Airbags - Frontal (SIR) ON-Off Switch Kits, Parts/Procs: Overview
File In Section: 9, AccessoriesBulletin No.: 73-90-23
Date: January, 1998
INFORMATION
Subject:
Frontal Supplemental Inflatable Restraints (SIR) On-Off Switch Kits, New Parts and Procedures
Models:
1988-98 Passenger Cars and Trucks
This bulletin cancels and supersedes Corporate Bulletin Number 73-90-12. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 73-90-12 (Section 9 - Accessories).
Never consider installing an air bag on-off switch unless the following conditions are met:
1. The customer presents a letter from NHTSA authorizing the installation of the air bag on-off switch.
2. The dealership gives the customer a copy of the "Notice To GM Owners About Air Bag On-Off Switches".
3. The customer still wants the air bag on-off switch installed.
This bulletin includes information regarding switches to turn off and on frontal air bags, additional switch/display light diagnosis, switch installation kit content descriptions and ordering directions for special parts (if required).
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a new regulation about air bags. The new regulation includes procedures that will permit the installation of air bag on-off switches for the few customers who, in NHTSA's opinion, fit the criteria for switches.
Important:
Due to the new regulation, DEALERS SHOULD NO LONGER USE THE INFORMATION ON AIR BAG DISCONNECTION (Corporate Bulletin # 73-90-12, dated June, 1997). INSTEAD, USE THE INFORMATION INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN.
The switch installation kit contains the necessary components (switch, bracket, attaching hardware, display light, applique, sheet for switch and light, tie straps and instruction sheets) for system operation.
Some kits also include a replacement safety belt for certain vehicles that are designed with specific "force limiting" safety belt systems. Special owners manual inserts are included in the installation kit for system operation review by the owner.
Additional equipment such as a 12 Volt test lamp and the J 38125-B (-A or -500 will also apply) Terminal Repair kit, are required to complete the switch kit installation. In some cases, scan tools (Tech II or equivalent) may be required to reprogram certain control modules.
The cost of the switch kit and labor to install the switch kit are the responsibility of the customer. Suggested times for installation are included in this bulletin.
Important:
In rare instances, the installation of switch(es) may turn on the vehicle air bag warning light. This condition may exist due to the additional resistance of the switch and harness when added to the SIR system. In these rare instances, a "special service only" Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) or Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will be made available to the owner from GMSPO at no charge for the parts or labor. Prior to ordering and/or installing a switch kit, the customer should be advised that this potential does exist, and can be resolved by one of the following options:
If the light does come on after switch installation (AND PROPER INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN VERIFIED), advise the customer that the light has come on and that the vehicle:
a. May be driven with the light on until the special DERM or SDM is available. The switch portion to turn off the air bag will still function properly, but the warning light will be on until the additional part can be obtained. When the DERM or SDM is available, the customer should return to have the part installed (at no cost to the customer) OR
b. may have the existing air bag system reconnected and leave the switch (inoperative) in the vehicle until the additional part can be obtained. When the DERM or SDM is available, the customer should return to have the part installed (at no cost to the customer).
The standard SIR system diagnosis can be made by disconnecting the switch from the SIR wiring harness and following the directions for SIR System Diagnosis found in the appropriate Service Manual.
A description of the major components of the installation kit is found under switches, display light and wiring connections.
Administrative Information
When the dealer decides to install an air bag on-off switch under NHTSA's new regulation, the dealer should fill out and send to NHTSA the form entitled "Installation of air bag on-off switches". The dealer should also keep:
1. A copy of the "Installation" form.
2. A copy of the letter NHTSA sent to the customer authorizing the switch.
3. A copy of any waiver the dealer obtains from the customer when the switch is installed.
Important:
In addition, the new regulations require dealers to send the original of the customer's signed authorization form to NHTSA at the following address:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Attention: Air Bag Switch Forms
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590-1000