Deployment Outside Vehicle - Steering Wheel Module, IP Module, and Side Impact Module

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, you determine 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.

Tools Required

• J 38826  SIR Deployment Harness. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• J 39401-B  Deployment Fixture. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• J 38826-25 Side Impact Module Adapter
• J 38826-75 Steering Wheel Module Adapter (Dual Stage Air Bags)
• J 38826-80 IP Module Adapter (Dual Stage Air Bags)

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the ignition key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Remove the inflator module. Refer to the following:
   • If the steering wheel module did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (Aztek)  or Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (Rendezvous) .
   • If the IP module did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement (Rendezvous)  or Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement (Aztek) .
   • If the side impact module - LF did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - LH .
   • If the side impact module - RF did not deploy, refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - RH .
Fig 1: Illustrating Proper Storage Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Place the inflator module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench.
Fig 2: Clearance For Deployment Of Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the inflator module or deployment fixture. 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.
7. Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
IMPORTANT: Dual stage air bags deployments are only used in steering wheel and IP inflator modules, if the vehicle is equipped. If stage 1 was use to deploy a dual stage inflator module, stage 2 may still be active. If disposal of a deployed or undeployed dual stage module is required both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the air bag.
8. If you have a steering wheel inflator module, place the inflator module in the center of the space.
Fig 3: Identifying I/P Module Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. If you have an IP inflator module, refer to the following instructions:
   • Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (2) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools and Equipment .
   • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
   • Using the proper nuts and bolts, mount the IP module (1) to the deployment fixture (2), with the vinyl trim facing up.
   • Tighten all fasteners that hold the IP module (1) to the deployment fixture (2).
Fig 4: View Of Side Impact Module & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. If you have a side impact module, refer to the following instructions:
    • Place the J 39401-B  SIR deployment fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area. See Special Tools and Equipment .
    • Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
    • Using the proper nuts and mount the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3), with the vinyl trim facing up.
    • Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).
    • Tighten all fasteners that hold the side impact module (1) to the deployment fixture (3).
Fig 5: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Inspect the J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. See Special Tools and Equipment . Replace as needed.
12. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using one banana plug seated into the other.
IMPORTANT: Refer to Tools Required list for the correct adapter.
13. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
Fig 6: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.
Fig 7: Inflator Module & SIR Deployment Harness Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.