Airbag - Side

This procedure covers the replacement of a side airbag module (seat-mounted thorax/pelvis airbag) in the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including proper disarming of the SRS system and restoring airbag functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side airbag module (seat-mounted) × 1 — Use OEM specification - GM 84851683 or equivalent
• Seat trim cover (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification - varies by seat color/trim

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery (located in rear cargo area): remove negative terminal first, then positive terminal
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for SRS system capacitor discharge - set timer to ensure full wait time
5. Document seat position settings if equipped with memory seats for customer convenience
6. Take photographs of connector routing and seat trim orientation before disassembly
7. Ensure replacement airbag module is correct part number for specific seat position (driver/passenger) and trim level

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front seat from vehicle
   Move seat fully rearward for access to front mounting bolts. Remove front seat track mounting bolt covers. Using 10mm socket, remove four seat track mounting bolts (two front, two rear). Carefully tilt seat back and disconnect electrical connectors under seat: seat position sensor, heated seat connector (if equipped), and side airbag connector (yellow). Note connector routing. With assistance, lift seat from vehicle and place on protected work surface.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access side airbag module
   Position seat upside down or on its side for access to seat back. The side airbag module is integrated into the outboard side of the seat back cushion. Locate the access panel or trim cover on the rear of the seat back frame. Remove fasteners securing the seat back cover (typically plastic clips and screws). Carefully peel back upholstery as needed to expose the side airbag module bracket - avoid damaging seat trim.
3. 3

   Disconnect side airbag electrical connector
   Locate the yellow side airbag connector attached to the module. Slide the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock OUT (typically yellow slide) to the unlocked position. Grasp connector housings (not wires) and disconnect the airbag module connector. Inspect connector terminals for damage or corrosion - replace wiring harness if any damage is found. Secure connector away from work area.
4. 4

   Remove side airbag module mounting hardware
   The side airbag module is secured to the seat frame with Torx bolts (typically T20 or T30). Identify all mounting bolts - usually 2-4 bolts depending on design. Using appropriate Torx bit, carefully remove all side airbag module mounting bolts. Support the airbag module while removing final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove side airbag module from seat
   Carefully extract the side airbag module from the seat back frame. The module may be secured with additional clips or guide tabs - gently work the module free without forcing. Once removed, immediately place the module on a secure surface with the deployment side (trim cover side) facing UP. Keep module away from loose objects, electrical sources, and heat. Store in a safe location if not disposing immediately.
6. 6

   Inspect seat structure and wiring
   Thoroughly inspect the seat back frame mounting points for cracks, deformation, or damage. Check the wiring harness from connector to module mounting area for cuts, chafing, or heat damage. Verify the seat frame airbag mounting surface is clean and free of debris. If seat deployment occurred, check for structural damage that may require seat back frame replacement per GM guidelines.
7. 7

   Install new side airbag module
   Remove new side airbag module from packaging and verify correct part number matches removed unit and vehicle specifications. Position new airbag module into seat back frame, aligning mounting holes and ensuring wiring path is clear and not pinched. Guide module into mounting location, ensuring any alignment tabs or clips engage properly. Do not force module into position.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Install all side airbag module mounting bolts hand-tight first, ensuring proper thread engagement. Using calibrated torque wrench with appropriate Torx bit, tighten mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern if multiple bolts present. Verify module is securely mounted and does not move or rattle. Double-check that no wiring is trapped under module or mounting points.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect side airbag electrical connector
   Route airbag connector along original path, ensuring adequate slack and no tension on connector. Align yellow airbag connector with module connector and push together firmly until a click is heard/felt. Slide the CPA (Connector Position Assurance) lock fully IN to locked position - it should snap into place. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully locked and cannot be pulled apart.
10. 10

    Reinstall seat back trim and upholstery
    Carefully reposition seat back upholstery over airbag module area, ensuring fabric is not wrinkled or bunched over deployment area. The airbag deployment zone must lay flat and smooth. Reinstall seat back cover panel and secure all fasteners. Verify no wiring is pinched between trim components. Check that seat back appearance matches original condition.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    With assistance, position seat into vehicle over mounting locations. Reconnect all electrical connectors under seat in reverse order: side airbag connector (yellow), heated seat connector if equipped, and seat position sensors. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and locked. Route all wiring in original paths without pinching. Align seat track mounting holes with floor brackets.
12. 12

    Install and torque seat mounting bolts
    Install all four seat track mounting bolts hand-tight, ensuring proper thread engagement in floor brackets. Using calibrated torque wrench with 10mm socket, tighten all four seat mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left). Reinstall seat mounting bolt covers. Verify seat is solidly mounted with no movement.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery
    Access 12V auxiliary battery in rear cargo area. Clean battery terminal contact surfaces if necessary. Reconnect positive terminal first, then negative terminal. Tighten battery terminal bolts to specification using appropriate socket. Ensure terminals are secure and cannot rotate.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Clear SRS fault codes and verify system operation
    Connect GM SPS scan tool or equivalent professional-grade scanner capable of SRS system diagnostics. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start vehicle). Clear all stored SRS fault codes from the SDM (Sensing Diagnostic Module). Perform SRS system verification test per scan tool prompts. Verify airbag warning light illuminates during bulb check, then extinguishes after 6-8 seconds. If airbag light remains on or flashes, diagnose and repair fault before returning vehicle to service. Document all codes and test results.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with CPA locks engaged
2. Confirm seat operates normally through full range of motion without binding or interference
3. Restore seat position memory settings if applicable
4. Verify no tools or parts remain in vehicle or under seats
5. Test all seat functions including heating, power adjustments, and memory settings

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light performs bulb check (illuminates 6-8 seconds) then extinguishes completely
• Using scan tool, verify no active or pending SRS fault codes are present in system memory
• Perform visual inspection of airbag warning light during multiple ignition cycles to ensure consistent operation
• Physically verify seat is solidly mounted with no movement or unusual sounds during adjustment
• Inspect seat trim in airbag deployment area to ensure smooth, flat surface with no obstructions
• Verify all seat electrical functions operate correctly including heated seats and power adjustments
• Document repair completion with scan tool report showing successful SRS system verification
• Inform vehicle owner that SRS system has been serviced and is operational - provide documentation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle