On-Vehicle Deployment

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION On-Vehicle Deployment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Turn ignition off, remove key and put on safety glasses. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
  2. Cut air bag module harness connectors from vehicle leaving at least 6" (152 mm) of wire at the connector for each wire lead. Strip 0.50" (13 mm) of insulation from each wire lead to the connector. See Figure, Figure & Figure . Cut 2 deployment wires at least 20 feet (6.1 m) long from 18-gauge multi-strand wire. Strip 0.50" (13 mm) of insulation from each connector wire lead. Twist wires together at one end to short.
  3. For driver-side and passenger-side air bag module leads, twist together wires for Stage 1 and Stage 2 high-side deployment loops. See Fig 1. Connect twisted wire pair to end of one deployment wire. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate. Repeat procedure for Stage 1 and Stage 2 low-side deployment loop leads. For side impact air bag modules, connect high-side and low-side connector leads to deployment harness wires. See Fig 2.
  4. Remove all loose objects from front seat. Ensure no one is in vehicle. Connect deployment harness to driver-side air bag module connector. Stretch wires away from car as far as possible. Cover windshield and front door openings with a drop cloth. Separate wire ends. Connect wires to a 12-volt battery. Air bag should deploy. If air bag does not deploy, go to step  6. Disconnect wires from battery. DO NOT touch metal surfaces of air bag module for at least 10 minutes due to heat generated during deployment.
  5. Repeat step  4 for passenger-side and side impact air bag modules. Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling deployed air bag modules. Wash hands with mild soap and water.
  6. If air bag modules do not deploy, carefully remove from vehicle. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Temporarily store module with trim cover facing up. Contact manufacturer for additional instructions.
Fig 1: Preparing Deployment Harness For Driver & Passenger-side Air Bag Module On-vehicle Deployment
G99J23977Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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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.