SIR Service Precautions

Caution

Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag(s) in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended.

Accident with or without air bag deployment:

After any collision, inspect these components as indicated. If you detect any damage, replace the component. If you find any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

Steering Column - Perform the "Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage" procedure in the Repairs and Inspections Required After An Accident section in this service manual.

I/P Knee Bolsters - Inspect the knee bolsters for bending, twisting, buckling, or any type of damage.

I/P Brackets, Braces, etc. - Inspect for bending, twisting, buckling, or any other type of damage.

Safety Belts - Perform the "Safety Belt Operational Checks" procedures in this section of the service manual.

Accident with air bag deployment:

After any collision involving air bag deployment, replace these components. If you detect any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair or replace the mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

Passenger Inflator Module (Air Bag)

Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module

Driver Inflator Module (Air Bag)

Accident with curtain air bag deployment:

Curtain Inflator Module (Air Bag) and Side Impact Sensor (SIS)

Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

Headliner

All curtain air bag module fasteners

Windshield garnish moldings and fasteners

Curtain inflator module trim channel

Striker trim cover and fasteners

After a collision involving air bag deployment, inspect the following components as indicated. Perform these component inspections in addition to the inspections indicated as "Accident With or Without Air Bag Deployment." If you find any damage to the mounting points or mounting hardware, repair the component or replace the hardware as needed.

Roll Connector - Inspect the coil and the coil wiring harness for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.

Striker trim cover brackets.

Curtain module tether hook-and-loop.

All other trim components and fasteners, visors and coat hooks.

Caution

In order to avoid deploying the air bag when troubleshooting the SIR system, use only the equipment specified in this manual and the instructions given in this manual. Failure to use the specified equipment as instructed could cause air bag deployment, personal injury to you or someone else, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution

When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution

Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the air bag in a frontal collision or deployment of the air bag for conditions less severe than intended. Incorrect configuration may result in personal injury.

Caution

Proper operation of the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) sensing system requires that any repairs to the vehicle structure return the vehicle structure to the original production configuration. Not properly repairing the vehicle structure could cause non-deployment of the side impact air bag(s) in a side impact collision or deployment of the side impact air bag(s) for conditions less severe than intended. Incorrect configuration may result in personal injury.

Caution

In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that could cause severe illness or personal injury if the sealed container is damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to dispose of an inflator module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, province, or local laws.

Caution

When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.

Wear safety glasses throughout the entire procedure

Select a deployment area clear of people, loose objects, or flammable material.

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.

Tighten all of the SDM fasteners and SDM bracket fasteners to the specified torque value.

Failure to follow the correct procedures could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

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.

Notice

When fasteners are removed, always reinstall them at the same location from which they were removed. If a fastener needs to be replaced, use the correct part number fastener for that application. If the correct part number fastener is not available, a fastener of equal size and strength (or stronger) may be used. Fasteners that are not reused, and those requiring thread-locking compound, will be called out. The correct torque values must be used when installing fasteners that require them. If the above procedures are not followed, parts or system damage could result.

Perform The SIR Diagnostic System Check Before And After Diagnosis.
Disable The SIR System When Working On Or Near The SIR System Components.
Inspect SIR System Components After An Accident, Even If Air Bags Did Not Deploy.
Use Special Care When Handling Or Storing SIR System Components.
Follow Guidelines Exactly When Shipping An Undeployed Inflator Module.
Follow Procedure Steps Exactly When Performing Service Deployment Of A Driver Or Passenger Inflator Module.
Avoid Touching The Sdm Terminals To Prevent Electrostatic Discharge Damage.
Use Electrical Connector Adapters When Probing Terminals.
Use Approved Repair Kits When Replacing Wire Terminals.
Do Not Use A Self Powered Test Lamp To Diagnose SIR System.