Air Bag Module Deployment - Outside of Vehicle

If the vehicle is within the warranty period, contact the General Motors regional service manager for approval or special instructions before deploying the air bag modules.

Deploy the air bags in the following situations:

• If the vehicle is to be scrapped
• If an air bag module is damaged during transit, storage, or service

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.
• Deploy the air bags only in an evacuated area. Service personnel who must be present during the deployment should be at least 10 meters (33 feet) in front of the vehicle.
• Do not connect the voltage source until after having completed all other preparations for the deployment of the air bags.
• Allow a deployed air bag module or pretensioner to cool for 30 minutes before handling.
• Wear gloves and eye protection during the disposal procedure.
• If the deployment fails, disconnect the voltage source and wait 5 minutes before approaching the vehicle.

1. Position the air bag module face up, on flat ground outdoors, at least 10 meters (33 feet) from any obstacles or people.
2. Place a vehicle battery at least 10 meters (33 feet) away from the air bag module.
3. Deploy the air bag module.
4. If you do not have a deployment tool, follow the procedure below.
5. Cut the yellow wires to the air bag module/pretensioner.
6. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of the wires leading to the air bag module/pretensioner.
7. Use 2 additional wires, each at least 10 meters (33 feet) long, to reach from the deployment battery to the air bag module/pretensioner.
8. Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the ends of these 2 additional wires.
9. Twist the 2 wires together at one end.
10. Place the twisted ends of the 2 wires near the deployment battery. Do not connect the wires to the battery at this time.
11. Using the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires leading to the air bag module/pretensioner, make 2 splices, 1 at each wire from the air bag module/pretensioner.
12. Wrap the splices with insulating tape.
13. Now that the free ends of the 10 meters (33 feet) wires are spliced to the air bag module/pretensioner wires, and the ends that are twisted together are near the deployment battery, clear the area.
14. Untwist the wires that are near the deployment battery.
15. Touch 1 wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the other wire to the negative battery terminal. The air bag will deploy.
16. Using proper precautions, dispose of the deployed air bags and pretensioners. Refer to the Deployed Air Bag Module Disposal Procedure information in this procedure.