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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003MALIBU V6-3.1L VIN JREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISRELAYS AND MODULESRELAYS AND MODULES - RESTRAINTS AND SAFETY SYSTEMSAIR BAG CONTROL MODULESERVICE AND REPAIR
2003 Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.1L VIN J
Air Bag Control Module: Service and Repair
2003 Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.1L VIN JSECTION Service and Repair
INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 5.
CAUTION:
- Do not strike or jolt the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Before applying power to the SDM, make sure that it is securely fastened with the arrow facing toward the front of the vehicle. Failure to observe the correct installation procedure could cause SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.
- If the vehicle interior is exposed to moisture and becomes soaked up to the level of the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), the SDM and SDM harness connector must be replaced. The SDM could be activated when powered, which could cause airbag deployment and result in personal injury.
- Refer to SIR Caution in Service Precautions.
2. Remove the front passenger seat.
3. Remove the passenger front carpet retainer.
4. Fold back the carpet in order to access the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).

5. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (2) from the SDM harness connector (3).
6. Disconnect the harness connector (3) from the SDM (5).
7. Remove the SDM mounting fasteners (1).
8. Remove the SDM (5) from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Remove any dirt, grease, or other impurities from the mounting surface.

2. Install the SDM (5) horizontally to the vehicle.
3. Point the arrow on the SDM toward the front of the vehicle.
4. Install the SDM mounting fasteners (1).
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Tighten
Tighten the fasteners to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
5. Install the harness connector (3) to the SDM (5).
6. Install the CPA (2) to the SDM harness connector.
7. Position the carpet in order to cover the SDM.
8. Install the passenger front carpet retainer.
9. Install the front passenger seat.
10. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 5.
11. If you replaced the SDM, perform the following procedure in order to update the BCM with the new SDM part number:
11.1. Install a scan tool.
11.2. Select the Special Functions option from the SIR Menu and press enter.
11.3. Select the Setup SDM Part Number in BCM option and press enter.
11.4. Follow the procedure on the scan tool display.
11.5. Cycle the ignition switch OFF and ON.
IMPORTANT: The AIR BAG indicator may remain ON after the SDM is replaced. After programming the SDM part number into the BCM, cycle the ignition switch OFF and ON. This turns OFF the AIR BAG indicator and clears the DTC.
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 5.
CAUTION:
- Do not strike or jolt the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Before applying power to the SDM, make sure that it is securely fastened with the arrow facing toward the front of the vehicle. Failure to observe the correct installation procedure could cause SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.
- If the vehicle interior is exposed to moisture and becomes soaked up to the level of the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), the SDM and SDM harness connector must be replaced. The SDM could be activated when powered, which could cause airbag deployment and result in personal injury.
- Refer to SIR Caution in Service Precautions.
2. Remove the front passenger seat.
3. Remove the passenger front carpet retainer.
4. Fold back the carpet in order to access the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).
5. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (2) from the SDM harness connector (3).
6. Disconnect the harness connector (3) from the SDM (5).
7. Remove the SDM mounting fasteners (1).
8. Remove the SDM (5) from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Remove any dirt, grease, or other impurities from the mounting surface.
2. Install the SDM (5) horizontally to the vehicle.
3. Point the arrow on the SDM toward the front of the vehicle.
4. Install the SDM mounting fasteners (1).
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Tighten
Tighten the fasteners to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
5. Install the harness connector (3) to the SDM (5).
6. Install the CPA (2) to the SDM harness connector.
7. Position the carpet in order to cover the SDM.
8. Install the passenger front carpet retainer.
9. Install the front passenger seat.
10. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 5.
11. If you replaced the SDM, perform the following procedure in order to update the BCM with the new SDM part number:
11.1. Install a scan tool.
11.2. Select the Special Functions option from the SIR Menu and press enter.
11.3. Select the Setup SDM Part Number in BCM option and press enter.
11.4. Follow the procedure on the scan tool display.
11.5. Cycle the ignition switch OFF and ON.
IMPORTANT: The AIR BAG indicator may remain ON after the SDM is replaced. After programming the SDM part number into the BCM, cycle the ignition switch OFF and ON. This turns OFF the AIR BAG indicator and clears the DTC.
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.