Safety rules for servicing airbags (Chevrolet Captiva 1)

Attention! The Sensor and Diagnostic Module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to activate the airbags and tensioners for 1 minute after turning off the ignition and removing the fuse. If the airbags and tensioners are not disconnected, do not start maintenance until one minute after the SDM power is disconnected. If the airbags are disconnected, maintenance can be started immediately, without a one-minute waiting period. Failure to temporarily disable the airbag system (SIR) may result in unexpected activation of the airbags, personal injury, and unnecessary maintenance of the airbag system.

Disabling the SIR (Side Inflatable Restraints)

1. Set the steering wheel to the center position.

2. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove it.

3. Remove airbag fuse F5 and F6 from the instrument panel fuse box and wait more than one minute for the SIR system capacitor to discharge.

Activation of inflatable airbags (SIR)

1. Insert airbag fuse F5 and F6 into the instrument panel fuse box.

2. Set the ignition key to the ON position and make sure that the airbag warning light flashes seven times and turns off. If the warning light does not behave correctly, perform the Airbag Diagnostic System (SIR) check described in this section.

Caution: When turning the ignition key, keep a safe distance from the airbag modules to avoid injury.

Handling, installation and diagnostics

• Airbag modules should not be exposed to temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Do not use the air bag or sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) if it has been dropped from a height of 0.9 m (3 ft) or more.
• When replacing the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), it must be installed with the arrow on the SDM facing the front of the vehicle.

• It is very important that the SDM module is installed on the mounting surface evenly, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
• To avoid generating Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), do not supply power to the Inflatable airbag system (SIR) unless all of its components are connected, except as required by the diagnostic card.
• Any troubleshooting of the airbag Inflator system (SIR) must begin by checking the SIR diagnostic system. Checking the inflatable airbag diagnostic system (SIR) allows you to verify the correct operation of the airbag warning lamp and determine which diagnostic card should be used for troubleshooting the SIR system. Skipping these procedures can lead to more time spent on diagnostics and erroneous replacement of spare parts.

Repairs and inspections required after an accident

Caution! Any repair to the vehicle structure must return it to its original factory configuration. After airbag deployment, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) and airbag modules must be replaced, and the steering column dimensions must be checked.

• If any components of the airbag inflator system (SIR) are damaged, they must be replaced. If the attachment points of the airbag system components are damaged, they must be repaired or replaced.
• Never use SIR system components from another vehicle. This does not apply to remanufactured spare parts purchased from an authorized supplier.
• Do not attempt to repair the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), clock spring, or other airbag system modules. If faulty, these components must be replaced.
• Check the part numbers of the airbag modules you are replacing. Airbag modules may look the same but have different internal components.

Replacing airbag components that have deployed in an accident

After a frontal collision in which the airbags deployed, all components of the airbag system (SIR) must be replaced. After deployment, a powdery residue may remain on the surface of the airbag. This residue consists mainly of cornstarch (which serves as a lubricant for the inflatable cushion) and by-products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide, after activation, quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and turns into sodium bicarbonate (the so-called baking soda). Thus, the presence of sodium hydroxide after the airbag is activated is unlikely. Replace the following components of the Airbag Inflator system (SIR).

Caution: Wear gloves and safety glasses during disposal. Refer to "Disposal of a Deployed Air Bag Module" in this section.

• Sensor and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
• Airbag modules and pretensioners
• Wiring of the inflatable airbag system (SIR)
• Clock spring

Inspection of airbag components that did not deploy in a crash

After any collision, there are a number of checks that need to be performed, regardless of whether the airbags deployed or not:

• Check the dimensions of the steering column.
• Inspect the knee bolsters and mounting points for deformation, bending, cracks or other damage.
• Inspect the instrument panel and steering column reinforcement pad for deformation, bending, cracks, or other damage.
• Inspect the instrument panel supports for deformation, bending, cracks or other damage.
• Inspect the seat belts and anchor points. See Section 8A, Seat Belts.

The text of the article was obtained from the website ChevyMan