Deployment Inside Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

Deployment inside vehicle is proper when the vehicle is to be destroyed or salvaged for component parts. This includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:
1. The vehicle has completed its useful life.
2. The vehicle has been damaged beyond repair in a non-deployment type accident.
3. The vehicle has been stripped or damaged beyond repair in a theft.
4. The vehicle is to be salvaged for component parts to be used on a vehicle with a different Vehicle Identification Number as opposed to being rebuilt as the same Vehicle Identification Number. Never use SIR components from another vehicle. This is done to ensure SIR system integrity since only new SIR system components, with the exception of remanufactured parts as noted below, may be used in servicing an SIR equipped vehicle. Remanufactured parts purchased from an authorized General Motors dealer may be used for SIR repairs.

CAUTION: Failure to follow proper 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 refuse 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 in violation of federal, state and/or local laws.

The following procedures should be followed when scrapping a vehicle with an undeployed module:
1. Turn ignition switch to "LOCK", remove key and put on safety glasses.
2. Remove all loose objects from front seats.
3. Disconnect Driver Inflator Module, Yellow 2-way Connector located at the base of the steering column.

Cutting The Harness Connector Wires:

4. Cut the Driver Inflator Module Yellow 2-way Harness Connector from the vehicle leaving at least 16 cm (six inches) of wire at the connector.

Cutting The Harness Connector Wires:

5. Strip 13 mm (1/2 inch) of insulation from each wire lead of the connector.
6. Cut two 460 cm (15 feet) deployment wires from 0.8 mm Sq. (18 gage) or thicker multistrand wire. These wires will be used to fabricate the Driver Deployment Harness.
7. Strip 13 mm (1/2 inch) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.

Shorting The Deployment Wires:

8. Short the wires by twisting together one end from each. Deployment wires shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed.

CAUTION: Failure to follow procedures in the order listed could result in personal injury. Never connect deployment wires to any power source before connecting deployment wires to the inflator module leads. Deployment wires shall remain shorted end not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Wear safety glasses throughout this entire deployment and disposal procedure.

Fabricating The Deployment Harness:

9. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire. The connection should be mechanically secure. Refer to A.

Fabricating The Deployment Harness:

10. Bend twisted connection made in the previous step flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate and secure. Refer to B, C.

Fabricating The Deployment Harness:

11. Twist together, bend and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire. Refer to D.

Prepare Deployment Harness For In-Vehicle Deployment:

12. Connect the deployment harness to the Driver Inflator Module, Yellow 2-way Connector at the base of the steering column. Route deployment harness out the driver side of the vehicle.

CAUTION: Deployment wires shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Connecting the deployment wires to the power source should always be the final step in the Inflator Module Deployment procedure. Failure to follow procedures in the order listed could result in personal injury.

13. Disconnect Passenger Inflator Module, Yellow 2-way Connector located behind the I/P Compartment.
14. Cut the Passenger Inflator Module Harness Connector from the vehicle leaving at least 16 cm (six inches) of wire at the connector.
15. Strip 13 mm (1/2 inch) of insulation from each wire lead of the connector.
16. Cut two 610 cm (20 feet) deployment wires from 0.8 mm Sq. (18 gage) or thicker multistrand wire. These wires will be used to fabricate the Passenger Deployment Harness.
17. Strip 13 mm (112 inch) of insulation from both ends of the wires cut in the previous step.
18. Short the wires by twisting together one end from each. Deployment wires shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed.

CAUTION: Failure to follow procedures in the order listed could result in personal injury. Never connect deployment wires to any power source before connecting deployment wires to the inflator module leads. Deployment wires shell remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The Inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Wear safety glasses throughout this entire deployment and disposal procedure.

19. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire. The connection should be mechanically secure.
20. Bend twisted connection made in the previous step flat and wrap tightly with electrical tape to insulate and secure.
21. Twist together, bend and tape the remaining connector wire lead to the remaining deployment wire.
22. Connect the deployment harness to the Passenger Inflator Module, Yellow 2-way Connector located behind the I/P Compartment. Route deployment harness out the passenger side of the vehicle.

CAUTION: Deployment wires shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Connecting the deployment wires to the power source should always be the final step in the Inflator Module Deployment procedure. Failure to follow procedures in the order listed could result in personal injury.

23. Verify that the inside of the vehicle and the area surrounding the vehicle are clear of all people and loose or flammable objects.

Prepare Deployment Harness For In-Vehicle Deployment:

24. Stretch the Driver and Passenger Deployment Harnesses to their full length.
25. Completely cover windshield area and front door window openings with a drop cloth, blanket or similar item. This reduces the possibility of injury due to possible fragmentation of the vehicle's glass or interior.
26. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the air bags. The deployment will be accompanied by a substantial report which may startle the uninformed.

Separate Shorted End Of Deployment Harness And Connect To Power Source:

27. Separate the two ends of the Driver Deployment Harness wires.

CAUTION: Deployment wires shell remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The Inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Connecting the deployment wires to the power source should always be the final step in the Inflator Module Deployment procedure. Failure to follow procedures in the order listed could result in personal injury.

NOTE: When the air bag deploys, the rapid gas expansion will create a substantial report. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the air bags.

Separate Shorted End Of Deployment Harness And Connect To Power Source:

28. Connect the Driver Deployment Harness wires to a power source to immediately deploy the Driver Inflator Module. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested.

Separate Shorted End Of Deployment Harness And Connect To Power Source:

29. Separate the two ends of the Passenger Deployment Harness wires.

CAUTION: Deployment wires shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Connecting the deployment wires to the power source should always be the final step in the Inflator Module Deployment procedure. Failure to follow procedures in the order listed could result in personal injury.

Separate Shorted End Of Deployment Harness And Connect To Power Source:

30. Connect the Passenger Deployment Harness wires to a power source to immediately deploy the Passenger Inflator Module. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested. After the inflator module has been 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. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) 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 a precaution, however, gloves and safety glasses are recommended to prevent any possible irritation of the skin or eyes.

CAUTION: Safety precautions must be observed when handling a deployed inflator module. After deployment, the metal surfaces of the inflator module will be very hot. Allow the inflator module to cool before handling any metal portion of it. Do not place the hot deployed inflator module near any flammable objects. Failure to follow procedures could result in fire or personal injury.

After an inflator module has been deployed, the metal canister and surrounding areas of the inflator module will be very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the inflator module for about 10 minutes after deployment. If the deployed inflator module must be moved before it is cool, wear gloves and handle by the air bag or vinyl trim.
31. Short the Driver Deployment Harness wires by twisting together one end from each. Repeat this procedure for the Passenger Deployment Harness.
32. Carefully remove drop cloth from vehicle and clean OFF any fragments or discard drop cloth entirely.
33. Disconnect Driver Deployment Harness and Passenger Deployment Harness from vehicle and discard.
34. In the unlikely event that either or both of the inflator modules did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with Steps 36 through 38.
35. With both air bags deployed, the vehicle may be scrapped in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
36. Remove the undeployed inflator module(S) from the vehicle. For Driver Inflator Module, and Passenger Inflator Module.

CAUTION: When storing a live inflator module or when leaving a live inflator module unattended on a bench or other surface, always face the bag end trim cover up, away from the surface. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the air bag to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Failure to follow procedures could result in personal injury.

37. Temporarily store the inflator module with the air bag opening facing up, away from the surface upon which it rests.
38. Call the Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.