Tools Required

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

J 39401-B SIR Deployment Fixture
J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
An appropriate pigtail adaptor

Turn OFF the ignition.
Remove the ignition key.
Put on safety glasses.
Remove the seat belt pretensioner from the vehicle. Refer to Seat Belt Buckle Pretensioner Replacement - LH or Seat Belt Buckle Pretensioner Replacement - RH .
When carrying a seat belt pretensioner to the deployment area, keep the open end of the seat belt pretensioner pointed away from the body.
Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the seat belt pretensioner. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Make sure you have sufficient ventilation.
Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
Place the J 39401-B SIR Deployment Fixture in the center of the cleared area.
Fill the fixture plastic reservoir with water or sand.

Fig 1: Clearing Space On Ground About 1.85 m In Diameter For Deployment Of Seat Belt Pretensioner
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Mount the seat belt pretensioner (1) in the SIR deployment fixture (3) with the open end facing up using the following mounting method.
- Adjust and secure the J 39401-B arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3).
- To mount, use the proper size bolt (2) and nut (5) with washers in order to secure the seat belt pretensioner (1) to the deployment fixture brackets (4).
- Securely tighten all fasteners prior to deployment.
Fig 2: Seat Belt Pretensioner, J 39401-B & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
Short the two SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).

Fig 3: SIR Deployment Harness & Pigtail Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the deployment fixture.

Fig 4: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter To Full Length
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Connect the seat belt pretensioner (1) to the adapter (2) on the deployment harness (3).
Clear the area of people.
Important: When deploying a seat belt pretensioner, the rapid expansion of gas is very loud. Notify the people in the immediate area that a seat belt pretensioner will be deployed.

Fig 5: Connecting Seat Belt Pretensioner To Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

Fig 6: Separating Two Banana Plugs On SIR Deployment Harness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Place a 12 V minimum/2 A minimum power source, such as a vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harness.
Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Seat belt pretensioner deployment will occur when contact is made.
Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the seat belt pretensioner deploys.

Fig 7: Connecting SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
If the seat pretensioner did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.
Put on a pair of shop gloves.
Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the seat belt pretensioner as soon as possible.
Dispose of the deployed seat belt pretensioner through normal refuse channels.
Wash hands with a mild soap.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Pigtail Adapter From Seat Belt Pretensioner
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.