Deployment Outside Vehicle (SIR Steering Wheel Module)
Tools RequiredJ38826 SIR Deployment Harness
When you intend to return the vehicle to service, deploy the inflator modules outside of the vehicle.Consider the following examples:
^ Using the SIR Diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module does not function correctly.
^ The inflator module is cosmetically damaged, such as a scratch or a rip in 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.
You must follow these inflator module deployment procedures exactly. Always wear safety glasses during this deployment procedure. Do not remove your safety glasses until the deployed inflator module is scrapped or shipped. Before performing theses deployment procedures, you should be familiar with servicing the SIR system. You should also know how to handle the inflator module properly. Read the procedures carefully before you begin. These procedures require the use of the following tools:
^ J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
^ The appropriate pigtail adapter
Do not attempt the procedure without the J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness and the adapter.
CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.
IMPORTANT: This information applies only to inflatable restraint steering wheel modules. Refer to Deployment Outside of the Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint IP Module) for information on inflatable restraint IP module scrapping.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Remove the key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Inspect the J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. If either the harness or the adapter is damaged, obtain a replacement.
5. Short the two SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other, as shown in the figure.
^ Keep the SIR deployment harness (1) shorted until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
^ Do not connect the SIR deployment harness to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
6. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness.
7. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module from the vehicle.
8. Remove the horn lead from the back of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, if applicable.
9. Remove the redundant steering wheel control lead(s) from the back of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, if applicable.
10. Remove all horn buttons and steering wheel control buttons from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, if applicable.
CAUTION: Refer to Inflator Module Handling And Storage Caution in Service Precautions.
11. With its vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface, place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module on a work bench or other surface.
12. Place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module away from all loose or flammable objects.
13. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter where you intend to deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location tree of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Provide sufficient ventilation.
14. Clear all loose or flammable objects from the deployment area.
15. Place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module in the space just cleared, with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
16. Extend the SIR deployment harness and the pigtail adapter to full length from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
17. Place a power source near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness. Use a vehicle battery when available, but always use a power source that meets the following criteria:
^ 12 volts minimum
^ 2 A minimum
IMPORTANT: Firmly seat the pigtail adapter into the inflatable restraint steering wheel module connector. If you do not do this, the inflator module may not deploy.
18. Connect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1) to the pigtail adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).
^ The deployment harness shall remain shorted until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
^ Do not connect the SIR deployment harness to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
^ The inflator module will immediately deploy when you connect the power source.
19. Clear the area of all people and loose or flammable objects.
20. Place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
21. Notify all people in the immediate area before you deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
^ An inflatable restraint steering wheel module deployment is very loud.
^ The deployment may startle any uninformed people in the area.
22. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.
IMPORTANT:
^ When the air bag deploys, the inflatable restraint steering wheel module may jump vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.
^ The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflator module.
23. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. This immediately deploys the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
24. Use a vehicle battery when available, but always use a power source that complies to the following criteria:
^ 12 volts minimum
^ 2 A minimum
25. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source.
26. Short the SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other.
27. In the unlikely event that the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with steps 33-36. If the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did deploy, proceed with steps 28-32.
28. Put on a pair of shop gloves in order to protect your hands from possible heat and irritation when you handle the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
After the inflatable restraint steering wheel module has deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates), and by-products of the chemical reaction. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, you will probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended, however, as a precaution. Gloves and safety glasses help to prevent possible irritation of the skin or eyes.
CAUTION: Immediately following the deployment of an air bag, the metal surfaces of the inflator module are very hot. Do not place the deployed inflator module near any flammable objects. Wait for about ten minutes before touching any metal surface of the inflator module. Disregarding these precautions may cause fire or personal injury.
29. The metal canister and the area surrounding the inflatable restraint steering wheel module are very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module for about ten minutes after deployment. If you must move the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module, use caution. Always wear gloves and handle the inflatable restraint steering wheel module by the air bag or by the vinyl trim.
30. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module as soon after the deployment as possible. This will prevent the hot inflatable restraint steering wheel module canister from damaging either the pigtail adapter or the SIR deployment harness. The pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness are reusable.
31. Inspect both the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness for damage after each use. Replace the pigtail adapter or the SIR deployment harness, as necessary.
32. Allow the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module to cool for at least 10 minutes. Dispose of the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module through the normal refuse channels.
33. Wash your hands with a mild soap and water.
NOTE: Follow the remaining steps in the unlikely event that the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did not deploy after following these procedures.
34. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source. Confirm that you have shorted the two banana plugs together.
35. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
CAUTION: Refer to Inflator Module Handling And Storage Caution in Service Precautions.
36. Temporarily store the inflatable restraint steering wheel module with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
37. Call the Technical Assistance group for further assistance.