On-Vehicle Deployment

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION On-Vehicle Deployment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2002 Chevrolet Impala. 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.
  2. Disconnect driver-side and passenger-side air bag module connectors. Disconnect driver side impact air bag module connector. See Figure, 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. For each air bag module, cut two 15-foot 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.
  4. For dual-stage driver-side and passenger-side air bag module leads, twist together wires for Stage 1 and Stage 2 high-side deployment loops. Connect twisted wire pair to end of one deployment wire. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate. See Fig 1. Repeat procedure for Stage 1 and Stage 2 low-side deployment loop leads.
  5. For single-stage side impact air bag module leads, connect lead from connector wire to end of each deployment wire. See Fig 2. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate. Repeat or remaining connector wire lead.
  6. Remove all loose objects from front seat. Ensure no one is in vehicle. Stretch deployment wires away from car as far as possible. Cover windshield and front door openings with a drop cloth.
  7. Separate shorted wire ends on driver-side air bag module deployment harness. Connect wires to a 12-volt battery. Air bag module should deploy. If air bag module did not deploy, go to next step. If air bag module did deploy, disconnect wires from battery. Repeat deployment procedure for passenger-side and side impact air bag module. DO NOT touch air bag module area 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 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 Dual-stage Air Bag Module On-vehicle Deployment
G99J23977Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.