Deployment Outside Vehicle (Driver Inflator Module)
Deployment outside the vehicle is proper when the vehicle is to be returned to service. This includes, for example, situations in which the vehicle returns to useful service after a functionally or cosmetically deficient inflator module is replaced. Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is, of course, subject to any retention period.For deployment of a live (undeployed) inflator module outside the vehicle, the deployment procedure must be followed exactly. ALWAYS wear safety glasses during this deployment procedure until a deployed inflator module is scrapped or until an undeployed inflator module is shipped. Before performing the procedures, become familiar with servicing the SIR system and with proper handling of the inflator module. Procedures should be read fully before they are performed.
The following procedure requires using J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness with appropriate pigtail adapter. Do not attempt procedure without J 38826 and adapter.
CAUTION: Failure to follow procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury. Never connect deployment harness to any power source before connecting deployment harness to the Driver Inflator Module. Deployment harness 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. Wear safety glasses throughout this entire deployment and disposal procedure.
IMPORTANT: This information applies only to Driver Inflator Modules. Refer to "Deployment Outside Vehicle (Passenger Inflator Module) for information on Passenger Inflator Module scrapping.
1. Turn ignition switch to "LOCK", remove key and put on safety glasses.
2. Inspect J 38826 SIR deployment hamess and appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. If harness or pigtail adapter is damaged, discard and obtain a replacement.
Shorting The Universal Deployment Harness Wires:
3. Short the two SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other. SIR deployment harness shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed.
4. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter to the SIR deployment harness.
5. Remove the Driver Inflator Module from vehicle; refer to Removal and Installation.
6. Remove horn lead from the back of Driver Inflator Module.
7. Remove all horn buttons and steering wheel control buttons from the Driver 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 and trim cover up and 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 may result in personal injury.
8. Place the Driver Inflator Module on a work bench or other surface away from all loose or flammable objects with its vinyl trim cover facing up, away from the surface.
Provide Adequate Clearance For The Air Bag To Deploy:
9. Clear a space on the ground about 185 cm (six feet) in diameter where the Driver Inflator Module is to be deployed. A paved, outdoor location where there is no activity is preferred. If an outdoor location is not available, a space on the shop floor where there is no activity and sufficient ventilation is recommended. Ensure no loose or flammable objects are within the deployment area.
Provide Adequate Clearance For The Air Bag To Deploy:
10. Place the Driver Inflator Module, with its vinyl trim cover facing up, on the ground in the space just cleared.
Stretching The Universal Deployment Harness & Pigtail Adapter:
11. Stretch SIR deployment harness and pigtail adapter from the Driver Inflator Module to its full length.
12. Place a power source near shorted end of SIR deployment harness. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested.
Connecting The Universal Deployment Harness To The Inflator Module:
13. Connect the Driver Inflator Module to pigtail adapter on SIR deployment harness. Deployment hamess shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The Driver Inflator Module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that pigtail adapter is firmly seated into the Driver Inflator Module Connector. Failure to fully seat connectors may leave the shorting bar located in the Driver Inflator Module Connector functioning (shorted), resulting in non-deployment of Driver Inflator Module.
14. Verify that area around the Driver Inflator Module is clear of all people and loose or flammable objects.
15. Verify that the Driver Inflator Module is resting with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
16. Notify all people in immediate area of intended Driver Inflator Module deployment. The deployment will be accompanied by a substantial report which may startle the uninformed.
Separating The Two Shorted Banana Plugs:
17. Separate the two banana plugs on SIR deployment harness.
NOTE: When the air bag deploys, the rapid gas expansion will create a substantial report. Notify all people in immediate area of intended Driver Inflator Module deployment.
NOTE: When the air bag deploys, the Driver Inflator Module may jump about 30 cm (one foot) vertically. This is a normal Driver Inflator Module reaction to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.
CAUTION: Deployment harness shell remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The Driver Inflator Module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it. Connecting the deployment harness to the power source should always be the last step prior to deployment in the Driver Inflator Module Deployment procedure. Failure to follow procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.
Connecting To A Power Source:
18. Connect SIR deployment hamess wires to power source to immediately deploy the Driver Inflator Module. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested.
19. Disconnect SIR deployment harness from the power source.
20. Short the two SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other.
21. In the unlikely event that the inflator module did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with Steps 26 through 29. If the inflator module did deploy, proceed with Steps 22 through 25.
22. Put on a pair of shop gloves to protect your hands from possible irritation and heat when handling deployed Driver Inflator Module.
After the 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 soap) is produced as a by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with the 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 skin or eye irritation.
CAUTION: Safety precautions must be observed when handling a deployed Driver 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 deployed inflator module near any flammable objects. Failure to follow procedures may result in fire or personal injury.
After a Driver Inflator Module has been deployed, the metal canister and surrounding areas will be very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the Driver Inflator Module for about 10 minutes after deployment. If deployed Driver Inflator Module must be moved before it is cool, wear gloves and handle by the air bag or vinyl trim.
23. Disconnect pigtail adapter from the Driver Inflator Module as soon after deployment as possible. This prevents damage to the pigtail adapter or SIR deployment harness due to possible contact with the hot Driver Inflator Module canister. The pigtail adapter and SIR deployment harness are designed to be reused. They should, however, be inspected for damage after each deployment and replaced if necessary.
24. Dispose of deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels after it has cooled for at least 10 minutes.
25. Wash hands with mild soap and water afterward.
NOTE: The remaining steps are to be followed in the unlikely event that the inflator module did not deploy after following these procedures.
Shorting The Universal Deployment Harness Wires:
26. Ensure that SIR deployment harness has been disconnected from power source and that its two banana plugs have been shorted together by fully seating one banana plug into the other.
27. Disconnect pigtail adapter from the Driver 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 and trim cover upend 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 may result in personal injury.
28. Temporarily store the Driver Inflator Module with its vinyl trim cover facing up, away from the surface upon which it rests.
29. Call the Buick Technical Assistance Group for further assistance.