Deployment Outside Vehicle - Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Modules

Tools Required

• J 38826  SIR Deployment Harness. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• An appropriate pigtail adapter
• J 39401-B  SIR Deployment Fixture. See Special Tools and Equipment .

Deploy the inflatable restraint side impact module(s) outside of the vehicle when the vehicle will be returned to service. Situations that require deployment outside of the vehicle include the following:

• Using the SIR diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module does not function properly.
• The inflator module pigtail harness is damaged.
• The inflator module connector is damaged.
• An inflator module connector terminal is damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject to any required retention period.

Fig 1: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Remove the ignition key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Inspect the J 38826  and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. See Special Tools and Equipment . Replace as needed.
5. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness (1) leads together using one banana plug seated into the other.
6. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
7. Remove the inflator module from the vehicle. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - LH  or Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module Replacement - RH .
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices.
8. With the air bag opening facing up and away from the surface, place the inflator module on a work bench or other surface away from all loose or flammable objects.
9. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter where you intend to deploy the inflator module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Provide sufficient ventilation.
10. Clear all loose or flammable objects from the deployment area.
11. Place the J 39401-B  in the space just cleared. See Special Tools and Equipment .
12. Attach the side impact module to the J 39401-B  . See Special Tools and Equipment .
13. Extend the SIR deployment harness and the pigtail adapter to full length from the inflatable restraint front side impact module.
14. Place a 12V minimum/2A minimum power source, i.e., vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harness.
IMPORTANT: Firmly seat the pigtail adapter into the side impact module connector. Failure to do this may cause the inflator module not to deploy.
15. Connect the side impact module to the pigtail adapter on the SIR deployment harness.
    • The deployment harness shall remain shorted until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
    • Do not connect the SIR deployment harness to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
    • The air bag will immediately deploy when you connect the power source.
16. Clear the area of all people and loose or flammable objects.
Fig 2: Separating Banana Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Inflatable Module Deployment Outside Vehicle Caution in Cautions and Notices.
17. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
IMPORTANT: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.
18. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. This immediately deploys the side impact module.
Fig 3: View Of Deployment Harness Leads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
20. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
21. If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure. Contact the Technical Assistance Group. Otherwise, proceed to the following steps.
22. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
23. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
CAUTION: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Fig 4: Disposing Of Deployed Inflator Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
24. Put on a pair of shop gloves in order to protect your hands from possible heat and irritation when you handle the deployed inflatable restraint front side impact module.
25. Remove the side impact module from the J 39401-B  . See Special Tools and Equipment .
26. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels.
27. Wash hands with a mild soap.