Disabling/Enabling the SIR System

SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SIR)
Certain vehicles include a driver's side airbag, located in the steering wheel hub, as part of a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (SIR). Servicing, disassembling or replacing these items will require special caution and tools and should therefore be done by a properly trained technician.

WARNING: Maintenance and repair must be performed by a properly trained technician, to avoid rendering the SIR inoperative, which can result in serious personal injury or even death in the event of a severe frontal collision.

WARNING: Improper maintenancecan can lead to personal injury caused by unintentional deployment of the airbag. This includes incorrect testing, removal, and installation of the air bag or other system components.

WARNING: Observe all precautions and be sure system is disabled before performing any test procedure on the SIR system or related components.

WARNING: Do not use electrical test equipment on SIR system circuits unless directed to do so by a test procedure. All SIR electrical wiring harnesses are covered with yellow outer insulation, and related components are located in the steering column, center console, dash, and front fenders.

DISABLING THE SIR SYSTEM
1. Turn the ignition switch to "OFF" position.
2. Remove SIR fuse.
3. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device[1] from yellow two-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column, and separate connector.

ENABLING THE SIR SYSTEM
1. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
2. Connect the yellow two-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column and install the connector position assurance (CPA) device[1] to connector.
3. Install SIR fuse.
4. Turn ignition switch to "RUN" position and make sure the AIR BAG telltale lamp flashes 7 to 9 times and then remains "OFF".

OTHER PRECAUTIONS
1. All SIR system components, including harness and brackets, must be inspected after an accident. Any SIR components that are damaged or bent must be replaced with new parts even if a deployment did not occur. Never use SIR parts from another vehicle. DO NOT attempt to repair SIR parts; service is by replacement only.
2. The DERM (Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module) can maintain sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned "OFF" and the battery is disconnected.
3. Be very careful when handling a sensor. Never strike or jar a sensor. If you do, it could cause deployment and result in personal injury or improper operation of the SIR. Never power up the SIR system when a sensor is not rigidly attached to the vehicle since the sensor is easily activated when not attached, and deployment could result.
4. When carrying a live inflator module, make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from you. Never carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the underside of the module.
5. After deployment, the air bag surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the air bag is harmless. Wash your hands with mild soap and water after handling deployed air bags.

[1] The connector position assurance (CPA) device is the small clip that fits through the tangs of the two connectors when they are properly hooked up.