Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in the Preface section.

Deploy the air bags before disposing them. If a vehicle is to be scrapped, the air bag may be deployed inside the vehicle.

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

1. Disconnect both battery cables and place the battery at least 10 meters (33 feet) from the vehicle.
2. Remove the driver side knee bolster or instrument panel lower cover from the steering column. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
3. At the lower steering column, cut the 2 wires leading from the supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) harness to the clock spring.
4. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of the wires leading to the clock spring.
5. Use 2 additional wires, each at least 10 meters (33 feet) long to reach from the deployment battery to the inflator module.
6. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of these 2 additional wires.
7. Twist the 2 wires together at 1 end.
8. Place the twisted ends of the 2 wires near the deployment battery. Do not connect the wires to the battery at this time.
9. Using the free end of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires leading to the clock spring, make 2 splices, 1 at each wire from the air bag module.
10. Wrap the wires with insulation tape.
11. Now that the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires are spliced to the air bag module wires, and the ends that are twisted together are near deployment battery, clear the area.
12. Untwist the wires that are near the deployment battery.
13. Touch 1 wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the other wire to the negative battery terminals. The air bag will deploy.
14. Repeat this procedure for the passenger air bag, side air bags, and pretensioners.
15. Using proper precautions, dispose of the deployed air bags and pretensioners. Refer to the Deployed Air Bag Module Disposal Procedure information in this procedure.

If the vehicle is within the warranty period, contact the General Motors regional service manager for approval or special instructions before deploying the air bag modules.

Deploy the air bags in the following situations:

1. Position the air bag module face up, on flat ground outdoors, at least 10 meters (33 feet) from any obstacles or people.
2. Place a vehicle battery at least 10 meters (33 feet) away from the air bag module.
3. Deploy the air bag module.
4. If you do not have a deployment tool, follow the procedure below.
5. Cut the yellow wires to the air bag module/pretensioner.
6. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of the wires leading to the air bag module/pretensioner.
7. Use 2 additional wires, each at least 10 meters (33 feet) long, to reach from the deployment battery to the air bag module/pretensioner.
8. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the ends of these 2 additional wires.
9. Twist the 2 wires together at one end.
10. Place the twisted ends of the 2 wires near the deployment battery. Do not connect the wires to the battery at this time.
11. Using the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires leading to the air bag module/pretensioner, make 2 splices, 1 at each wire from the air bag module/pretensioner.
12. Wrap the splices with insulating tape.
13. Now that the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires are spliced to the air bag module/pretensioner wires, and the ends that are twisted together are near the deployment battery, clear the area.
14. Untwist the wires that are near the deployment battery.
15. Touch 1 wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the other wire to the negative battery terminal. The air bag will deploy.
16. Using proper precautions, dispose of the deployed air bags and pretensioners. Refer to the Deployed Air Bag Module Disposal Procedure information in this procedure.

Caution: Safety precautions must be followed when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag). After deployment, the inflator module (air bag) surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction, that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the inflator module (air bag) is harmless. as a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag), and wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

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.

Deploy an air bag or pretensioner before disposing of it.

This includes those in a whole vehicle being scrapped. If the vehicle is still within the warranty period, contact the General Motors regional service manager for approval or special instructions before deploying an air bag module or a pretensioner. A deployed air bag module or pretensioner should be disposed of in the same manner as other scrap parts, with the addition to the following steps:

1. Place the deployed air bag or pretensioner in a sturdy plastic bag.
2. Seal the plastic bag securely.
3. Wash your hands and rinse them with water after handling a deployed air bag.