Airbag - Side

This procedure replaces the side-impact airbag module located in the front seat backrest. This is a safety-critical repair requiring proper deployment system disabling and specialized handling procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side airbag module (seat-mounted) × 1 — Use OEM specification - GM part number varies by seat position and trim level
• Seat backrest cover (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification - typically reusable

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key from vehicle
3. Disconnect driver-side negative battery cable and isolate terminal away from battery post
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge completely
5. Move seat to full-forward position for access to seat mounting bolts
6. Locate and photograph yellow airbag connector routing under seat for reference during reassembly
7. Ensure replacement airbag module matches vehicle seat position (driver/passenger) and build date

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front seat assembly
   Move seat to full-forward position. Remove four seat mounting bolts using Torx T50 socket. Two bolts are at front corners, two at rear corners of seat track. Carefully tilt seat backward to access electrical connectors underneath. Disconnect yellow airbag connector by releasing CPA lock and sliding connector apart. Disconnect seat position sensor connector and heated seat connector if equipped. Remove seat from vehicle with assistance - seat weighs approximately 60-80 lbs.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Position seat for airbag access
   Place removed seat on clean, padded work surface with backrest facing up. Ensure work area is clean and free of debris that could contaminate airbag module or deployment mechanism. Position seat so backrest is easily accessible. Note the location of side airbag module - it runs vertically along outboard side of seat backrest.
3. 3

   Remove seat backrest cover
   Locate plastic trim panel or fabric attachment points on rear of seat backrest. For cloth seats: carefully remove hog rings or retaining clips securing seat cover to backrest frame using trim tools. Work from bottom upward along outboard side only - complete cover removal is not necessary. For leather seats: remove plastic trim panel from lower backrest using trim removal tools, then carefully peel back leather cover enough to access airbag module mounting area. Take care not to tear upholstery or crease leather. The airbag module is typically visible as a long rectangular housing with yellow connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag module connector
   Locate the yellow airbag module connector inside seat backrest. This connector runs from the main seat harness to the side airbag module. Slide the yellow Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock outward to unlock position. Do not pull on wires. Grasp connector housings firmly and pull apart with steady pressure. Verify connector is completely separated. Route connector away from airbag module.
5. 5

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate airbag module mounting bolts - typically 2-4 Torx bolts securing module to seat backrest frame. These are usually T30 or T40 Torx head bolts. Remove all mounting bolts and retain for installation if reusing. Note the orientation and position of any brackets or spacers. Support airbag module by hand as you remove final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove old airbag module
   Carefully extract airbag module from seat backrest frame pocket. The module is a long, narrow fabric envelope containing inflator and cushion. Do not bend, twist, or puncture module during removal. Immediately place removed module on clean, flat surface with deployment side (labeled side) facing UP. Keep module at least 3 feet away from work area. Never place tools or parts on top of removed airbag. If module is being disposed of, follow local regulations for undeployed airbag disposal - most require professional deployment before disposal.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area
   Inspect seat backrest frame mounting points for damage, corrosion, or deformation. Check that mounting bolt threads in frame are clean and undamaged. Inspect seat backrest frame for any cracks or structural damage that may have occurred during impact (if replacing due to accident). Verify airbag deployment circuit connector terminals inside seat are clean, dry, and free from corrosion. Any damage to frame structure requires seat frame replacement - do not install airbag in damaged seat structure.
8. 8

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Verify part number matches vehicle application and seat position. Check manufacturing date - modules older than 10 years should not be installed even if new. Remove any shipping locks or protective covers from module per manufacturer instructions. Do not remove connector protective covers until ready to connect. Inspect module for any shipping damage - dents, tears, or connector damage require replacement.
9. 9

   Install new airbag module
   Position new airbag module into seat backrest frame pocket in same orientation as original. Ensure module is fully seated in frame channel with no fabric bunching or folding. The deployment side (usually marked with warning labels) must face outboard toward door. Align mounting bolt holes. Install mounting bolts finger-tight initially to ensure proper alignment. Tighten mounting bolts in cross pattern to specified torque using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect airbag module connector
    Remove protective cover from airbag module connector if present. Align yellow airbag connector ensuring pins are straight and housing alignment tabs match. Push connectors together firmly until you hear/feel a click indicating full seating. Slide yellow CPA lock inward to locked position - this should require deliberate force. Tug gently on connector to verify it is locked and will not separate. Verify CPA lock is flush with connector body indicating full engagement.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat backrest cover
    Carefully reposition seat backrest cover over airbag module area. Ensure no wiring is pinched between cover and frame. For cloth seats: reinstall hog rings or retaining clips in original locations ensuring cover is taut and even. For leather seats: ensure leather is not folded or creased over airbag deployment area - this can affect deployment. Reinstall plastic trim panels using firm hand pressure until clips engage. Verify cover is smooth with no unusual bulges that might indicate improper module installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat assembly
    With assistance, position seat over floor mounting points. Before lowering completely, connect all electrical connectors under seat: yellow airbag connector (CPA lock must engage), seat position sensor, and heated seat connector if equipped. Verify no wires are routed where they can be pinched by seat tracks. Lower seat onto mounting studs. Install all four seat mounting bolts finger-tight, then tighten in cross pattern to specified torque. Verify seat slides freely fore and aft without binding or unusual noises.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect negative battery cable to battery post and tighten terminal bolt to specified torque. Ensure no tools or loose items are in vehicle. Without entering vehicle, turn ignition to ON position (engine off) using key from outside door. Observe airbag warning light on instrument cluster - it should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then extinguish. If light stays on, flashes, or does not illuminate, do not drive vehicle - airbag fault exists.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Perform diagnostic verification
    Connect GM MDI or compatible professional scan tool to vehicle OBD-II port. Access airbag system module and check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Clear any codes related to battery disconnection. Perform airbag system resistance test per scan tool instructions to verify deployment circuit continuity. All resistance values must be within specification (typically 2-3 ohms for side airbag circuits). If any hard fault codes are present or resistance is out of range, diagnose fault before returning vehicle to service. Document all DTCs and test results.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all seat electrical connectors are fully engaged with CPA locks in place
2. Verify seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification - these are safety critical fasteners
3. Confirm airbag warning light extinguishes after 6-second bulb check cycle
4. Test seat adjustment functions including power seat, lumbar, and heating if equipped

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes within 6 seconds
• Use professional scan tool to verify no airbag system DTCs are present after installation
• Verify side airbag circuit resistance is within manufacturer specification using scan tool
• Physically inspect that seat backrest cover is properly installed with no bunching over airbag area
• Test seat slides smoothly through full range of travel without binding
• Confirm all seat functions operate normally (power adjust, heat, lumbar if equipped)
• Verify no wiring is visible or pinched under seat or in backrest area
• Road test vehicle and confirm airbag warning light remains off during operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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