Off-Vehicle Deployment

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Off-Vehicle Deployment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. 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. Short 2 SIR Deployment Harness (J-38826) leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other. Connect appropriate pigtail adapter to SIR deployment harness. See Fig 1.
  2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Place driver-side air bag module on ground (preferably outdoors on paved surface) at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from any people or objects. Stretch SIR deployment harness and pigtail adapter from air bag module to its full length. Place a 12-volt battery near shorted end of SIR deployment harness.
  3. For single-stage air bag modules, connect air bag module to SIR deployment harness. For dual-stage air bag modules, connect air bag module to deployment harness using Deployment Adapter (J-38826-75). Ensure area around air bag module is clear of people and objects. Verify that air bag module is resting with trim cover facing up.
  4. Separate 2 banana plugs on SIR deployment harness. Connect SIR deployment harness wires to battery. Air bag module should deploy. If air bag module does not deploy, go to step  6. If air bag module does deploy, disconnect SIR deployment harness from battery. Short 2 SIR deployment harness leads together. DO NOT touch metal surfaces of air bag module for at least 10 minutes due to heat generated during deployment. Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling deployed air bag module. Wash hands with mild soap and water after handling. Dispose of deployed air bag module like any other part. Inspect pigtail adapter and SIR deployment harness for damage after each use.
  5. Using SIR Deployment Tool (J-39401-B) to hold air bag module, repeat deployment procedure for passenger-side and side impact air bag modules.
  6. Ensure that SIR deployment harness is disconnected from battery and that 2 banana plugs have been shorted together. Disconnect pigtail adapter from air bag module. Temporarily store air bag module with trim cover facing up. Contact manufacturer for additional instructions.
Fig 1: Preparing Deployment Harness For Off-vehicle Deployment
G96I14009Courtesy 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.