICIENT TO CAUSE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS, THE RESERVE ENERGY SUPPLY PROVIDES THE DEPLOYMENT POWER. DEPLOYMENT POWER IS AVAILABLE FOR AS LONG AS TEN MINUTES AFTER DISCONNECTING THE VEHICLE POWER BY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS.

  • YOU TURN OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH.
  • YOU REMOVE THE FUSE THAT PROVIDES POWER TO THE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE OR DIAGNOSTIC ENERGY RESERVE MODULE.
  • YOU DISCONNECT THE VEHICLE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

PROCEDURE 1 - DRIVER FRONTAL SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) MODULE (DRIVER AIR BAG)

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position and remove ignition key.
  3. Remove AIR BAG fuse from instrument panel junction block (IPJB).
    IMPORTANT: With the AIR BAG fuse removed and ignition switch turned On, the AIR BAG warning lamp will be On. This is normal and does not indicate an SIR system malfunction.
  4. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device, and disconnect yellow two-way connector located near the base of the steering column. See Fig 1 .
  5. Reinsert the CPA into the connector and secure the loose connectors to the harness with tape to prevent rattles.
  6. If only disabling the driver frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module (driver air bag), install AIR BAG fuse to IPJB. If disabling the passenger frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module (passenger air bag), proceed to procedure 2.
    IMPORTANT: At this point, the AIR BAG warning lamp should be On when operating the vehicle, indicating a problem with the SIR system.
Fig 1: Yellow Two-Way Connector
G00046155

PROCEDURE 2 - PASSENGER FRONTAL SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) MODULE (PASSENGER AIR BAG)

  1. For all model years:
    • If driver frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module (driver air bag) has been disconnected, proceed to step 3.
    • If only the passenger frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module (passenger air bag) is being disconnected, proceed to step 2.
  2. For all model years:
    1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
    2. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position and remove ignition key.
    3. Remove AIR BAG fuse from instrument panel junction block (IPJB).
      4. IMPORTANT: With the AIR BAG fuse removed and ignition switch turned On, the AIR BAG warning lamp will be On. This is normal and does not indicate an SIR system malfunction.
  3. For 1995 Sedans and 1995-1996 Coupes, remove upper trim panel extension by carefully lifting up at clip locations, starting at the rear above the end cap. See Fig 2 .
    Fig 2: Upper Trim Panel Extension
    G00046156
  4. For all model years:
    1. Remove upper trim panel screw caps by carefully prying with a small flat head screwdriver.
    2. Remove upper trim panel screws. See Fig 3 .
      Fig 3: Upper Trim Pane Caps/Screws
      G00046157
    3. Lift upper trim panel at cap locations on rear edge to disengage clips. See Fig 4 .
      IMPORTANT: Be careful when removing or replacing upper trim panel to prevent damage to the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.