Steering Wheel Module

Deployment outside the vehicle is proper when the vehicle is to be returned to service. This includes, for example, situations in which the vehicle will be returned to useful service after a functionally or cosmetically deficient inflator module is replaced. Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is, of course, subject to any required retention period.

For deployment of a live (undeployed) inflator module outside the vehicle, the deployment procedure must be followed exactly. Always wear safety glasses during this deployment procedure until a deployed inflator module is scrapped or until an undeployed inflator module is shipped. Before performing the procedures you should be familiar with servicing the SIR system and with proper handling of the inflator module. Procedures should be read fully before they are performed.

The following procedure requires use of J 38826 SIR deployment harness with appropriate pigtail adapter. Do not attempt procedure without J 38826 adapter.

Figure 13:

Figure 14:

Figure 15:

Figure 16:

Figure 17:

Figure 18:

Figure 19:

Figure 20:

CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the deployment procedures in the order listed:
^ Wear safety glasses throughout the procedures.
^ Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 meters (six feet) in diameter where the inflator module will be deployed.
^ Make sure the area around the inflator module is clear of all people and loose or flammable objects.
^ Short the deployment harness wires as instructed.
^ Connect the deployment harness to the inflator module before you connect it to the power source.
^ Connect the deployment harness to the power source to immediately deploy the air bag.
Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.

IMPORTANT
^ This information applies only to driver inflator modules, Refer to "Inside of Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)" for information on passenger inflator module scrapping. Inside of Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

1. Turn ignition switch to "LOCK," remove key and put on safety glasses.
2. Inspect J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness and appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. If harness or pigtail adapter is damaged, discard and obtain a replacement.
3. Short the two SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other. SIR deployment harness shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed (Figure 13).
4. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter to the SIR deployment harness (Figure 13).
5. Remove driver inflator module from vehicle.
6. Remove horn lead from the back of the driver inflator module.
7. Remove all horn buttons and steering wheel control buttons from driver inflator module, if applicable.

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.

8. Place the driver inflator module on a work bench or other surface away from all loose or flammable objects with its vinyl trim cover facing up, away from the surface (Figure 14).
9. Clear a space on the ground about 185 cm (six feet) in diameter where the driver inflator module is to be deployed. A paved, outdoor location where there is no activity is preferred. If an outdoor location is not available, a space on the shop floor where there is no activity and sufficient ventilation is recommended. Ensure no loose or flammable objects are within the deployment area (Figure 15).
10. Place the driver inflator module, with its vinyl trim cover facing up, on the ground in the space just cleared (Figure 15).
11. Stretch the SIR deployment harness and pigtail adapter from the driver inflator module to its full length (Figure 16).
12. Place a power source near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested.
13. Connect the driver inflator module to the pigtail adapter on the SIR deployment harness. Deployment harness shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed. The driver inflator module will immediately deploy the air bag when a power source is connected to it (Figure 17).

IMPORTANT
^ Ensure that the pigtail adapter is firmly seated into the driver inflator module connector. Failure to fully seat the connectors may leave the shorting bar located in the driver inflator module connector functioning (shorted) and may result in non-deployment of the driver inflator module.
14. Verify that the area around the driver inflator module is clear of all people and loose or flammable objects.
15. Verify that the driver inflator module is resting with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
16. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the driver inflator module. The deployment will be accompanied by a substantial report which may startle the uninformed.
17. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness (Figure 18).

NOTICE: When the air bag deploys, the driver inflator module may jump about 30 cm (one foot) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the driver inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.

NOTICE: When the air bag deploys, the rapid gas expansion will create a substantial report. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the driver inflator module.

CAUTION: When you are deploying an inflator module for disposal, perform the deployment procedures in the order listed:
^ Wear safety glasses throughout the procedures.
^ Make sure the area around the inflator module is clear of all people and loose or flammable objects.
^ Short the deployment harness wires as instructed.
^ Connect the deployment harness to the inflator module before you connect it to the power source.
^ Connect the deployment harness to the power source to immediately deploy the air bag.
Failure to follow the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury.

NOTICE: When the air bag deploys, the inflatable restraint steering wheel module may jump about 30 cm (one foot) vertically. This is a normal reaction of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.

NOTICE: The rapid gas expansion involved with deploying an air bag is very loud. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

18. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source to immediately deploy the driver inflator module. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested (Figure 19).
19. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source.
20. Short the two SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana clip to the other.
21. In the unlikely event that the driver inflator module did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with Steps 26 through 29. If the driver inflator module did deploy, proceed with Steps 22 through 25.
22. Put on a pair of shop gloves to protect your hands from possible irritation and heat when handling the deployed driver inflator module.

After the driver inflator module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) is produced as a by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. As a precaution, however, gloves and safety glasses are recommended to prevent any possible irritation of the skin or eyes.

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.

After a driver inflator module has been deployed, the metal canister and surrounding areas of the driver inflator module will be very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the driver inflator module for about ten minutes after deployment. If the deployed driver inflator module must be moved before it is cool, wear gloves and handle by the air bag or vinyl trim (Figure 20).

23. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the driver inflator module as soon after deployment as possible. This will prevent damage to the pigtail adapter or SIR deployment harness due to possible contact with the hot driver inflator module canister. The pigtail adapter and SIR deployment harness are designed to be reused. They should, however, be inspected for damage after each deployment and replaced if necessary.
24. Dispose of the deployed driver inflator module through normal refuse channels after it has cooled for at least 10 minutes.
25. Wash your hands with mild soap and water afterward.

NOTICE: The remaining steps are to be followed in the unlikely event that the driver inflator module did not deploy after following these procedures.

26. Ensure that the SIR deployment harness has been disconnected from the power source and that its two banana plugs have been shorted together by fully seating one banana plug into the other (Figure 13).
27. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the driver inflator module.

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.

28. Temporarily store the driver inflator module with its vinyl trim cover facing up, away from the surface upon which it rests.
29. Call the Technical Assistance group for further assistance.