Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Modules

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, and 2006 Buick Terraza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The side impact modules are located in the seat backs of driver and passenger front seat and rear bucket seats, if equipped. The side impact modules contain a housing, inflatable air bag, initiating device and a canister of gas generating material. The initiator is part of the side impact module deployment loop. When a side impact of sufficient force occurs, the side impact sensor (SIS) detects the impact and sends a signal to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The SDM compares the signal received from the SIS to a value stored in memory. When the generated signal exceeds the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the side impact air bags deployment loop. The SDM, side impact modules and the connecting wires makeup the side deployment loops. The SDM continuously monitors the deployment loops for malfunctions and turns the AIR BAG indicator ON if a fault is present.

Each side impact module is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the module. The shorting bar shorts the side impact modules deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the inflator module.