Place live (undeployed) air bag on bench or other surface with trim cover facing up, away from surface.
This will reduce motion of air bag if it accidentally deploys.
Never probe air bag inflator module connectors. Air bag may accidentally deploy.
Never attempt repair of any air bag system components. Replace any faulty components as required.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . To disable air
bag, turn ignition to LOCK position and remove key. Remove SIR fuse (air bag fuse) from fuse block.
Remove left hand instrument panel sound insulator. Remove Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clip
from Yellow SIR harness connector at base of steering column. All SIR system connectors use CPA clips
to ensure connector retention. Disconnect Yellow SIR connector. Wait at least one minute before working
on vehicle.
2. With SIR fuse removed and ignition on, AIR BAG warning indicator light will be on. This is normal
operation for SIR system and does not indicate a fault code or system problem. 3) To activate air bag
system, ensure ignition is off. Connect Yellow SIR connector and CPA clip at base of steering column.
Install SIR fuse. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Observe AIR BAG warning indicator light. Light
should flash 7 times, then go out. If AIR BAG warning indicator light does not function as described, a
malfunction exists in air bag system.
ADJUSTMENTS
CENTERING SIR COIL ASSEMBLY
1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Hold coil assembly with clear bottom upward to see
coil ribbon. While holding coil assembly housing and pressing spring lock, rotate hub in direction of
arrow (on bottom of assembly) until it stops. Coil assembly should now be wound up snug against center
hub.
2. Rotate coil assembly hub in opposite direction about 2 1/2 turns. Release spring lock between locking
tabs in front of arrow. See Fig. 1 . Coil assembly can now be installed if front wheels are in straight-
WARNING: Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Sensing and Diagnostic Module
(SDM) retains back-up voltage for about 10 minutes after disabling SIR
system. Wait minimum of 10 minutes after disabling SIR before servicing
steering column components. Servicing steering column components
before 10 minute period may cause accidental deployment of air bag and
possible personal injury.
NOTE: If column is allowed to rotate when disconnected from steering gear, or
centering spring is pushed down allowing hub to rotate while SIR coil is
removed, perform following procedure. New coil assemblies are centered and
held in position with a plastic tab. Remove tab after coil assembly is installed.
1996 Buick Riviera
STEERING COLUMN 1996 STEERING General Motors Corp. - Steering Column
Virtual Wrench
Sunday, January 16, 2011 7:30:07 AM Page 2 ©
2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
