Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: SIR Disabling and Enabling Secondary

SIR component location affects how a vehicle should be serviced. There are parts ofthe SIR system installed in various locations around a vehicle. To find the locationof the SIR components refer toSupplemental Inflatable Restraint System Description and Operation.

There are several reasons for disabling the SIR system, such as repairs to the SIRsystem or servicing a component near or attached to an SIR component. There are severalways to disable the SIR system depending on what type of service is being performed.The following information covers the proper procedures for disabling/enabling theSIR system.

Condition

Action

If the vehicle was involved in an accident with an air bag deployment.	Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *. Refer toRepairs and Inspections Required After a Collision.
When performing SIR diagnostics.	Follow the appropriate SIR service manual diagnostic procedure(s) *
When moving, removing or replacing an SIR component or a component attached to anSIR component. (Anytime you remove fasteners.)	Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *
If the vehicle is suspected of having shorted electrical wires.	Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *
When performing electrical diagnosis on components other than the SIR system.	Remove the SIR/Airbag fuse(s) when indicated by the diagnostic procedure to disablethe SIR system
* DTCs will be lost when the negative battery cable is disconnected.

SIR Service Precautions

Warning:When performing service on or near the SIR components or theSIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe thecorrect procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components.Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedurecould also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs.

The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) maintains a reservedenergy supply. The reserved energy supply provides deployment power for the air bagsif the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module loses battery power duringa collision. Deployment power is available for as much as 2-minutes after disconnectingthe vehicle power. Waiting 2-minutes before working on the system after disablingtheSIR system prevents deployment of the air bags from the reserved energy supply.

General Service Instructions

The following are general service instructions which must be followed in order toproperly repair the vehicle and return it to its original integrity:

Do not expose air bags to temperatures above 65°C (149°F).Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a differentvehicle.Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Donot use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.

Discard any of the following components if it has been dropped from a height of 92-cm(3-feet) or greater:

Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)Any air bagDriver steering wheel air bag coilAny impact sensorSeat belt anchor and/or retractor pretensionersPassenger presence module and/or occupant sensorDisabling Procedure – Air Bag FuseTurn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.Place the ignition in the OFF position.

Warning:The SDM may have more than one fused power input. To ensurethere is no unwanted SIR deployment, personal injury, orunnecessary SIR system repairs, remove all fuses supplying power tothe SDM. With all SDM fuses removed and the ignition switch in theON position, the AIR BAG warning indicator illuminates. This isnormal operation, and does not indicate a SIR systemmalfunction.

Locate and remove the fuse(s) supplying power to the Inflatable Restraint Sensingand Diagnostic Module. Refer toSIR SchematicsorElectrical Center Identification Views.Wait 2 minutes before working on the system.Enabling Procedure – Air Bag FusePlace the ignition in the OFF position.Install the fuse(s) supplying power to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and DiagnosticModule. Refer toSIR SchematicsorElectrical Center Identification Views.Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will illuminateor flash then turn OFF.Perform the Diagnostic System Check – Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator doesnot operate as described. Refer toDiagnostic System Check - Vehicle.Disabling Procedure – Negative Battery CableTurn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.Place the ignition in the OFF position.Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.Wait 2 minutes before working on system.Enabling Procedure – Negative Battery CablePlace the ignition in the OFF position.Connect the negative battery cable to the battery. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will illuminateor flash then turn OFF.Perform the Diagnostic System Check – Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator doesnot operate as described. Refer toDiagnostic System Check - Vehicle.