General Service Instructions

Caution: In order to avoid deploying the air bag when troubleshooting the SIR system, use only the equipment specified and the instructions given. Failure to use the specified equipment as instructed could cause air bag deployment, personal injury to you or someone else, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: If any water enters the vehicle's interior up to the level of the carpet or higher and soaks the carpet, the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) and the SDM harness connector may need to be replaced. The SDM could be activated when powered, which could cause deployment of the air bag(s) and result in personal injury. Before attempting these procedures, the SIR system must be disabled. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. With the ignition OFF, inspect the SDM mounting area, including the carpet. If any significant soaking or evidence of significant soaking is detected, you must perform the following steps:
^ Remove all water.
^ Repair the water damage.
^ Replace the SDM harness connector.
^ Replace the SDM.
Failure to follow these procedures could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury, or otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

General Service Instructions
^ Do not expose the inflator modules to temperatures above 65°C (150°F).
^ Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a different vehicle.
^ Service these components by replacement only.
^ Do not repair any of the following components:
- The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
- The Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel (IP) module.
- The Inflatable Restraint IP module switch.
- The Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module.
- The Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil.
- The Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor.
^ Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Do not use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.
^ Discard any of the following components if the components have been dropped from a height of 91 centimeters (3 ft) or greater.
- The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
- The Inflatable Restraint IP module.
- The Inflatable Restraint IP module switch.
- The Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module.
- The Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil.
- The Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor.
^ When you replace the SDM, verify that the following conditions are met:
- The mounting surface is clean.
- The arrow on the module points toward the front of the vehicle.
- The module is flat on the mounting surface, parallel to the vehicle datum line.
- The module fasteners are installed and tightened as specified.
^ In order to avoid setting false diagnostic trouble codes, only apply power to the SIR system when one of the following two conditions is met:
- All SIR system components are properly mounted and electrically connected.
- A diagnostic procedure directs you to apply power.
^ Begin diagnosis of malfunctions with the SIR Diagnostic System Check. Perform the SIR Diagnostic System Check in order to verify the following:
- The proper operation of the AIR BAG warning lamp.
- Communication with the SDM through the serial data line.
- The presence or absence of diagnostic trouble codes.
- Whether additional diagnosis is required and where the information resides.

Not beginning with the SIR Diagnostic System Check could cause the following:
^ Extended diagnostic time.
^ Incorrect diagnosis.
^ Unneeded parts replacement.