Airbag Module/Computer

This procedure removes and replaces the airbag control module (SDM - Sensing and Diagnostic Module) located under the driver or front passenger seat on 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Airbag Control Module (SDM) × 1 — Use OEM GM part number matching VIN

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key from ignition
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post
4. Disconnect positive battery cable and secure away from battery post
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system backup power to fully discharge
6. Move driver seat fully rearward to access front seat mounting bolts
7. Ensure you have the replacement module available and verify it is the correct part for your specific VIN before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front seat bolts
   Remove the four seat track mounting bolts (two front, two rear) using a 10mm socket. These bolts secure the seat track to the floor pan. Support the seat while removing the rear bolts to prevent the seat from tipping backward.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Tilt seat and disconnect electrical connectors
   Carefully tilt the seat backward to access the underside. Locate all electrical connectors under the seat (typically 2-4 connectors for power seat, heated seat, and airbag module). Press the release tabs and disconnect all connectors. Note the routing and position of wiring harnesses for reassembly.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires - press connector release tabs fully before separating connectors to avoid damaging terminals.
3. 3

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With all electrical connections disconnected, carefully lift and remove the seat assembly from the vehicle. This is a heavy component - use proper lifting technique or get assistance. Set the seat aside in a safe location where it will not be damaged.
   ⚠Seat assembly weighs approximately 50-70 lbs depending on options. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
4. 4

   Locate airbag control module
   With the seat removed, locate the airbag control module (SDM) mounted to the floor pan. It is typically a rectangular aluminum housing approximately 4x3 inches, mounted with two or three bolts. The module will have a large multi-pin connector attached. On some vehicles it may be under a protective cover secured with Torx screws.
   ℹ️If a protective cover is present, remove Torx T20 screws to access the module. Keep cover screws organized for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect module electrical connector
   Locate the primary module connector (yellow or gray connector housing). Press the connector lock tab or slide the connector lock mechanism to the unlock position. Carefully pull the connector straight out from the module. Do not twist or rock the connector excessively.
   ⚠Airbag connectors use special locking mechanisms. Ensure lock is fully released before pulling connector to avoid damaging connector pins.
6. 6

   Remove module mounting hardware
   Remove the module mounting bolts (typically 2-3 bolts) using a 10mm socket. Note the exact position and orientation of the module and any mounting brackets. Some modules have a specific orientation indicated by an arrow on the housing that must point toward the front of the vehicle.
   ℹ️The module orientation is critical for proper crash detection. Note the arrow or directional marking on the old module before removal.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old airbag module
   Carefully remove the old airbag control module from its mounting location. Inspect the mounting area for any corrosion, debris, or damage. Clean the mounting surface if necessary to ensure proper ground connection for the new module.
   ⚠Handle the removed module carefully - do not drop or impact it even though it is being replaced.
8. 8

   Install new airbag module
   Position the new airbag module in the mounting location, ensuring the directional arrow on the module housing points toward the front of the vehicle. Align the module with mounting holes. Verify the module is seated flat against the mounting surface with no gaps.
   ⚠️Module orientation is critical. The directional arrow MUST point toward the front of the vehicle for proper crash sensor operation.
9. 9

   Install module mounting bolts
   Install the module mounting bolts and tighten to 8.0 Nm (6.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Tighten bolts in a crossing pattern if multiple bolts are present. Ensure the module does not shift during bolt tightening and remains properly oriented.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect module electrical connector
    Align the module electrical connector with the connector on the module housing. Push the connector straight onto the module until you hear or feel a positive click. Engage the connector lock mechanism by sliding it to the locked position or pressing the lock tab until it clicks.
    ⚠Ensure connector is fully seated and locked. A partially connected module connector will cause airbag system faults and may disable airbags.
11. 11

    Reinstall protective cover if equipped
    If the module had a protective cover, reinstall it over the module and secure with the original Torx T20 screws. Ensure the cover does not pinch any wiring.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall seat assembly
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it over the four floor mounting holes. Align the seat tracks with the mounting points. Reconnect all electrical connectors under the seat in their original positions, ensuring each connector clicks fully into place and locks are engaged.
    ⚠Verify no wiring is pinched between seat tracks and floor pan before installing bolts.
13. 13

    Install seat mounting bolts
    Install all four seat mounting bolts (two front, two rear) and hand-tighten. Once all bolts are started, torque each bolt to 42.0 Nm (31.0 lb-ft) in a crossing pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left).
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and program module
    Reconnect positive battery cable and tighten terminal bolt to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft). Reconnect negative battery cable and tighten to same specification. Connect GM MDI or compatible diagnostic tool to the vehicle. Using GM SPS (Service Programming System) software, program the new airbag module with the correct calibration for your vehicle's VIN. Follow all on-screen prompts and do not interrupt the programming process.
    ⚠️Module programming MUST be completed before operating the vehicle. An unprogrammed module will not deploy airbags in a crash.
    ⚠Ensure battery voltage is above 12.5V before programming. Do not disconnect battery or turn off ignition during programming as this can corrupt the module.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Clear DTCs and verify system operation
    Using the diagnostic scan tool, clear all airbag system diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Verify the airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6 seconds then turns off. Perform a complete airbag system diagnostic test using the scan tool to verify all components are communicating properly and no faults are present.
    ⚠️If the airbag warning light remains illuminated, flashes, or any DTCs are present after programming, DO NOT return vehicle to service. Diagnose and repair all faults before operating vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all seat electrical connectors are fully engaged and locked
2. Verify seat moves freely on tracks and does not bind after installation
3. Test all seat functions (power adjust, heated seats if equipped) to confirm proper electrical connection
4. Return seat to normal driving position and verify proper operation

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6 seconds then turns off completely
• Using diagnostic scan tool, verify no airbag system DTCs are present
• Perform a scan tool airbag system test to verify module is communicating on the network
• Verify all airbag system components (driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners) are showing as active/ready on scan tool
• Start engine and verify airbag light remains off during normal operation
• Perform a test drive and verify airbag warning light does not illuminate during vehicle operation
• Document the module replacement, programming, and verification testing in vehicle service records

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