Inflator Module Scrapping Procedures

During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may arise which will necessitate the disposal of a live (undeployed) inflator module. This information covers proper procedures for disposing of a live inflator module.

Before a live inflator module can be disposed of, it must be deployed. Live inflator modules must not be disposed of through normal refuse channels.

CAUTION: Failure to follow proper Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) inflator module disposal procedures can result in air bag deployment which may cause personal injury. Undeployed inflator modules must not be disposed of through normal refuse channels. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that can cause severe illness or personal injury during disposal. Disposal in any manner inconsistent with proper procedures may be a violation of federal, State, and/or local laws.

If the vehicle is the subject of a product liability report related to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241), DO NOT DEPLOY the inflator module and DO NOT ALTER the SIR system in any manner. Refer to the applicable service bulletin on SIR shipping procedures for details on handling SIR systems involved with GM-1241. If a vehicle is the subject of a campaign affecting inflator modules, DO NOT DEPLOY the inflator module.

If an inflator module is replaced under warranty, DO NOT DEPLOY the air bag. The inflator module may need to be returned, undeployed, to Inland Fisher Guide. Refer to procedures shown in the appropriate service bulletin regarding SIR shipping procedures.

In situations which require deployment of a live inflator module, deployment may be accomplished inside or outside the vehicle. The method employed depends upon the final disposition of the particular vehicle, as noted in "DEPLOYMENT OUTSIDE VEHICLE" and "DEPLOYMENT INSIDE VEHICLE" in SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT.