Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Disabling the SIR System
1998 Saturn SL2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7SECTION Disabling the SIR System
IMPORTANT: For steps 1-10, LHD illustrations are shown, RHD illustrations are similar. A LHD and RHD illustration are shown in step 11. LHD illustration is shown first.
1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
2. Turn ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove key.
3. Remove AIR BAG fuse from I/P junction block.
IMPORTANT: With the AIR BAG fuse removed and ignition switch On, the AIR BAG warning lamp will be On. This is normal operation and does not indicate an SIR system malfunction.
4. Remove Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device and disconnect yellow two-way connector located near the base of the steering column.
5. Remove upper trim panel screw caps by carefully prying with a small flat head screwdriver.
6. Remove upper trim panel screws.
7. Lift upper trim panel at clip locations on rear edge to disengage clips.
8. Disengage forward edge of upper trim panel by lifting upward at each outer corner, then pull rearward.
IMPORTANT: Be careful, when removing or replacing upper trim panel not to damage VIN plate.
IMPORTANT: Be careful, when removing upper trim panel, not to damage the upper trim panel seal. (Small arrow in the image denotes seal position.)
9. Remove upper trim panel.
10. Remove upper trim panel insulator.
11. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device and disconnect yellow two-way connector located on pigtail from passenger inflator module.
For RHD Domestic vehicles only.
Disabling The SIR System:
1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
2. Turn ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove key.
3. Remove AIR BAG fuse from I/P junction block.
IMPORTANT: With the AIR BAG fuse removed and ignition switch On, the AIR BAG warning lamp will be On. This is normal operation and does not indicate an SIR system malfunction.
4. Remove Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device and disconnect yellow two-way connector located near the base of the steering column.
Disabling The SIR System:
5. Remove upper trim panel screw caps by carefully prying with a small flat head screwdriver.
6. Remove upper trim panel screws.
Disabling The SIR System:
7. Lift upper trim panel at clip locations on rear edge to disengage clips.
8. Disengage forward edge of upper trim panel by lifting upward at each outer corner, then pull rearward.
IMPORTANT: Be careful, when removing or replacing upper trim panel not to damage VIN plate.
IMPORTANT: Be careful, when removing upper trim panel, not to damage the upper trim panel seal. (Small arrow in the image denotes seal position.)
9. Remove upper trim panel.
Disabling The SIR System:
10. Remove upper trim panel insulator.
Disabling The SIR System:
11. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device and disconnect yellow two-way connector located on pigtail from passenger inflator module.
Disabling The SIR System:
For RHD Domestic vehicles only.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.