Air Bag Deployment - Remote

Some vehicles that are damaged or inoperable to the point that service cannot be made may contain an undeployed air bag. This condition could occur by side or rear impact, rollover, or if the vehicle is simply past its useful lifetime. The air bag should be deployed using the following disposal procedure prior to scrapping vehicle.

PROCEDURE 1, Electronic Deployment with Wiring Intact

This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag is to be scrapped. Scrapping a vehicle may be required due to severe damage in a non-air bag deployable accident or at the end of a vehicle's useful life. This procedure assumes that the air bag wiring remains intact; that is, no diagnostic trouble codes are indicated by the air bag indicator, the system proves out correctly and the vehicle's battery is still in place (or one has been provided). This procedure is to be performed outdoors, away from other personnel, since the deploying air bag makes a loud report upon actuation.

1. Check and clear the front seat of all loose objects.
2. Do not permit any occupants to remain inside the vehicle.
3. Open hood and check for an operational vehicle battery. If no battery is found, supply one and connect it in the usual manner.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position and observe the air bag indicator. If the indicator illuminates for six seconds and then stops, the system is intact and may be deployed. Continue with Procedure 1. If a series of diagnostic trouble codes appears, go to Procedure 2 to deploy.
5. Turn ignition switch to the OFF position.
6. Locate the center cowl safing sensor and bracket behind the floor console. Locate the connector on the wiring from the center cowl safing sensor and bracket.

Safing Sensor:

7. Pull the submersible connector apart and examine the wiring harness end of the connector (not the sensor end). Identify circuits 938 (R) and 940 (GN).
8. Using a 152 mm (6 inch) length of bare wire, short the 938 (R) and 940 (GN) circuits together. The air bag should deploy.
9. Remove the air deflector. Locate the radiator primary crash center air bag sensor and bracket mounted on the radiator support. Disconnect the radiator primary crash center air bag sensor connector.

Safing Sensor:

10. Using a 152 mm (6-inch) length of bare wire, short terminal 932 wire to ground.

WARNING: Make sure there are no occupants in the vehicle.

11. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the bag material will be visible in the center of the steering wheel. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling. If the air bag does not deploy, go to Procedure 2.

The air bag is now inoperative and the vehicle may be scrapped in the usual manner.

PROCEDURE 2, Air Bag Deployment, Remote

This procedure is to be used in the event that a vehicle with a live air bag is to be scrapped, but the vehicle does not contain an intact wiring harness or certain system components are inoperative. This procedure can also be used if the electronic deployment with wiring intact procedure was unsuccessful.

1. Remove the driver side air bag module from the vehicle.

WARNING: Remote deployment is to be performed outdoors with all personnel at least 20 feet away to ensure personal safety and due to the loud report which occurs when driver air bag is deployed.

2. Cut the two connector wires on driver side air bag module and strip 25 mm (1 inch) of insulation from the ends. Obtain two wires at least 20 feet long. Connect one end of each wire to each of the wires on driver side air bag module.
3. Place the driver side air bag module with the trim cover facing upward on a flat surface in a remote area such as a parking lot or field.

WARNING: Do not place the driver side air bag module with the trim cover facing down, as the forces of the deploying air bag may cause it to ricochet and cause personal injury.

4. Remaining at least 20 feet away from the driver side air bag module, deploy it by touching the other ends of the two wires to the terminals of a 12 volt vehicle battery.
5. If successful, a loud report will be heard and the air bag material will be visible. Allow at least 10 minutes before approaching the air bag to allow for cooling. The air bag is now deployed and may be scrapped in the usual manner.