GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement

Tools Required

J 44298 Driver Air Bag Removal Tool

Removal Procedure

Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

   • Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
   • Make sure the bag opening points away from you
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.


    Object Number: 640349 Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .
  2. On the back side of the steering wheel are 4 openings for removing the driver inflator module.
  3. Position the steering wheel so that 2 of the openings are on top.
  4. Adjust and install J 44298 into 2 of the holes.

    5. Important: Seat the air bag removal tool all the way in to perform properly.

  5. Push the handle back towards the I/P releasing the 2 spring-loaded fasteners at the same time.
  6. Turn the steering wheel and repeat the same steps for the other 2 openings.
  7. Pull the driver inflator module gently away from the steering wheel.

    8. Object Number: 255209 Size: SH

    Important: Observe the following positions for proper reassembly:

       • The driver inflator wire routing positions
       • The redundant control routing positions
       • The horn wire routing positions

  8. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (4) and the driver inflator module electrical connector.
  9. Remove the horn grounded lead (2) from the threaded hole in the steering wheel.
  10. Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise ¼ turn.
  11. Remove the horn contact lead (2) from the steering column cam tower.
  12. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (5).
  13. Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 255209 Size: SH
  1. Connect the horn ground lead (2) into the lower left threaded hole in the steering wheel.
  2. Connect the horn contact lead into the steering column cam tower.
  3. Rotate the horn contact turn ¼ turn clockwise in order to lock.
  4. Connect the inflator module electrical connector and the CPA (4).

    5. Important: Route the following wires correctly:

       • The driver inflator wires
       • The redundant control wires
       • The horn wires

  5. Align the driver inflator module fasteners to the steering column fastener holes.
  6. Push the driver inflator module firmly into the steering column in order to engage the fasteners.
  7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .