General Information
SIR CAUTIONSCaution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System.
Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:
^ Air bag deployment
^ Personal injury
^ Unnecessary SIR system repairs
In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
^ Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
^ If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.
SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot
Caution: After an air bag deploys, the metal surfaces of the inflator module are very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury:
^ Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface of the inflator module.
^ Do not place the deployed inflator module near any flammable objects.
SIR Handling Caution
Caution: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.
SIR Inflatable Module Deployment Outside Vehicle
Caution: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result In personal injury.
SIR Inflator Module Disposal
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.
SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage
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.
SIR Special Tools
Caution: In order to avoid deploying the air bag when troubleshooting the SIR system, use only the equipment specified and the instructions provided. 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.
Do NOT deploy the inflator module in the following situations:
^ After replacement of an inflator module under warranty-The inflator module may need to be returned undeployed to the manufacturer.
^ If the vehicle is the subject of a product liability report (1241) related to the SIR or seat belt system-When a vehicle is the subject of a product liability report, do not alter the SIR or seat belt system in any manner.
^ If the vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator modules-Follow the instructions in the campaign service bulletin for proper SIR handling procedures.
Deployment Procedures: The inflator module can be deployed inside or outside of the vehicle. The method used depends upon the final disposition of the vehicle. Review each procedure in order to determine which will work best in a given situation.
Dual Stage Inflator Module: Dual stage inflator modules have 2 deployment stages. If stage 1 was used to deploy a dual stage inflator module, stage 2 may still be active. Therefore, a deployed inflator module must still be treated as an active inflator module. If disposal of a deployed or undeployed dual stage module is required, both deployment loops must be energized to deploy the inflator module.
Scrapping Procedure: During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may arise which will require the disposal of a undeployed inflator module. Do not dispose a undeployed inflator module through normal disposal channels until the inflator module has been deployed. If scrapping a deployed dual stage inflator module, both stages must be energized. The following information covers the proper procedures for the disposing of a undeployed inflator module.
Undeployed Inflator Module: Take special care when handling or storing a undeployed or live inflator module. An inflator module deployment produces a rapid generation of gas. This may cause the inflator module, or an object in front of the inflator module, to project through the air in the event of an unlikely deployment.