Service Precaution - SIR

LIVE (UNDEPLOYED) INFLATOR MODULE
Special care is necessary when handling and storing a live (undeployed) Inflator Module. The rapid gas generation produced during deployment of the air bag could cause the Inflator Module, or an object in front of the Inflator Module, to be thrown through the air in the unlikely event of an accidental deployment.

CAUTION: When carrying a live inflator module, make sure the bag opening is pointed away from you. Never carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the underside of the module. In case of an accidental deployment, the bag will then deploy with minimal chance of injury. When placing a live inflator module on bench or other surface, always face the bag and trim cover up, away from the surface. Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module face down and column vertical. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the air bag to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

DEPLOYED INFLATOR MODULES
After an Inflator Module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of corn starch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye is produced as a by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. As with many service procedures, you should wear gloves and safety glasses.

INFLATOR MODULE SHIPPING PROCEDURES FOR LIVE (UNDEPLOYED) INFLATOR MODULES
Service personnel should refer to the latest Service Bulletins for proper Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) inflator module shipping procedures.

INFLATOR MODULE SCRAPPING PROCEDURE
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 disposes 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 refuel channels. The undeployed inflator 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 inflator module and SO 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. Follow instruction in the Campaign Service Bulletin for proper disposition of 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 alive (undeployed) driver 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."

WIRING REPAIR SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT
If the wiring pigtail (wires attached directly to the component, not by a connector) on either the Inflator Module or the SIR Coil Assembly is damaged, the entire component must be replaced. Absolutely no wire, connector, or terminal repairs are to be attempted on either the Inflator Module or the SIR Coil Assembly.