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) inflatable restraint steering wheel module. This information covers proper procedures for disposing of a live inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

Before a live inflatable restraint steering wheel module can be disposed of, it must be deployed. A live inflatable restraint steering wheel module must not be disposed of through normal refuse channels.

CAUTION: Failure to follow proper supplement inflatable restraint (SIR) steering wheel module disposal procedures can result in air bag deployment which may cause personal injury. An undeployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module must not be disposed of through normal refuse channels. The undeployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module contains substances that can cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is damaged during disposal. Disposal in any manner inconsistent with proper procedures may be a violation of federal, state and/or local laws.

If a 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 inflatable restraint steering wheel 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 the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, DO NOT DEPLOY the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Follow instructions in the campaign Service Bulletin for proper disposition of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

If an inflatable restraint steering wheel module is replaced under warranty, DO NOT DEPLOY the air bag. The inflatable restraint steering wheel module may need to be returned undeployed to the manufacturer. Refer to procedures shown in the appropriate Service Bulletin regarding SIR shipping procedure.

In situations which require deployment of a live (undeployed) inflatable restraint steering wheel module, deployment may be accomplished inside or outside of the vehicle. The method employed depends upon the final disposition of the particular vehicle.