GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

CAUTION: Be careful when you handle a sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Do not strike or jolt the SDM. Before applying power to the SDM:

   • Remove any dirt, grease, etc. from the mounting surface
   • Position the SDM horizontally on the mounting surface
   • Point the arrow on the SDM toward the front of the vehicle
   • Tighten all of the SDM fasteners and SDM bracket fasteners to the specified torque value
Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: If any water enters the vehicle's interior up to the level of the carpet or higher and soaks the carpet, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) and the SDM harness connector may need to be replaced. The SDM could be activated when powered, which could cause deployment of the air bag(s) and result in personal injury. Before attempting these procedures, the SIR system must be disabled. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

With the ignition OFF, inspect the SDM mounting area, including the carpet. If any significant soaking or evidence of significant soaking is detected, you must perform the following tasks:

  1. Remove all water.
  2. Repair the water damage.
  3. Replace the SDM harness connector.
  4. Replace the SDM.
Failure to follow these tasks could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury, or otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 217474  Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .
  2. Remove the passenger front seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in Seats.
  3. Remove the passenger front carpet retainers, then roll back the carpet. Refer to Carpet Retainer Replacement in Interior Trim.
  4. Remove the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) from the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) harness connector.

  5. Object Number: 217475  Size: SH
  6. Disconnect the SDM harness connector from the SDM.

  7. Object Number: 238075  Size: SH
  8. Remove the SDM mounting fasteners (1).
  9. Remove the SDM (2) from the floor pan (3).

Important: If the SDM mounting holes or fasteners are damaged to the extent that the module can no longer be properly mounted, use the following repair. Torque the replacement fastener with a hand tool in order to prevent stripping the replacement fastener.

First Repair


    Object Number: 238075  Size: SH
  1. Remove the stripped fastener and discard it.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the SDM with new fastener GM P/N 10156138.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten fastener to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

Second Repair

  1. Remove the stripped fastener and discard it.
  2. Install the SDM using a larger fastener GM P/N 10267482 with a washer GM P/N 11500305.
  3. Tighten
    Tighten fastener to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 238075  Size: SH
  1. Install the SDM (2) to the floor pan (3).
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the SDM mounting fasteners (1).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten fasteners to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 217475  Size: SH
  5. Install the SDM harness connector to the SDM.

  6. Object Number: 217474  Size: SH
  7. Install the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) to the SDM harness connector.
  8. Install the carpet and the passenger front carpet retainers. Refer to Carpet Retainer Replacement in Interior Trim.
  9. Install the passenger front seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in Seats.
  10. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .