Air Bag Module Deployment - Inside of Vehicle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Suzuki Swift +, 2008 Pontiac Wave, and 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: When deploying an airbag inside the vehicle, make sure the vehicle doors are closed and the side windows are fully open. Wear safety glasses throughout the entire procedure. Make sure the deployment area in the vehicle is clear of people, or loose objects. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in personal injury or vehicle damage.

Deploy the air bags before disposing them. If a vehicle is to be scrapped, the air bag may be deployed inside the 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.

Before deploying the air bags, remove all loose objects from the air bags expansion area.
Deploy the air bags with the vehicles doors closed and the side windows open.
Deploy the air bags only in an evacuated area. Service personnel who must be present during the deployment should be at least 10 m (33 ft) in front of the vehicle.
Do not connect the voltage source until after having completed all other preparations for the deployment of air bags.
Allow a deployed air bag module or pretensioner 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.

Deployment Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to Sensing and Diagnostic Module Voltage after Ignition is Turned Off Caution .

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution .

Disconnect both battery cables and place the battery at least 10 m (33 ft) from the vehicle.
Remove the driver side knee bolster or instrument panel lower cover from the steering column.
At the lower steering column, cut the 2 wires leading from the supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) harness to the steering wheel module coil.
Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of the wires leading to the steering wheel module coil.
Use 2 additional wires, each at least 10 m (33 ft) long, to reach from the deployment battery to the inflator module.
Strip 13 mm (0.5 in) of the insulation from the end of these 2 additional wires.
Twist the 2 wires together at one end.
Place the twisted ends of the 2 wires near the deployment battery. Do not connect the wires to the battery at this time.
Using the free ends of the 10 m (33 ft) wires leading to the steering wheel module coil, make 2 splices, one at each wire from the air bag modules.
Wrap the wires with insulation tape.
Now that the free ends of the 10 m (33 ft) wires are spliced to the air bag module wires, and the ends that are twisted together are near the deployment battery, clear the area.
Untwist the wires that near the deployment battery.
Touch one wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the other wire to the negative battery terminal. The air bag will deploy.
Repeat this procedure for the passenger air bag, side air bags, and pretensioners.
Using proper precautions, dispose of the deployed air bags/pretensioners. Refer to Deployed Air Bag Module Disposal Procedure .