Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end, or side sheet metal, may keep the airbag system from working properly. The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s)
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 10‑56 for additional important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle because you have a disability and you have questions about whether the modifications will affect the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have questions about whether the airbag system will be affected if the vehicle is modified for any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbag System CheckStationary Window Waterleak Repair
Note: If any water enters the vehicle interior up to the level of
the carpet or higher and soaks the carpet, the sensing and diagnostic
module (SDM) and the SDM harness connector may need to be replaced. The SDM
could be activated when powered, which could
cause deployment of the air bag(s) an ...
Water Management Description and Operation
Plenum Water Flow Direction and Cleaning
A large percentage of water will flow off the windshield area into the plenum
chamber drain system and then down the outside on the
plenum to the underside of the vehicle. To ensure that the plenum chamber water
management system performs properly, the ...
Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement
Preliminary Procedure
Remove the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column
Upper Trim Cover Replacement.
Remove the steering column lower trim cover. Refer to Steering Column
Lower Trim Cover Replacement.
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Rep ...