sadaly

Just left the dealer. Dealer sez I need to replace front seat air bag sensor. Is there a method I can verify this? The truck is 2007 Tahoe with 60K miles. The job from the dealer is $215.

in2pro

Welcome to the forum, is this for the passenger air bag? if so that seems like something that could be easily replaced, but I could be wrong...

in2pro

Okay, maybe that could be a bit of a challenge




Service Information
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1745222
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SIR Identification Views
The SIR Identification Views shown below illustrate the approximate location of all SIR components available for the vehicle. This will assist in disabling and enabling the SIR system, refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .

Avalanche/Escalade/Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon




(1) Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor-Right-Located on the front frame crossmember
(2) Battery-Located under the hood on the right side
(3) Inflatable Restraint I/P Module-Located at the right front of the instrument panel cluster (IPC)
(4) Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS)-RF-Located under the right front door trim near the lower rear of the door frame
(5) Inflatable Restraint Seat Position Sensor (SPS)-Right-Located on the right front outboard seat track
(6) Inflatable Restraint Passenger Presence System (PPS)-Located under the right front seat mounted to the seat frame
(7) Inflatable Restraint Seat Belt Pretensioner-Right-Located on the right front B Piller
(8) Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS)-RR-Located under the right rear door trim near the lower rear of the door frame
(9) Inflatable Restraint Seat Belt Tension Retractor Sensor-Located on the outboard lower seat belt anchor
(10) Inflatable Restraint Roof Rail Module-Right-Located in the headliner
(11) Inflatable Restraint Roof Rail Module-Left-Located in the headliner
(12) Inflatable Restraint Vehicle Rollover Sensor-Located under the center console
(13) Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS)-LR-Located under the left rear door trim near the lower rear of the door frame
(14) Inflatable Restraint Seat Belt Pretensioner-Left-Located on the left front B Piller
(15) Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)-Located under the left front seat under the carpet
(16) Inflatable Restraint Seat Position Sensor (SPS)-Left-Located on the right front inboard seat track
(17) Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS)-LF-Located under the left front door trim near the lower rear of the door frame
(18) Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module-Located on the steering wheel
(19) Underhood Fuse Block and Auxiliary Battery-Located under the hood on the left side
(20) Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor-Left-Located on the front frame crossmember
© 2011 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

in2pro

I think the last line is what is applying to your situation....
sounds like the policy is to replace regardless, for safety.


Sensor Replacement Guidelines
The SIR/side air bag sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision. An example of this would be a moderate collision where the front of the vehicle impacts a tree, if the vehicle has an SIR sensor mounted forward of the radiator, replace the SIR sensor.

• Replace the sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed.

• Replace the sensor even if the sensor appears to be undamaged.

Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the SIR/side air bag sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged. Replace the sensor. Also, if you follow a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) table and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the sensor.

sadaly

Jeff,

Thanks for the quick reply. It is the SDM that needs replacing. I'll check it out to see if it's just plug and play. I think the deal is getting about 1.5 labor to do it. Any thoughts about doing it myself?

in2pro

That I don't know but here is what I found on it...
It looks like if you replace it it may need to be programed , per the last line of the instructions...

SDM = Sensing and Diagnostic Module



Service Information
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1741702
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Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement



Callout
Component Name

Caution: Do not strike or jolt the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Before applying power to the SDM, make sure that it is securely fastened with the arrow facing toward the front of the vehicle. Failure to observe the correct installation procedure could cause SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Preliminary Procedures
Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
Remove driver front bucket seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket .

1
Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Nuts (Qty: 3)

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Tighten
7 N·m (56 lb in)

2
Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Assembly

Tip

Position the carpet in order to access the module.
Disconnect the electrical connectors.
When installing, ensure the arrow on the module is pointed towards the front of the vehicle.
If installing a replacement module, program the module. Refer to Control Module References .

© 2011 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

in2pro

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1739855
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SIR Disabling and Enabling
SIR component location affects how a vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the SIR system installed in various locations around a vehicle. To find the location of the SIR components refer to SIR Identification Views .

There are several reasons for disabling the SIR system, such as repairs to the SIR system or servicing a component near or attached to an SIR component. There are several ways to disable the SIR system depending on what type of service is being performed. The following information covers the proper procedures for disabling/enabling the SIR system.

Condition
Action

If the vehicle was involved in an accident with an air bag deployment.
Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *. Refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision .

When performing SIR diagnostics.
Follow the appropriate SIR service manual diagnostic procedure(s) *

When removing or replacing an SIR component or a component attached to an SIR component.
Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *

If the vehicle is suspected of having shorted electrical wires.
Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *

When performing electrical diagnosis on components other than the SIR system.
Remove the SIR/Airbag fuse(s) when indicated by the diagnostic procedure to disable the SIR system

* DTCs will be lost when the negative battery cable is disconnected.


SIR Service Precautions
Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components. Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedure could also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs.

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) maintains a reserved energy supply. The reserved energy supply provides deployment power for the air bags if the SDM loses battery power during a collision. Deployment power is available for as much as 1 minute after disconnecting the vehicle power. Waiting 1 minute before working on the system after disabling the SIR system prevents deployment of the air bags from the reserved energy supply.

General Service Instructions
The following are general service instructions which must be followed in order to properly repair the vehicle and return it to its original integrity:

• Do not expose inflator modules to temperatures above 65°C (150°F).

• Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a different vehicle.

• Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Do not use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.

Discard any of the following components if it has been dropped from a height of 91 cm (3 feet) or greater:

• Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)

• Any Inflatable restraint air bag module

• Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil

• Any Inflatable restraint sensor

• Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioners

• Inflatable restraint Passenger Presence System (PPS) module or sensor

Disabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
Place the ignition in the OFF position.
Important: The SDM may have more than one fused power input. To ensure there is no unwanted SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs, remove all fuses supplying power to the SDM. With all SDM fuses removed and the ignition switch in the ON position, the AIR BAG warning indicator illuminates. This is normal operation, and does not indicate a SIR system malfunction.

Locate and remove the fuse(s) supplying power to the SDM. Refer to SIR Schematics or Electrical Center Identification Views .
Wait 1 minute before working on the system.
Enabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse
Place the ignition in the OFF position.
Install the fuse(s) supplying power to the SDM. Refer to SIR Schematics or Electrical Center Identification Views .
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle .
Disabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
Place the ignition in the OFF position.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
Wait 1 minute before working on system.
Enabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable
Place the ignition in the OFF position.
Connect the negative battery cable to the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle .
© 2011 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

sadaly

Thanks for the great information. This has made it easy to decide, the Dealer is doing it. Thanks again.

in2pro

I checked GM parts direct and the price for the module and its listed for about $240....

Description Year MSRP Price Your Price
sdm module, tahoe, yukon, escalade, w/o inflator curtains
2007 $330.66 $240.73

Electrical - Restraint systems - Supplemental restraint system - Sdm module
sdm module, tahoe, yukon, escalade, w/inflator curtains
2007 $341.30 $248.47

Electrical - Restraint systems - Supplemental restraint system - Sdm module

BIG STEVE

Do i need to reprogram my airbag system after i repalce the sensor in a 2007 taho lt