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For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement Oldsmobile and Pontiac

Tools Required

J 44298 Driver Air Bag Removal Tool

Removal Procedure

    Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

       • Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
       • Make sure the bag opening points away from you
    When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .
  2. On back side of the steering wheel are 4 openings for removing the driver inflator module.
  3. Position the steering wheel so that 2 of the openings are on top.

  4. Object Number: 640349  Size: SH

    Important: Seat J 44298 all the way into the holes in order to perform properly.

  5. Adjust and install J 44298 into 2 of the holes.
  6. Push the handle back towards the I/P, releasing the 2 spring loaded fasteners at the same time.
  7. Turn the steering wheel and open J 44298 . Use one of the tool fingers in order to remove the cruise control lever cover.
  8. Position J 44298 in place around the cruise control lever and repeat the same procedure for the other 2 holes.
  9. Pull the driver inflator module gently away from the steering wheel.

  10. Object Number: 255209  Size: SH

    Important: Note the driver inflator wire routing positions, the redundant control routing positions, and the horn wire routing positions for the correct assembly.

  11. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (4) and the electrical connector from the driver inflator module.
  12. Remove the horn grounded lead (2) from the threaded hole in the steering wheel.
  13. Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise ¼ turn.
  14. Remove the horn contact lead (2) from the steering column cam tower.
  15. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (5).
  16. Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 255209  Size: SH
  1. Connect the horn ground lead (2) into the lower left threaded hole in the steering wheel.
  2. Connect the horn contact lead into the steering column cam tower.
  3. Rotate the horn contact turn ¼ turn clockwise to lock.
  4. Connect the inflator module electrical connector and CPA (4).
  5. Important: Route the driver inflator wires, the redundant control wires, and the horn wires correctly.

  6. Align the driver inflator module fasteners to the steering column fastener holes.
  7. Push the driver inflator module firmly into the steering column in order to engage the fasteners.
  8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .

Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement Chevrolet

Removal Procedure

    Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

       • Air bag deployment
       • Personal injury
       • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
    In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
       • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
       • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

  1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR). Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  2. If the vehicle is equipped with a tilt steering column, lower the steering wheel.

  3. Object Number: 443915  Size: SH
  4. Remove the 2 TORX® bolts from the back of the steering wheel.
  5. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) clip (2) and the electrical connection (3) from the rear of the inflator module (1).
  6. Caution: When carrying a live inflator module, make sure the bag opening is pointed away from you. This minimizes the chance of injury in the case of an accidental deployment. Never carry the inflator module by the wires. Never carry the inflator module by the connector on the underside of the module.

    Make sure that the bag and trim cover are facing up whenever you place a live inflator module on any surface. This is necessary to provide a free space for the bag to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment.

    Never rest the steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module face down, and the column vertical. This may result in personal injury.

  7. Remove the inflator module (1) from the steering wheel.
  8. Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove the clips that hold the pins to the back of the inflator module.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the pins to the steering wheel with the TORX® bolts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  5. Install the clips to the back of the inflator module.

  6. Object Number: 443915  Size: SH
  7. Install the connector position assurance (CPA) clip (2) and the electrical connection (3) to the rear of the inflator module (1).
  8. Install the inflator module (1) to the steering wheel.
  9. Push on the inflator module until the module snaps into place.
  10. Enable the SIR. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.