SIR System Overview

The supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system supplements the protection offered by the occupants Seat Belt System (2). The SIR system may contain several inflator modules located throughout the vehicle, i.e. steering wheel module (1), instrument panel module (1), or roof rail modules (1). In addition to inflator modules, the vehicle may contain seat belt pretensioners (2) that tighten the seat belt in the event of a collision, thus reducing the distance between the occupant and the seat belt when an inflator module is deployed. Each inflator module has a deployment loop that is controlled by the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) mounted inside the vehicle. The SDM determines the severity of a collision with the assistance of various sensor inputs located at strategic points on the vehicle. When the SDM detects a collision, it will process the information provided by the sensors to further support air bag or pretensioner deployment. The SDM will deploy the frontal air bags and pretensioners if it detects a collision of sufficient force. If the force of the impact is not sufficient to warrant inflator module deployment, the SDM may still deploy the seat belt pretensioners. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components. Upon detection of a circuit malfunction, the SDM will set a DTC and inform the driver by illuminating the AIR BAG indicator. The steering column (3) and knee bolsters (3) are designed to absorb energy and compress during frontal collisions in order to limit leg movement and decrease the chance of injury to the driver and passenger.
Deployment Outside Vehicle for Seat Belt Pretensioners
Frontal SIR System DescriptionBuying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for the vehicle. The original equipment
tires installed were designed to meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification
(TPC Spec) system rating. When replacement tires are needed, GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC Sp ...
Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation
The Variable Effort Steering (VES) system or MAGNASTEER® varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle as vehicle speed
changes. At low speeds, the system provides minimal steering effort for easy
turning and parking maneuvers. Steering effort is increased
at higher speeds to provi ...
Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement
Remove as much power steering fluid from the remote power steering fluid
reservoir as possible.
Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed.
Remove power steering gear inlet hose bolt (1).
...