On-Vehicle Deployment

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION On-Vehicle Deployment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Put on safety glasses.
  2. Cut air bag module and seat belt pretensioner harness connectors from vehicle leaving at least 6" (152 mm) of wire at the connector for each wire lead. See Figure, Figure, Figure & Figure . Strip 0.50" (13 mm) of insulation from each wire lead to the connector. Cut 2 deployment wires at least 15 feet (4.6 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 air bag module, twist together end of one wire lead to one end of wire connector. See Fig 1. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape. Repeat for remaining connector wire lead. Assemble deployment harnesses for passenger-side air bag module, side impact air bag modules and seat belt pretensioners in a similar manner.
  4. Remove all loose objects from front seat. Ensure no one is in vehicle. Connect deployment harnesses to appropriate air bag module connectors. Stretch wires away from car as far as possible. Cover windshield and front door openings with a drop cloth. Separate deployment harness wire ends for driver-side air bag module. Connect wires to a 12-volt battery. Air bag module should deploy. If air bag does not deploy, go to step  6. If air bag did deploy, 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 deployment procedure 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 module(s) did not deploy, carefully remove from vehicle. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Temporarily store air bag module with trim cover facing up. Contact manufacturer for additional instructions.
Fig 1: Preparing Deployment Harness For On-vehicle Deployment
G99G27652Courtesy 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.