Driver Inflator
Tools Required^ J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness.
^ An appropriate pigtail adapter.
Caution: Refer to Inflator Module Disposal Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Caution: Refer to Inflator Module Deployment Outside vehicle Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Deploy the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Inflator Module 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 is scratched or ripped on the cover.
^ The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) 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.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Remove the ignition key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Inspect the J 38826 and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. Replace as needed.
5. Short the two 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 Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module.
8. Remove the horn lead from the back of the module, if equipped.
9. Remove the redundant steering wheel control leads from the back of the module, if equipped.
10. Remove all horn/steering wheel control buttons from the module, if equipped.
Caution: Refer to Inflator Module Handling And Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices.
11. Place the module with the vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface on a work bench.
12. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 meter (6 ft) in diameter for deployment of the module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Ensure that you have sufficient ventilation.
13. Make sure no loose or flammable objects are in the area.
14. Place the module in the space with the vinyl trim cover facing up.
15. Extend the SIR deployment harness and adapter to full length from the module.
16. Place a 12 volt minimum/2A minimum power source (i.e., vehicle battery) near the shorted end of the harness.
17. Connect the module (1) to the adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
18. Firmly seat the adapter into the module connector.
19. Clear the area of people.
Caution: Refer to Inflator Module Deployment Outside vehicle Caution in Cautions and Notices.
20. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
Important: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all the people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module
Important: When the air bag deploys, the inflator module may jump vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.
21. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source.
22. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source after the air bag deploys.
23. Seat one banana plug into the other in order to short the deployment harness leads.
24. 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.
Caution: After an air bag deploys, the metal surfaces of the inflator module are very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury:
^ Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface of the inflator module.
^ Do not place the deployed inflator module near any flammable objects.
25. Put on a pair of shop gloves.
26. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon as possible.
27. Inspect the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness. Replace as needed.
28. Dispose of the deployed module through normal refuse channels.
29. Wash hands with a mild soap.