SRS - Upper Steering Column Scraping Noise
Bulletin No.: 04-09-41-005Date: September 03, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Scraping Noise from Upper Steering Column Behind Steering Wheel (Reposition Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Wires)
Models:
2004 Saturn VUE Vehicles
Built Up To and Including VIN Breakpoints 4S885734
Attention:
Fixed Operations Manager and Technician
Condition
Some customers may comment on noise from the steering column and/or noise from behind the steering wheel when turning the steering wheel.
Cause
The inflatable restraint steering wheel module wires that go between the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) coil and the inflatable restraint steering wheel module are applying a downward force where the wires come out of the SIR coil. This force may be causing the top cover of the SIR coil to make contact with the SIR coil housing which creates a scraping noise. This force is primarily caused due to the routing of the wires during installation of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
Correction
On vehicles with this condition, follow service procedure in this bulletin to reposition inflatable restraint steering wheel module wires to eliminate noise condition.
Service Procedure
1. Disable the SIR system (Zone 3). Refer to "SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3" procedure in the Restraints section of the 2004 Saturn VUE Service Manual, Vol 2.
2. Remove inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
3. If both yellow airbag wires are taped together, then remove both pieces of black tape.
4. Straighten out yellow wires to remove kinks.
5. Orient yellow wires as if they have never been taped together. Yellow wires should be separate, starting from SIR coil connector. Refer to illustration.
6. Reconnect both yellow wires to inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Do not connect horn switch connector at this time.
7. Rotate inflatable restraint steering wheel module one revolution clockwise while keeping steering wheel from turning.
8. Connect horn switch connector from steering wheel to inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
Important:
When reinstalling inflatable restraint steering wheel module, pull airbag leads (yellow wires) in an upward direction, towards the top of the steering wheel hub. This will prevent the wires from pressing down on the SIR coil connector.
9. Reinstall inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
10. Enable the SIR system (Zone 3).
11. Start vehicle and verify that noise has been eliminated.
Claim Information:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for C8835 (Module, Steering Wheel Inflator [Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System] - R&R or Replace). An "Add Time" condition is provided to reposition SIR system wires.
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