Driver Inflator

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 damaged inflator module is replaced and not required as a failed part to be returned.

For deployment of a live (undeployed) inflator module outside the vehicle, the deployment procedure must be followed. 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 SIR inflator module.

The following procedure requires use of Deployment Harness SA 9207Z and appropriate pigtail adapter.

CAUTION: WHEN YOU ARE DEPLOYING AN INFLATOR MODULE FOR DISPOSAL, PERFORM THE DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURES IN THE ORDER LISTED BELOW

^ 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.






1. Short the two universal deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other. Universal deployment harness shall remain shorted and not be connected to a power source until the air bag is to be deployed.
2. Connect the appropriate pigtail adapter to the universal deployment harness.
3. Remove inflator module from vehicle.






4. Temporarily place the inflator module on a work bench or other surface away from all loose or flammable objects and with its soft vinyl trim cover facing up, away from the surface.






5. Clear a space on the ground approximately six feet in diameter where the inflator module is to be deployed. A paved outdoor location where there is no activity and sufficient ventilation is recommended. Make certain that no loose or flammable objects are within the deployment area.
6. Place the inflator module with a soft vinyl trim cover facing up on the ground in the space just cleared.

Description:

7. Stretch the universal deployment harness and pigtail adapter from the inflator module to its full length.
8. Place a power source near the shorted end of the deployment harness. (Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A car battery is suggested.)
9. Connect the SIR inflator module to the pigtail adapter on the universal deployment harness.

NOTICE: Make sure that the pigtail adapter connector is fully seated into the inflator module connector. Failure to fully seat the connectors may leave the shorting bar located in the inflator module connector active and may result in non-deployment of the inflator module.

10. Verify that the area around the inflator module is clear of all people and loose or flammable objects.
11. Verify that the inflator module is resting with its soft vinyl trim cover facing up.

IMPORTANT: When the air bag deploys the inflator module may jump approximately one foot in height. This is a normal reaction of the inflator module to the force of the rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.

12. Notify all people in the immediate area of your intention to deploy the inflator module as the deployment will be accompanied by a substantial noise which may startle the uninformed.
13. Separate the two banana plugs on the universal deployment harness that were shorted together in step 3. Refer to the illustration.





14. Connect the universal deployment harness wires to the power source to immediately deploy the inflator module.
15. Disconnect the universal deployment harness from the power source.
16. Short the two universal deployment harness leads together by fully seating one banana plug into the other.
17. In the unlikely event that the inflator module did not deploy after following these procedures, proceed immediately with steps 24 through 27. If the inflator module did deploy, proceed with steps 20 through 23.

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 an inflator module has been deployed, the metal canister and surrounding areas of the inflator module will be very hot. Do not touch the metal areas of the inflator module for about 10 minutes after deployment. If the deployed inflator module must be moved before it is cool, wear gloves and handle by the air bag or vinyl trim.

After the inflator module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of corn starch (used to prevent bag from adhering to itself over the life of the product) 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.

18. Put on a pair of shop gloves to protect your hands from possible irritation and heat when handling the deployed inflator module. Safety glasses should also be worn to protect your eyes.
19. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the inflator module as soon after deployment as possible to avoid the possibility of damage to the pigtail adapter or universal deployment harness due to possible contact with the hot inflator module canister. The universal deployment harness is designed to be reused. It should, however, be inspected for damage after each deployment and replaced if necessary. The pigtail adapter, SA 9414Z, may become damaged because of high temperatures and should be discarded after deployment outside the vehicle.
20. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels after it has cooled for at least 10 minutes.
21. Wash your hands with mild soap and water afterward.





20. Dispose of the deployed inflator module through normal refuse channels after it has cooled for at least 10 minutes.
21. Wash your hands with mild soap and water afterward.

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

22. Make certain that the universal deployment harness has been disconnected from the power source and that its two banana plugs have been shorted together by fully seating on banana plug into the other.
23. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the 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.

24. Temporarily store the inflator module with its soft vinyl trim cover facing up, away from the surface on which it rests.
25. Call the Saturn Technical Assistance Center for further instruction on disposition.