Inflator Module Handling, Shipping, and Scrapping. Chevrolet Metro 2000

For 1990-2009 cars

### Live (Undeployed) 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.

Use special care when handling and storing a live (undeployed) inflator module. An air bag deployment produces rapid gas generation. This may cause the inflator module, or an object in front of the inflator module, to jettison through the air in the unlikely event of an accidental deployment.

### Shipping Procedures for Live (Undeployed) Inflator Modules

Service personnel should refer to the latest Service Bulletins for proper SIR inflator module shipping procedures.

### Scrapping Procedure

During the course of a vehicle's useful life, you may need to dispose of a live (undeployed) inflator module. The following information covers the proper procedures for disposing of a live inflator module. Before you dispose of a live inflator module, you must deploy the inflator module. Do not dispose of live inflator modules through normal refuse channels.

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.

Do not deploy an air bag in the following situations:

• | If you replace an inflator module under warranty, you may need to return the inflator module, undeployed, to Delphi Interior & Lighting Systems. Refer to the latest service bulletin regarding SIR shipping procedures.

• | If a vehicle is the subject of a Product Liability Report related to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241), do not alter the SIR system in any manner. Refer to the latest service bulletin on SIR shipping procedures.

• | If a vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator modules, follow the instructions in the Campaign Service Bulletin for proper SIR handling and shipping 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 the following procedures in order to determine which will work best in a given situation.

#### Deployment Outside of the Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module)

#### Tools Required

J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness

When you intend to return the vehicle to service, deploy the inflator modules outside of the vehicle. Consider the following examples:

• | Using the SIR Diagnostics, you determine that the inflator module does not function correctly.

• | The inflator module is cosmetically damaged, such as a scratch or a rip in the cover.

• | The inflator module pigtail (if equipped) is damaged.

• | The inflator module connector is damaged.

• | An inflator module connector terminal is damaged.

Deployment and disposal of a malfunctioning inflator module is subject to any required retention period.

You must follow these inflator module deployment procedures exactly. Always wear safety glasses during this deployment procedure. Do not remove your safety glasses until the deployed inflator module is scrapped or shipped. Before performing theses deployment procedures, you should be familiar with servicing the SIR system. You should also know how to handle the inflator module properly. Read the procedures carefully before you begin. These procedures require the use of the following tools:

• | J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness

• | The appropriate pigtail adapter

Do not attempt the procedure without the J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness and the adapter.

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.

Important: This information applies only to inflatable restraint steering wheel modules. Refer to Deployment Outside of the Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint IP Module) in this section for information on inflatable restraint IP module scrapping.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Remove the key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Inspect the J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness and the appropriate pigtail adapter for damage. If either the harness or the adapter is damaged, obtain a replacement.
5. Short the two SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other, as shown in the figure.

• | Keep the SIR deployment harness (1) shorted until you are ready to deploy the air bag.

• | Do not connect the SIR deployment harness to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.

6. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter (2) to the SIR deployment harness.
7. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module from the vehicle. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
8. Remove the horn lead from the back of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, if applicable.
9. Remove the redundant steering wheel control lead(s) from the back of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, if applicable.
10. Remove all horn buttons and steering wheel control buttons from the inflatable restraint steering wheel 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.
11. With its vinyl trim cover facing up and away from the surface, place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module on a work bench or other surface.
12. Place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module away from all loose or flammable objects.
13. Clear a space on the ground about 1.85 m (6 ft) in diameter where you intend to deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. If possible, use a paved, outdoor location free of activity. Otherwise, use a space free of activity on the shop floor. Provide sufficient ventilation.
14. Clear all loose or flammable objects from the deployment area.
15. Place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module in the space just cleared, with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
16. Extend the SIR deployment harness and the pigtail adapter to full length from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
17. Place a power source near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness. Use a vehicle battery when available, but always use a power source that meets the following criteria:

• | 12 volts minimum

• | 2 A minimum

Important: Firmly seat the pigtail adapter into the inflatable restraint steering wheel module connector. If you do not do this, the inflator module may not deploy.

18. Connect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1) to the pigtail adapter (2) on the SIR deployment harness (3).

• | The deployment harness shall remain shorted until you are ready to deploy the air bag.

• | Do not connect the SIR deployment harness to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.

• | The inflator module will immediately deploy when you connect the power source.

19. Clear the area of all people and loose or flammable objects.
20. Place the inflatable restraint steering wheel module with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
21. Notify all people in the immediate area before you deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

• | An inflatable restraint steering wheel module deployment is very loud.

• | The deployment may startle any uninformed people in the area.

22. Separate the two banana plugs on the SIR deployment harness.

Important: When the air bag deploys, the inflatable restraint steering wheel module may jump 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.

Important: 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 inflator module.

23. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. This immediately deploys the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
24. Use a vehicle battery when available, but always use a power source that complies to the following criteria:

• | 12 volts minimum

• | 2 A minimum

25. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source.
26. Short the SIR deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other.
27. In the unlikely event that the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with steps 33-36. If the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did deploy, proceed with steps 28-32.
28. Put on a pair of shop gloves in order to protect your hands from possible heat and irritation when you handle the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module.

After the inflatable restraint steering wheel module has 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. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, you will probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended, however, as a precaution. Gloves and safety glasses help to prevent 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.

29. The metal canister and the area surrounding the inflatable restraint steering wheel module are very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the inflatable restraint steering wheel module for about ten minutes after deployment. If you must move the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module, use caution. Always wear gloves and handle the inflatable restraint steering wheel module by the air bag or by the vinyl trim.
30. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module as soon after the deployment as possible. This will prevent the hot inflatable restraint steering wheel module canister from damaging either the pigtail adapter or the SIR deployment harness. The pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness are reusable.
31. Inspect both the pigtail adapter and the SIR deployment harness for damage after each use. Replace the pigtail adapter or the SIR deployment harness, as necessary.
32. Allow the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module to cool for at least 10 minutes. Dispose of the deployed inflatable restraint steering wheel module through the normal refuse channels.
33. Wash your hands with a mild soap and water.

Notice: Follow the remaining steps in the unlikely event that the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did not deploy after following these procedures.

34. Disconnect the SIR deployment harness from the power source. Confirm that you have shorted the two banana plugs together.
35. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflatable restraint steering wheel 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.
36. Temporarily store the inflatable restraint steering wheel module with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
37. Call the Technical Assistance group for further assistance.

### Deployment Outside of the Vehicle (Inflatable Restraint IP Module)

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.

General Motors dealers should refer to the latest General Motors Service Bulletins for live (undeployed) inflatable restrain IP module scrapping and disposal procedures. All others should contact a local General Motors dealership for live inflatable restraint IP module scrapping and disposal procedures. Dispose of deployed inflatable restraint IP modules through normal refuse channels.

### Deployment Inside Vehicle (Vehicle Scrapping Procedure)

When the vehicle will be destroyed, deploy the inflator modules inside the vehicle. When the vehicle will be salvaged for component parts, deploy the inflator modules inside the vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:

• | The vehicle has completed its useful life.

• | Irreparable damage occurs to the vehicle in a non-deployment type accident.

• | Irreparable damage occurs to the vehicle during theft.

• | You are salvaging the vehicle for component parts in order to use on a vehicle with a different Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as opposed to rebuilding a vehicle as the same VIN. Never use SIR components from another vehicle. This ensures SIR system integrity. Always use new SIR system components, except when you obtain remanufactured parts from an authorized General Motors dealer.

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.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Remove the key.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Remove all loose objects from the front seats.
5. Disconnect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module yellow 2-way connector. This connector is located near the base of the steering column.
6. Cut the inflatable restraint steering wheel module yellow 2-way harness connector from the vehicle. Leave at least 160 mm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
7. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each wire lead of the connector.
8. Cut two 4.6 m (15 ft) deployment wires from 0.8 mm ² (18 gauge) or thicker multi-strand wire. Use these wires in order to fabricate the driver deployment harness.
9. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of these two wires.
10. Short the wires by twisting together one end from each. Keep the deployment wires shorted. Do not connect these wires to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
11. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire (1). Secure the connection mechanically.
12. Bend the twisted connection (2) flat. Wrap the connection tightly and securely with electrical tape. The tape will also insulate the connection.
13. Secure the remaining connector wire lead (3) to the remaining deployment wire.
14. Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, yellow 2-way connector at the base of the steering column.
15. Route the deployment harness out of the driver side of the vehicle.
16. Disconnect the inflatable restraint IP module, yellow connector. This connector is located behind the IP compartment.
17. Cut the inflatable restraint IP module harness connector from the vehicle. Leave at least 160 mm (6 in) of wire at the connector.
18. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from each wire lead of the connector.
19. Cut two 6.1 m (20 ft) deployment wires from 0.8 mm ² (18 gauge) or thicker multi-strand wire. Use these wires in order to fabricate the driver deployment harness.
20. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of insulation from both ends of these two wires.
21. Short the wires by twisting together one end from each. Keep the deployment wires shorted. Do not connect these wires to a power source until you are ready to deploy the air bag.
22. Twist together one connector wire lead to one deployment wire (1). Secure the connection mechanically.
23. Bend the twisted connection (2) flat. Wrap the connection tightly and securely with electrical tape. The tape will also insulate the connection.
24. Secure the remaining connector wire lead (3) to the remaining deployment wire.
25. Connect the deployment harness to the inflatable restraint IP module, yellow 2-way connector.
26. Route the deployment harness out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
27. Clear the inside of the vehicle and the area surrounding the vehicle of any people. Clear the vehicle of all loose or flammable objects.
28. Stretch the driver and passenger deployment harnesses to their full lengths.
29. Completely cover the windshield area and the front door window openings with a drop cloth, a blanket, or any similar item. This reduces the possibility of injury due to possible fragmentation of the vehicle's glass or interior.
30. Notify everyone in the immediate area before you deploy the air bags:

• | The deployment is very loud.

• | The deployment may startle any uninformed people in the area.

31. Place a power source near the shorted end of the SIR deployment harness. Use a vehicle battery when available, but always use a power source that complies to the following:

• | 12 volts minimum

• | 2 A minimum

32. Separate the two ends of the driver deployment harness wires.

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 inflator module.

33. Connect the SIR deployment harness wires to the power source. This will immediately deploy the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
34. Disconnect the deployment harness wires from the power source.
35. Separate the two ends of the passenger deployment harness wires.
36. Connect the passenger deployment harness wires to a power source. This will immediately deploy the inflatable restraint IP module.

After the inflator module has 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. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, you will probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended, however, as a precaution. Gloves and safety glasses help to prevent 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.

37. The metal canister and the area surrounding the inflator module are very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the inflator module for about ten minutes after deployment. If you must move the deployed inflator module, use caution. Always wear gloves and handle the inflator module by the air bag or by the vinyl trim.
38. Disconnect the deployment harness wires from the power source.
39. Short the driver deployment harness wires by twisting together one end from each of the wires. Repeat this procedure for the passenger deployment harness.
40. Carefully remove the drop cloth from the vehicle.
41. Disconnect the driver deployment harness. Disconnect the passenger deployment harness from the vehicle.
42. Discard both deployment harnesses.
43. After deploying both air bags, you may scrap the vehicle in the same manner as a non-SIR equipped vehicle.
44. In the unlikely event that the inflatable restraint steering wheel module did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with steps 45-46.
45. Remove the undeployed inflator module(s) from the vehicle. For the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, refer to Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Steering Wheel and Column in Steering. For the inflatable restraint IP module, refer to Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement

.

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.
46. Temporarily store the inflator module with its vinyl trim cover facing up.
47. Call the Technical Assistance group for further assistance.

### Handling a Deployed Inflator Module

After the inflator module has 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. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, you will probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended, however, as a precaution. Gloves and safety glasses help to prevent possible irritation of the skin or eyes.