On-Vehicle Deployment

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION On-Vehicle Deployment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Park Avenue. 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 harness connectors from vehicle leaving at least 6" (152 mm) of wire at connector. 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 to prevent accidental air bag deployment.
  3. Twist together one connector wire lead to other end of each deployment wire. See Fig 1. Bend twisted connection flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate. Repeat this step for remaining connector wire lead.
  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 vehicle as far as possible.
  5. Repeat steps  2 through  4 for passenger-side and side impact air bag modules. Cover windshield and front door openings with a drop cloth.
  6. Separate wire ends. Connect each pair of wires to a 12-volt battery. Air bag modules should deploy. If air bag modules DO NOT deploy, go to next step. If air bag module does deploy, disconnect wires from battery. DO NOT touch air bag module or surrounding area for at least 10 minutes due to heat generated during deployment. Wear gloves and safety glasses before touching deployed air bag module. Wash hands with mild soap and water afterward.
  7. If air bag modules DO NOT deploy, carefully remove from vehicle. See AIR BAG MODULES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Temporarily store air bag 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.