gm 2001 airbags and pretensioners

7/28/2019 GM 2001 Airbags and Pretensioners

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Air Bags andPretensioners

inGM Vehicles

January 2001

in Emergency Rescue

Situations

General Motors AnswersYour Questions About


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Since September 1, 1989, all new cars sold in theUnited States are required to have an automaticrestraint system as standard equipment. By law, allcars starting in model year 1998 and all trucksstarting in model year 1999 are required to have airbag systems to provide automatic restraint.

General Motors fields many questions about air bagsfrom emergency rescue professionals-police, fire, andEMS. These professionals ask whether to exerciseextra caution when responding to an incidentinvolving a car equipped with frontal and side impactair bags and safety belt pretensioners. Theinformation that follows answers those questionsabout the GM air bag, which we call theSupplemental Inflatable Restraint (S.I.R.) orSupplemental Restraint System (S.R.S.). Theinformation in this guide applies specifically to GMsair bag systems. Please contact other automakersfor information about their air bag systems.

To help prevent injuries to patients and rescuers inemergency rescue operations, GM recommendsseveral precautions that are explained in this guide.

Introduction

Reproduction ofthis pamphlet ispermitted so longas it is reproducedin its entirety,Including sourceattribution.


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Starting with the 2001model year, certainGM vehicles will have

dual-stage frontal airbags. In moderateseverity crashes onlythe first stage may bedeployed; severecrashes deploy bothstages. The presenceof a deployed air bagwill no longer assure

that the inflatormodule is inactive.Deployed air bagsmust be treated as ifthe second stage isstill active.

The air bag is designed to supplement theprotection offered by safety belts. Depending onthe vehicle in a frontal impact of sufficient severity(comparable to a perpendicular collision of about9-16 mph or above into a solid wall), sensors in

the vehicle detect the sudden deceleration. Thecontroller determines if the crash is severeenough and triggers the inflator module(s), whichinflate(s) a cloth bag packed inside the steering

wheel and/or instrument panel. As the baginflates in less than one-twentieth of a second, itsplits open its protective cover and inflates(deploys) in front of an occupant.

In a crash, the car begins to stop when the impact

occurs, but the occupants continue to moveforward until something stops them. Unbeltedoccupants are stopped by the windshield, theinstrument panel, or the steering wheel.Occupants wearing their safety belts are stoppedgradually by the belts as the car stops, whichdistributes the stopping force.

In more severe collisions, however, even beltedoccupants could contact the steering wheel or

instrument panel. The air bag supplements theprotection the safety belts provide by distributingthe impact load more evenly over the occupantshead and torso. This reduces concentrated loadsfrom the occupant impacting the vehicle interior.

As the occupant contacts the bag, gas ventsthrough openings in the bag, which also helpsstop the occupant more gradually.

Frontal air bags are designed to deploy in

moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crashes,but not in rear impacts, side impacts, or rollovers,although they can in some cases. So it ispossible that you will be involved in rescueoperations after crashes in which an air bag didnot deploy.

How does thefrontal air bagwork?

Questions

Answers


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Figure 1

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2020 200

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x1000

AQ A car in which a frontal air bag has deployed canbe identified easily by the cloth bag drooping fromthe steering wheel hub or instrument panel. A car

with an air bag that did not deploy can be

identified by several methods. Some GM modelswith an air bag will have the words SupplementalInflatable Restraint or S.I.R., SupplementalRestraint System or SRS or Air Bag on thesteering wheel hub or instrument panel.Otherwise, an air bag can usually be identified bythe large size of the steering wheel hub (up toapproximately 6 by 9), which contains the bag, or(on some, but not all, vehicles) by a deploymentdoor on the instrument panel. Figure 1 shows a

drawing of a typical GM driver air bag module, aswell as a passenger air bag deployment door.Some newer models may open the entire upperinstrument panel (I/P) or may have hiddendeployment door seams with no obviousmarkings.

GM cars equipped with an air bag have thenumber 2, 3 or 4 in the seventh position of theVehicle Identification Number, which is visible

through the bottom of the windshield on thedrivers side. In 1997 and later passenger cars(notlight trucks or minivans), a 4, 5, 6, 7 inthis position indicates that the vehicle is alsoequipped with a side impact air bag. Informationon this feature is available later in this guide.

If you cannot determine whether the car isequipped with an air bag, take the sameprecautions as if it were equipped with an

undeployed air bag. Always assume that any late-model vehicle is equipped with a frontal air bag.There is no specific marking to indicate dual-stage.

How do Iidentify whetherthe car isequipped with

an air bag?


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Q

Ive heard that adeployed airbag produceswhat appears to

be smoke. Isthe air bag hot?

After the air bag has deployed in a crash, the airbag itself is not hot to the touch. Somecomponents within the air bag module will be hotfor a short time. A small amount of smoke coming

from a deployed air bag module is normal andshould not be a cause for concern.

When the gas is vented out of the air bag, smallparticles from inside the bag are also vented intothe passenger compartment. These airborneparticles look like smoke, and some of theparticles are deposited as residue on and aroundthe air bag.

The residue vented from air bags using sodiumazide as a propellant during deployment consistsprimarily of cornstarch, which is used to lubricatethe bag as it deploys, and of by-products from thechemical reaction. A small amount of sodiumhydroxide dust, a potential irritant, is produced asa by-product of the reaction. The sodiumhydroxide interacts with the moisture in the air and

quickly converts to sodium carbonate and sodiumbicarbonate (baking soda). Thus, it is unlikely thatsignificant amounts of sodium hydroxide will bepresent after the crash.

As in all other rescue procedures, wear protectivegloves and safety glasses. If gloves are not worn,

wash your hands with mild soap and water afterhandling the deployed air bag. Also, avoidrubbing your eyes after handling the bag until you

have removed the gloves and/or washed yourhands. Take care to avoid introducing the residueinto the eyes or any wounds of the patient. Theseprecautions will help prevent eye or skin irritationin the unlikely event that you do contact anysodium hydroxide. Frontal and side impact airbags in newer models may not have sodium azidein the propellant.

What about theresidue on andaround the airbag?


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AQIs there anysodium azide inthe residue?Ive heard its

harmful.

There is no detectable amount of sodium azidepresent in the passenger compartment of thevehicle after the air bag deploys. For manyinflators sodium azide is a component of the

propellant that produces the nitrogen gas and istoxic if ingested. The sodium azide is sealed in ametal canister until it converts to nitrogen gas todeploy the bag.


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Q

QIf the air bagdid not deployin the crash,how can I

prevent it fromdeploying in therescueoperation?

Ive heard thatthe air bag hasan energyreserve that willallow the bag todeploy even ifthe battery isdisconnected.How can Iprevent theenergy reservefrom firing thebag?

A

AIn the event of an emergency rescue of someoneinside a vehicle with an undeployed air bag, werecommend that you disconnect the negativebattery cable. If you are not sure which battery

cable is negative, disconnect both battery cablesto ensure that battery power is disconnected.

Note: Not all vehicles have the battery in theengine compartment. The following cars have the

battery under the rear seat:

Starting 1995 - Aurora, Riviera, and Seville

Starting 2000 - DeVille, Bonneville, and LeSabre

Regardless of the battery location, it is best to

disconnect vehicle power at the battery.If you cannot disconnect the battery power, do notplace your body or any objects on or very close tothe front of the air bag module. You could beinjured if the air bag deploys while your body isagainst or very close to the front of the steering

wheel or instrument panel.

Newer models may have dual-stage frontal airbags. The air bag(s) may have an active second

stage even if the first stage has already deployed.

The GM air bag system is equipped with anenergy reserve feature that enables the air bag(s)to deploy even if the battery has been destroyedearly in a severe frontal crash. Though unlikely, itis possible that the energy reserve in some air bagsystems has power to deploy the bag(s) for up to10 minutes after the battery is disconnected or theignition is turned off.


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QDoes this meanthat I cannotcarry outpatient care andrescue duringthe ten minutesif I cannotdisconnect theair bagconnector?

A

AQIve heardsodium azide isreactive withwater. If there isa fire in a carequipped withan air bag, canwater be usedto extinguish

it?

Although it is possible for an undeployed air bagto inflate during rescue operations, it is unlikely tooccur. Carry out your normal patient care andrescue operations, but do not place your body or

objects against or very close to the air bag moduleexcept for essential maneuvers.

Use any effective fire-fighting medium, includingwater, to extinguish a fire in a car equipped withan air bag. The sodium azide is sealed within ametal canister and is unlikely to come into contact

with water used in fire-fighting efforts.


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AIn the highly unlikely event that the disk-shapeddriver inflator canister (see Figure 2), tube-shapedpassenger inflator (see Figure 3) or linear inflator(not shown here) is ruptured in a crash or in

rescue operations, do not touch or ingest anyexposed chemicals.

QIf the air bagmodule issomehowruptured, what

precautionsshould I take?

Figure 2

TYPICAL CUTAWAY OF GMS

SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT

BASE PLATE

INFLATOR

TRIM COVER

CUSHION COVER

CUSHION (AIR BAG)


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AQ Before using a car with an air bag for rescuetraining purposes, manually deploy the air bag inthe car. Refer to the manual deploymentprocedure described in the service manual for

the specific car being used. Contact a GM dealeror zone office for assistance.

Occasionally weuse damagedcars for rescuetraining

purposes. Thecars arescrapped afterwe finish thetraining. Shouldwe take anyprecautions toprevent anunwanteddeployment

during training?

Figure 3

CUSHION COVER

CUSHION (AIR BAG)

LINEAR INFLATOR

CONTAINER

CUSHION COVER

CUSHION (AIR BAG)LINEAR INFLATOR

CONTAINER

WINDSHEILD


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AEach GM model equipped with air bags hasunique sensor locations. The sensors aredesigned to resist false triggering when the car is

jarred. However, after a more severe crash, the

air bag electrical system might be damaged,making the air bag more susceptible to unwanteddeployment.

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is thebest way to reduce the likelihood of unwanted airbag deployment in rescue operations.

It is unlikely that securing the car will cause thebag to deploy. If the car must be secured toprevent dangerous motion during the rescue, firstsecure the car, then follow the other precautionsdescribed in this guide.

You may use hydraulic shears or other tools toseparate the steering wheel rim from the steering

wheel. Do notcut or drill in the areaof thesteering wheel hub that contains the air bagmodule. Some newer models may have dual-stage frontal air bags. Even if the air bag hasdeployed; it may have an active second stage.

If it is necessary to cut through the steeringcolumn, first disconnect battery power asdescribed previously.

Do not apply heat (above 300F) in the area of theinflator module. The air bag module is designedto self-deploy in the event of a fire, and applyingheat could cause the self-deploy feature toactivate. These precautions will help prevent anunwanted air bag deployment.

Where are theair bagsensors?Should I avoid

disturbing themin rescueoperations?

Are anyprecautionsrequired toavoid anunwanteddeploymentwhile securingan unstablecar?

Can we userescue tools tocut the steeringwheel or tosever thesteeringcolumn?


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Figure 4

SIDE IMPACTSENSOR

B-PILLAR

CONNECTOR

How does theside impact airbag work?

Like the frontal air bag, the side impact air bag isdesigned to work with the safety belts to provideprotection in a moderate to severe side impact. Ina side impact of sufficient severity, a sensor in the

door or B-pillar detects the sudden lateralacceleration of that structure (see Figure 4). Thatsensor triggers its respective inflator module,causing the propellant sealed inside to inflate acloth bag packed behind the door trim or in theseat cushion. As the bag inflates in less than 1/40of a second, it splits open its cover and inflatesbeside the occupant. Some newer models mayhave front and rear seat side impact air bags.


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Figure 5

CONNECTOR

INFLATOR

PYROTECHNICGAS GENERATOR

COVER

AQHow similar arethe side impactair bag modulesto the frontal air

bag modules?

Early side impact air bag modules were doormounted and used the same technologies as thedriver frontal module (see Figure 5).

All information pertaining to the safe handling of

deployed modules and precautions for sodiumazide apply to the side impact air bag modulesalso. More recent models use seat mounted (seefigure 4) side impact air bags and may not usesodium azide as a propellant.


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Figure 6

SEAT BELTBUCKLE WITH

PRETENSIONER

SIDE IMPACTAIR BAG

AQ A car in which a side impact air bag has deployedcan be identified by the cloth bag drooping fromthe rear upper corner of the front door trim or fromthe outboard side of the seat on the struck side of

the car. Due to the relatively small size of the bag,it may be obscured by the occupant of the seat.

A car with a side impact air bag that did not deploycan be identified using several methods. Startingin 1997, all Cadillac DeVille, Concours andDElegance models have door-mounted sideimpact air bags. These vehicles have the wordsAIR BAG embossed on the lower rear appliqueof the front door trim or on the seat trim. On

passenger cars only (not light trucks or vans), thepresence of a side impact air bag can bedetermined by looking at the VIN. There is a 4 inthe seventh position of the VIN for passengervehicles manufactured in model year 1997through 1999. For model year 2000, front seatside impact air bags are also indicated by a 5 or6 in the seventh position of the VIN; front andrear seat side impact air bags are indicated by a7. Truck and van VINs do not have restraintcodes, but a deployment door is visible on theoutboard side of the front seatback as onpassenger cars (see Figure 6).

How do Iidentify whetherthe car isequipped with a

side impact airbag?


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In the event of the rescue of someone inside a carwith an undeployed air bag, we recommend thatyou disconnect the negative battery cable. If youare not sure which cable is negative, disconnect

both cables to ensure that the power isdisconnected. In most crash situations, a vehicle

with side impact air bags will have at least one airbag undeployed since those air bags aredesigned to inflate only on the struck side of thevehicle.

If you cannot disconnect the battery power, do notplace your body or any objects close to the air bagmodule. You could be injured if the air bag

deploys while your body is against or very close tothe door or seat trim insert area. Remember toalso take precautions to stay clear of undeployedfrontal air bag modules.

The side impact air bag system is equipped withan energy feature that enables the air bag todeploy even if the power is lost early in a severeside crash. There is power to deploy the sideimpact air bags for approximately 10 secondsafter the battery is disconnected or the ignition isturned off. Patient care and rescue operationsshould begin immediately. As with frontal airbags, take caution initially not to place your bodyor objects against or close to any of theundeployed air bag modules except for essentialmaneuvers.

If the sideimpact air bagdid not deployin the crash,

how can Iprevent it fromdeploying in therescueoperation?

Does the sideimpact air baghave an energy

reserve?

Where are theside impact airbag sensors?Should I avoiddisturbing themin rescueoperations?

Side impact sensors are located in the lowercenter portion of the door or in the lower portion ofthe B-pillar. The sensors are designed to beresistent to false triggering from jarring the car.However, after a more severe crash, the air bagelectrical system might be damaged and moresusceptible to an unwanted air bag deployment.

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is thebest way to reduce the likelihood of an unwanteddeployment in rescue operations.


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Figure 7

SIDE IMPACTINFLATOR MODULE

YELLOW 2-WAYCONNECTOR

CPA

ARMRESTBRACKET

AQ After the air bag has been deployed, you may useany rescue procedure to cut the front door or seat.If the bag did not deploy, you may pry or cut in theforward half of the front door if the side impact bag

system is mounted in the door. If the system isnot a door-mounted system, any part of the doormay be cut. On vehicles equipped with door-mounted side impact bags, there are no issues

with cutting the door wires where they enter thedoor at the hinge, because the firing loop for theside impact air bag is contained in the rear of thedoor between the side impact sensing module andthe air bag module. Figure 7 shows the air bagmodule location and the routing of the firing loop

wiring. Do not cut or drill in the upper rearwardquadrant of the front door where the side impactair bag module is packaged. When possible,disconnect the battery as described previouslybefore cutting in the rear half of the door.

If the side impact air bag did not deploy, do notapply heat above 300F (such as from anacetylene torch) in the area of the inflator module.The air bag module is designed to self-deploy in

the event of a fire, and applying heat could causethe self-deploy feature to activate. Theseprecautions will help prevent an unwanted air bagdeployment.

Can we userescue tools topry or cut thefront doors off?


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Figure 8

2000-2001 SATURN L-SERIES

CURTAIN

INFLATOR

MODULE

SIDE IMPACT SENSOR

(SIS) - IN B-PILLAR

SIDE IMPACT SENSOR

(SIS) - IN B-PILLAR

CURTAIN INFLATOR MODULE

CONNECTOR

AAs of this books production, only two models useoptional roof-mounted curtain air bags instead ofthe previously-described side impact air bagsmounted in the doors or seats 2000-2001Saturn L- and S-Series (see Figures 8 and 9).This technology may be used on other models inthe future.

If the curtain air bags have deployed, you may useany rescue procedure to the cut the roof. If thecurtain air bags have not deployed, avoid cuttingor prying anywhere along the perimeter of the roofstructure. The module wiring comes up the A-pillars, outboard of the windshield. The modulesare positioned in the roof, just inboard of the door

jambs. The sensors for these curtain air bags arefound in the door or B-pillar (depending on model)as you would find on a side impact air bag-equipped vehicle.

QCan we userescue tools topry or cut outthe roof?


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Figure 9

CURTAIN AIR BAGBEHIND UPPER DOOR TRIM

SIDE IMPACT SENSORIN DOOR FOR COUPE,

ON B-PILLAR FOR

SEDAN AND WAGON

SIDE IMPACT SENSORIN DOOR FOR COUPE,

ON B-PILLAR FORSEDAN AND WAGON

CURTAIN INFLATOR MODULECONNECTOR

CURTAIN INFLATOR MODULEUNDER I/P UPPER TRIM PANEL

2000-2001 SATURN S-SERIES


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Figure 10

SEAT BELT SWITCH

CONNECTOR

TENSIONER

CABLEPYROTECHNIC

GAS GENERATOR

PISTON

A pretensioner is a device that is connected to thesafety belt buckle or is attached to the safety beltretractor. The pretensioner will tighten the beltduring crashes that involve frontal air bag

deployment.

The buckle pretensioner uses a pyrotechnic gasgenerator to propel a piston that is attached to thesafety belt buckle with a cable (Figure 10). Thecable pulls the buckle down toward the seatadjusting rail.

The retractor pretensioner uses a pyrotechnic gasgenerator that propels a piston, which is attachedto the retractor spool with a cable. The cablebackwinds the retractor spool.

What does apretensionerdo?

How does thepretensionertighten thesafety belt?


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The top of the safety belt buckle will be at orbelow the top of the seat cushion. Also, theaccordion sleeve below the buckle will becompressed.

How will I knowif the bucklepretensionerhas deployed?

How will I knowif the retractorpretensionerhas deployed?

How should Ihandle thepretensioner ina non-deploymentsituation?

Does thepretensionerdevice have anenergy

reserve?

There may be some tension in the belt system.

Use the same precautions you would for the otherinflatable restraint components. Disconnectingthe battery allows the capacitor to discharge anddisable the system. There is little risk of injuryfrom deployment, especially if the belt isunbuckled or cut.

There is power to activate a pretensioner forapproximately 10 seconds after the battery isdisconnected or the ignition is turned off.


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ConclusionGM has taken great care in designing theSupplemental Inflatable Restraint. By taking thesimple precautions described, you can help reducethe risk of injuries in emergency rescue operationsinvolving GM vehicles equipped with supplementalrestraint systems.


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Emergency Response Guidelines for

Supplemental Restraint Systems

Name Air bag Module

Technical Name Inflatable restraint (air bag) module containing sodium azide, iron oxide orsodium azide, potassium nitrate

UN Number NA 1325

Special DefinitionsSealed Units Undeployed modules with metal canister intactDeployed Units Deployed air bag and module (cloth bag released from module)Ruptured Units Undeployed, damaged modules with fractured metal canister and exposed

chemicals

Potential Hazards

Fire or ExplosionSealed Units May deploy if heated to internal temperature above 300F.Deployed Units N/ARuptured Units Static discharge, impact, friction and heat may ignite exposed chemicals.

Health HazardsSealed Units N/A. Chemicals sealed in tamper-resistant container.Deployed Units Contact may cause minor irritation.Ruptured Units Exposed chemical is poisonous if ingested. Also avoid skin contact with

exposed chemicals.

Emergency ActionGeneral

Sealed Units Carry unit with vinyl trim cover (driver) or cushion deployment opening(passenger) away from body to prevent injury in the unlikely event of

inadvertent deployment. Also, only place unit on flat surface with vinyl trim

cover (driver) or cushion deployment opening (passenger) facing upward.

Deployed Units Handle with gloves and safety glasses. Back surface (metal plate) of unit ishot after deployment and should not be touched until it cools.

Ruptured Units Avoid skin contact and ingestion of exposed chemicals. CALLCHEMTREC AT 1-800-424-9300 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. If

water pollution occurs, notify the appropriate authorities.

Small FiresSealed Units Any standard extinguishing medium may be used, including water.Deployed Units Any standard extinguishing medium may be used, including water.Ruptured Units Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam.

Large FiresSealed Units Any standard extinguishing medium may be used, including water.Deployed Units Any standard extinguishing medium may be used, including water.Ruptured Units Fires involving a large quantity of inflators should only be fought by trained

professionals using fresh air respirators.

Spill or LeakSealed Units N/A. See GM service information for disposal instructions.Deployed Units N/A. Dispose as metal scrap.Ruptured Units Sweep up dry material. Wipe up residue with a clean, moistened paper

towel. Place material, including paper towels, in a plastic bag.

First AidSealed Units N/ADeployed Units Wash areas of contact with soap and water.Ruptured Units Injestion .......... Contact a physician.

Skin Contact ... Wash with soap and water. Contact a physician.

Eye Contact Flush immediately with water for at least 15 minutes.

Contact a physician.

Inhalation ........ Remove to fresh air and contact a physician.


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JANUARY 2001

GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

22248 22B PRINTED IN USA

gm 2001 airbags and pretensioners

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