C 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L VIN R (1997)
Air Bag: Service and Repair
Handling/Shipping/Scrapping
Handling A Deployed Inflator Module
After the inflator module has been deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch
(used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) is produced as a
by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. As with many service procedures,
you should wear gloves and safety glasses.
Scrapping Procedures
During the course of a vehicle's useful life, certain situations may arise which will necessitate the disposal of a live (undeployed) inflator module. This
information covers proper procedures for disposing of a live inflator module. Before a live inflator module can be disposed of, it must be deployed. Live
inflator modules must not be disposed of through normal refuse channels.
CAUTION: In order to prevent accidental deployment of the air bag which could cause personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed
inflator module as normal shop waste. The undeployed inflator module contains substances that could cause severe illness or personal injury if
the sealed container is damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely dispose of an undeployed inflator module.
Failure to dispose of an inflator module as instructed may be a violation of federal, state, or local laws.
Do not deploy the air bag(s) in the following situations:
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If you replace an inflator module under warranty. You may need to return the inflator module, undeployed, to Delphi Interior & Lighting
Group. Refer to the latest service Bulletin regarding SIR shipping procedures.
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If a vehicle is the subject of a Product Liability Report related to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241). DO
NOT ALTER the SIR system in any manner. Refer to the latest service bulletin on SIR shipping procedures.
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If a vehicle is involved in a campaign affecting the inflator modules. Follow instructions in the Campaign Service Bulletin for proper SIR
handling and shipping procedures.
You can deploy an inflator module inside or outside of the vehicle. The method you use depends upon the final disposition of the vehicle. Read
Deployment Outside Vehicle and Deployment Inside Vehicle to decide whether to deploy the inflator nodule inside or outside of the vehicle.
Shipping Procedures For Live (Undeployed) Inflator Modules
Service personnel should refer to the latest Service Bulletins for proper SIR inflator module shipping procedures.
