On-Vehicle Deployment

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION On-Vehicle Deployment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Savana and 2002 Chevrolet Chevy Express. 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 and remove key. Put on safety glasses.
  2. Disconnect driver-side and passenger-side air bag module connectors. See Figure & Figure . Cut air bag module harness connectors from vehicle, leaving at least 6" (152 mm) of wire at connector.
  3. Strip 0.50" (13 mm) of insulation from each connector wire lead. Cut two 15-foot (4.6 m) deployment wires from 18-gauge multi-strand wire. Strip 0.50" (13 mm) of insulation from both ends of wires. Twist wires together at one end to short. See Fig 1.
  4. Twist together one driver-side air bag module connector wire lead to other end of one deployment wire. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate. Repeat this step for other connector wire lead.
  5. Remove all loose objects from front seat. Ensure no one is in vehicle. Connect deployment harness to air bag module connector. Stretch deployment harness wires away from car as far as possible.
  6. Repeat steps  2 through  5 for passenger-side air bag module. Cover windshield and front door openings with a drop cloth.
  7. Separate driver-side air bag module deployment wire ends. Connect wire leads to a 12-volt battery. Repeat for passenger-side air bag module. If air bag modules did not deploy, go to next step. If air bag modules did deploy, disconnect wires from battery. DO NOT touch air bag module for at least 10 minutes due to heat generated during deployment. Wear gloves and safety glasses before handling deployed air bag module. Wash hands with mild soap and water afterward.
  8. If air bag modules did not deploy, carefully remove air bag module from vehicle. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Temporarily store module with trim facing up. Contact manufacturer for additional instructions.
Fig 1: Preparing Deployment Harness For On-vehicle Deployment
G96H14008Courtesy 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.