Bulletin No.: 13112A
Date: November 2013

Recall Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:

Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator

MODELS:

2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe

This bulletin has been revised to provide a modified service procedure and additional
information about the special tools needed to perform the required repair. Please
discard all copies of bulletin 13112. Most of the tools were shipped to select dealers on
November 16, 2013 with the balance being shipped on November 25, 2013. Dealers
were selected based on their prior designation as a Pontiac Service Center and/or if an
involved vehicle was assigned to their location. In order to ensure tool availability and
support the timely completion of this safety recall, we are implementing the following
changes:






Provide a list of the dealers that are being shipped the special tools so they can be
shared as needed among local dealers.
Provide each GM Regional Office with the special tools so a dealer can borrow them
if the tools are not available from another dealer.
Provide a list of the suspect air bag module serial numbers so dealers can visually
identify modules that require replacement without using the bar code scanner. If a
defective module is identified, dealers are still required to use the air bag mounting
bracket to perform the service procedure.
Modify the service procedure to describe how to perform the visual inspection and
determine the pass / fail status of a suspect air bag module.

The Pontiac Vibe was manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI),
a joint venture between Toyota and GM.
CONDITION
Toyota has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003
and 2004 model year Pontiac Vibe vehicles. As a result, GM is conducting a safety recall.
Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the front passenger air bag inflator could
have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers.
Improperly
manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger air
bag to deploy abnormally in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect the vehicle and, if necessary replace the front passenger air bag
inflator.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel
should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required
inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because
not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete
vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared
and will be provided to US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall
Reports. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently
assigned.
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle
Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other
than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (GMCC&A). Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering
parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an
emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Note: It is anticipated that only about 10% of the involved vehicles will require air bag
module replacement and dealers are encouraged to order replacement parts
accordingly.
Part Number
19205568


Description
INFLATOR ASM, I/P MDL AIR BAG *

Quantity/Vehicle
1 (As Req’d.)

All Dealers: Do not discard or destroy the box containing the new passenger air bag
inflator, it will be needed to return the used inflator. The box contains special
instructions for the packaging and shipment of the used inflator. The instructions must
be followed without exception. DO NOT DEPLOY ANY INFLATOR.
U.S. Dealers: Refer to pages 1-2 of the instructions included with the new inflator. The
used inflator must be returned within 2 business days of its removal from an involved
vehicle. The person packing and shipping the used inflator must have received
hazardous material training as per section 1.7.4.1 of the GM Service Policies and
Procedures Manual and the training records must be on file at your dealership.
Canada Dealers: Refer to pages 3-4 of the instructions included with the new inflator.
Contact Crane Worldwide to pick up the used inflator within 2 business days of its
removal from an involved vehicle.

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November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13112A

SPECIAL TOOLS
An air bag mounting bracket and bar code scanner, EL-51377 and EL51378, respectively, are
being shipped to select dealers. Dealers were selected based on their prior designation as a
Pontiac Service Center and/or if an involved vehicle was assigned to their location. Most of
the tools were shipped on November 16, 2013 with the balance being shipped on November
25, 2013. The tools are being furnished at no charge.

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(1) Mounting Bracket (2) Support Bars (3) Support Bar Hardware (4) Air bag Mounting Hardware (5)
Barcode Scanner

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Note: If a barcode scanner is not available, a technician can visually inspect the air bag serial
number which is directly below the bar code to determine the pass / fail status of a suspect air
bag module. See the illustration proceeding step 7 for serial number location. A list of the
suspect air bag module serial numbers is available in the GM GlobalConnect Library. Perform
steps 1-8 to view the air bag serial number.


If the air bag serial number is not on the list, no further action is required. Re-install the air
bag module. Refer to Air Bag Instrument Panel Module Replacement in SI. Proceed to step
25.



If the air bag serial number is on the list, the air bag module must be replaced and dealers
are REQUIRED to use the air bag mounting bracket to perform the replacement procedure.
Do NOT perform steps 9-10. Proceed to Safety Precautions and Passenger Air Bag
Inflator Module Replacement in this bulletin.



If your dealership does not have the air bag mounting bracket, provide courtesy
transportation to the customer until an air bag mounting bracket is obtained and the
required repair is completed.



A list of the dealers that were shipped the special tools is available in the GM
GlobalConnect Library. Check this list to identify a dealer in your area that has the tools
and request to borrow the air bag mounting bracket. You’re GM District Manager –
Aftersales can also assist with obtaining the air bag mounting bracket if the tool is not
locally available from another dealer.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

Passenger Air bag Inspection
Note: All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate
Vehicle History screen in the GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service
personnel should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any
required inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility
because not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
1. Verify vehicle eligibility using the GM Global Warranty Management system.


If the vehicle is involved, proceed to step 2.



If the vehicle is NOT involved, no further action is required.

Note: This field action bulletin provides service repair and labor time information for replacing
the passenger side air bag inflator module. Other repairs, if required, are to be billed under
warranty, goodwill assistance or customer pay.
2. Connect the scan tool and determine if any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) have been
set. Record set DTCs, if present, on the job card.
3. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment
Replacement in SI.
4. Disconnect cable from negative battery terminal. Refer to Battery Negative Cable
Disconnection and Connection in SI.
Danger: Wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the cable from the negative battery
terminal to prevent air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment.
Caution: Avoid scratching or damaging the dashboard assembly. Place protective tape on the
dashboard if needed.
5. Remove the instrument panel passenger air bag assembly. Refer to Air bag Instrument
Panel Module Replacement in SI.
6. Place the air bag module on a clean work bench.

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7. Locate passenger air bag barcode label (1). Refer to illustration.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

8. Determine if an ‘X’ is present on the barcode label. The ‘X’, if present, will be located in the
lower right-hand corner of the bar code label.


If an ‘X’ is NOT present, proceed to step 9.



If an ‘X is present, the air bag module has already been repaired. Re-install the air
bag module. Refer to Air bag Instrument Panel Module Replacement in SI. Proceed
to step 25.

Note: Download the scanner software application onto a computer BEFORE attempting to
scan the barcode label. The scanner software application is available on TIS2WEB. Follow the
scanner software application downloading instructions below. Perform the bullet points in the
order presented below.


From the TIS2WEB home page, click the Help ‘?’ icon in the upper right-hand side of
the home page.



Select Vibe Programming Applications, Recall Information and Calibrations from the
Help screen.



Select Vibe Recall Information from the Help screen.



Download the application for the Vibe Recall onto the desktop of your computer.



Unzip the file folder on your computer desktop. The barcode scanner software
application will open a scanning session from your computer desktop. The barcode
scanner software application will launch the ‘Ready’ screen when the program is ready
to use.



Connect the scanner cable into the USB port of the computer and proceed to step 9 in
this bulletin.

9. Scan the barcode label on the air bag case.
10. View the scan tool screen to determine if replacement of the passenger air bag inflator is
required.

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

If the scan tool result screen indicates the passenger air bag inflator requires
replacement, proceed to Safety Precautions and Passenger Air bag Inflator Module
Replacement in this bulletin.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

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

If the scan tool result screen indicates the passenger air bag inflator does NOT require
replacement, re-install the air bag module and install the instrument panel (I/P)
compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Replacement in SI. No further
action is required.

Safety Precautions
Warning: If an air bag system is not handled using proper procedures and methods, it may be
activated accidentally during work resulting in a life-threatening serious accident. If the service
procedure is NOT performed correctly, the system may fail to activate when needed. Be sure
to perform the proper work safely and according to the instructions in this service procedure.
1. Eliminate Static Electricity. Before start of work, touch a metallic portion of the vehicle
with a bare hand to discharge static electricity charged on your body.
2. DO NOT Measure Resistance. DO NOT measure resistance of air bag components.
Measuring current of a circuit tester may cause accidental activation.
3. Handle The Air Bag Properly. If an inflator is dropped, replace it with a NEW inflator.
4. DO NOT Allow Foreign Objects Near Air bag. Collect and account for all removed
nuts/bolts to prevent them from landing in the air bag assembly. Any foreign objects in the
air bag assembly may cause damage or injury if the air bag is activated.
5. Wear Protective Equipment. Always wear appropriate protective equipment when working
on the air bag.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

Passenger Air bag Inflator Module Replacement

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Danger: To avoid personal injury or death, it is critical to use an air bag module bracket when
replacing an inflator module. Carefully read and follow the instructions below:


Confirm the bracket assembly is installed securely in the vice.



Confirm there are no loose objects or people exposed to the back side of the bracket for
safety in the unlikely event of air bag deployment due to improper work procedures. The air
bag is NOT being replaced due to an inadvertent deployment concern.



Confirm that no objects, tools or people are within 3 feet (1 meter) of the back side of the
bracket.



Confirm that no objects, tools or people are within 2 feet (0.6 meters) of the sides of the
bracket.



BEFORE starting work and periodically while working on the air bag module, touch a
metallic part of the work bench to discharge static electricity in the body.

1. Mount the air bag module bracket securely in a vice.

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2. Position the two mounting studs on the air bag assembly into the holes on the bracket
support bars.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

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3. Loosely install the air bag to the support bars with the nuts supplied in the bracket kt.
4. Position the air bag so that all four stopper plate nuts can be removed through the access
holes.
5. Tighten the two nuts holding the air bag to the support bars.
6. Confirm the following steps have been completed BEFORE proceeding to the next step:


The mounting bracket is secure in the vise.



The air bag module is secured to the support bars of the bracket.



The support bars are secured on the mounting bracket using one (1) bolt/nut at the
top of each support bar and two (2) nuts/bolts at the bottom of each support bar.

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Danger: To avoid personal injury, ALWAYS keep as much of your body as possible in front of
the bracket when working on the air bag assembly. Remember to periodically touch a metallic
part of the vehicle or work bench to discharge static electricity in the body.

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Bulletin No.: 13112A

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Note: The connector of an air bag inflator has a short-circuiting mechanism that eliminates
voltage difference when disconnected (1). To allow for the replacement of the inflator module,
a new short circuit using and electro tap (2) MUST be created BEFORE cutting the wires (3)