Deployment Outside Vehicle - Steering Wheel Air Bag, Instrument Panel Air Bag and Roof Rail Air Bag

Deploy the air bag 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 air bag is malfunctioning.
• The air bag is cosmetically damaged, scratched or ripped.
• The air bag pigtail is damaged.
• The air bag connector is damaged.
• The air bag connector terminals are damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning air bag is subject to any required retention period.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the air bag.
   WARNING: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Warning .
3. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the air bag or deployment fixture. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Ensure you have sufficient ventilation.
   Fig 1: Identifying Clearance For Deployment Of Inflator Module

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
4. Clear the area of loose or flammable objects.
5. If you are deploying a steering wheel air bag, place the air bag in the center of the space with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface.
   NOTE: Dual stage deployments are only used in steering wheel and instrument panel air bags. If stage 1 was used to deploy a dual stage air bag, stage 2 may still be active. If disposal of a dual stage air bag is required, both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the air bag.
6. When deploying an instrument panel air bag, perform the following instructions:
   Fig 2: Identifying I/P Module Components

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   1. Place the EL-39401-B  fixture in the center of the cleared area.
   2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand.
   3. Using the proper nuts and bolts, mount the instrument panel air bag (1) to the deployment fixture (2), with the vinyl trim facing up.
   4. Securely tighten all fasteners that hold the instrument panel air bag (1) to the deployment fixture (2).
7. When deploying a roof rail air bag, perform the following instructions:
   Fig 3: Identifying Fasteners Holding Side Impact Module To Deployment Fixture

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   1. Place the EL-39401-B  fixture (3) in the center of the cleared area.
   2. Fill the deployment fixture with water or sand to provide sufficient stabilization of fixture during deployment.
   3. Adjust and secure the fixture arms (4) to the deployment fixture (3), using the proper nuts and bolts.
   4. Attach the roof rail air bag in the deployment fixture and securely tighten all fasteners.
8. Inspect the EL-38826  harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) for damage. Replace as needed.
   Fig 4: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
9. Short the 2 SIR deployment harness leads (1) together using one banana plug seated into the other.
10. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness (1).
11. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to the full length from the deployment fixture or area.
    Fig 5: Extending SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter

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12. Connect the air bag (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
    Fig 6: Identifying Inflator Module, SIR Deployment Harness & Adapter

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    NOTE: On a dual stage air bag, both connectors must be attached to the deployment harness adapter. This will ensure that both stage 1 and stage 2 of the deployment loops are energized, regardless of the deployment state.
13. Clear the area of people.
    NOTE:

    • The rapid expansion of gas involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the air bag.
    • When the air bag deploys, the deployment fixture may jump about 30 cm (1 ft) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the air bag due to the force of the rapid expansion of gas inside the air bag.
    • If you are deploying a dual stage air bag with stage 1 already deployed, the fixture may not move and the noise may have been reduced.
14. Separate the 2 banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness that were shorted together earlier in the procedure.
    Fig 7: Separating Banana Plugs

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15. Place a 12 V minimum/2A minimum power source, such as a vehicle battery, near the shorted end of the harness.
    Fig 8: Identifying SIR Deployment Harness Wires To Power Source

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
16. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. Deployment of the air bag will occur when contact is made.
17. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
    Fig 9: View Of Deployment Harness Leads

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
18. If the air bag did not deploy, disconnect the adapter and discontinue the procedure and contact the Technical Assistance Group.

    If deployment was successful, proceed to the following steps.

19. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
    WARNING: Refer to SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Warning .
20. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
21. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
22. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
23. Dispose of the deployed air bag through normal refuse channels.
24. Wash your hands with a mild soap.