13112

Bulletin No.: 13112
Date: November 2013
Recall Bulletin
PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:
Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator
MODELS:
2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe
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.
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.
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.
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Bulletin No.: 13112
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.
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.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Beginning the week of November 11, 2013, select dealers will be shipped an air bag mounting
bracket and bar code scanner, EL-51377 and EL51378, respectively. These tools are
essential to perform the service procedure described in this bulletin. The tools are being
furnished at no charge. Only those dealers with an involved vehicle currently assigned to
them will be shipped an air bag mounting bracket and bar code scanner.
3607811
(1) Mounting Bracket (2) Support Bars (3) Support Bar Hardware (4) Air bag Mounting Hardware (5)
Barcode Scanner
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Bulletin No.: 13112
SERVICE PROCEDURE
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.
3470289
7. Locate passenger air bag barcode label (1). Refer to illustration.
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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.
3470495

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.: 13112
3470445

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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November 2013
Bulletin No.: 13112
Passenger Air bag Inflator Module Replacement
3607819
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.
3607829
2. Position the two mounting studs on the air bag assembly into the holes on the bracket
support bars.
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3607904
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.
3607909
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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November 2013
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3470510
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)
and removing the inflator.
7. Create a short circuit before disconnecting the inflator wire harness.
3470432
Caution: DO NOT damage the internal wires when cutting open the corrugate tube. DO NOT
use a knife or razor blade to cut the tube to avoid damaging the wires. This step may be
performed on either end if the inflator.
7.1 Cut open the corrugated tube on the yellow harness approximately 10 cm (4 in) using
snipers.
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3470344
Danger: The tab on the electro tap must be removed to ensure a good short.
7.2 Cut off the tab of the electro tap (1) (included in the kit) shown in the illustration.
3470361
7.3 Short-circuit the two wires using the electro tap. Place one wire (1) in the electro tap as
shown in the illustration.
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3470357
Note: Simultaneously working on the two wires tends to cause a mistake. Be sure to set the
wire in the electro tap one wire at a time. Lock the electro tap firmly using pliers. If locked by
hand, the electro tap may unfasten.
7.4 Fold and pinch the half of the electro tap where the first wire was just placed using
pliers to lock firmly.
3470369
7.5 Set the other wire in the electro tap and lock in a similar way with pliers.
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3470348
OK: Cut wires at opposite side to inflator. NG: Do NOT cut at inflator side.
3607837
Danger: Do NOT measure resistance of the inflator wires. This may cause accidental
activation of the inflator.
Caution: Ensure to cut the two wires at the correct location. Refer to the illustration.
8. Cut the two wires at the side of the electro tap opposite to the inflator (the side of the
electro tap that is farthest away from the inflator).
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3607844
Caution: DO NOT use power tools. The bracket support bars may need to be repositioned to
remove the nuts through the access holes.
9. Use the access holes in the bracket to loosen and remove the four self-locking nuts.
3607850
10. Remove the stopper plates.
11. Discard the 4 nuts and 2 stopper plates as they are not to be reused.
12. Remove the inflator.
3607857
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Bulletin No.: 13112
12.1 Gently push in the 4 studs to loosen the inflator for removal.
3607866
12.2 Remove the inflator from the air bag assembly and place it on a safe work surface.
3470416
12.3 Put a mark on the removed inflator and store it in the provided replacement part
box. Refer to the packaging instructions that were included with the new inflator
module kit.
3607873
13. Carefully slide the new inflator into the air bag assembly.
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3607880
14. Confirm the identification of the stopper and the position determining plate. THEY ARE
DIFFERENT. Refer to the illustration: (1) Stopper Plate (2) Position Determining Plate.
3607886
Warning: Confirm the stopper plate to inflator fitment is correct. DO NOT pinch the harness
between the inflator and the stopper plate.
15. Loosely install a new stopper plate.
15.1 Place the NEW stopper plate on the air bag assembly on the side where the harness
is already connected.
15.2 Confirm the end of the inflator sits flat against the stopper plate. If they do not align
the inflator is installed backward.
15.3 Install NEW stopper plate nuts by hand. They will be torqued on a later step.
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3470378
Note: DO NOT fully remove the seal until just before connecting the harness.
16. Fold the seal in order to prevent it from being caught under the position determining plate
in the next step.
3610413
Warning: Confirm the flats on the position determining plate and inflator are aligned. DO NOT
pinch the harness between the inflator and the plate.
17. Install the new position determining plate.
17.1 Place the NEW position determining plate on the air bag assembly on the side with
the connector seal.
17.2 Install NEW nuts by hand.
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3610416
Caution: There will be some resistance when tightening the nuts because they are selflocking. Confirm the nuts are tightened correctly. DO NOT use a power tool, T-handle, or
ratchet when tightening the nuts to avoid over-torqueing.
18. Tighten four (4) NEW plate nuts evenly in several increments in the order shown in the
illustration using a 10 mm socket driver while pushing the inflator. (You will encounter some
resistance during tightening because these nuts are self-locking nuts.)
Torque Specification: 3.9 Nm (35 in-lb)
3610412
Warning: The connector should be connected IMMEDIATELY after removing the seal. Once
the connector is installed it CANNOT be removed. If the connector is installed in the incorrect
orientation the terminals may be bent or the connector may not fully engage.
19. Connect the inflator connector (2).
19.1 Remove the connector seal from the inflator.
19.2 Confirm the alignment of the harness connector as shown in the illustration, and then
connect the harness. The connector wires should lead toward the center mounting
bracket (1) on the air bag assembly.
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20. Remove the air bag assembly from the bracket by removing the two nuts and the air bag
assembly. Place the air bag assembly on a cloth.
3470478
21. Attach the felt tape to the edges of the stopper and position determining plate.
3610415
22. Inspect the air bag before installing it into the vehicle.
22.1 Confirm that the 4 NEW plate nuts are installed and tight.
22.2 Confirm the NEW stopper and position determining plates are installed.
22.3 Confirm the flats on the position determining plate and inflator are aligned.
22.4 Confirm the orientation of the inflator; the yellow wires should face the right side of the
vehicle and the red wires should face the left side of the vehicle.
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3610495
22.5 Using a pen or marker, put an ‘X’ in the lower right-hand corner of the air bag bar
code label (1).
23. Install the instrument panel passenger air bag assembly. Refer to Air bag Instrument Panel
Module Replacement in SI.
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.
24. Connect scan tool and check for DTCs.
24.1 Clear DTCs, if present.
24.2 If DTCs are still present, record set DTCs on the job card.
25. Install the instrument panel (IP) compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment
Replacement in SI.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor Code
9100125
9100126
Description
Inspect Inflator Bar Code – Replacement not Required
Replace Inflator (Includes Bar Code Inspection)
Labor
Time
0.5
1.1 *
* Includes 0.2 hour administrative allowance for return of the used inflator (document
preparation and packaging).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter
included with this bulletin).
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November 2013
Bulletin No.: 13112
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – For US (US States, Territories, and Possessions)
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used
item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or
lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject
to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer
has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima
facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately
repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable
allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every
effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair
their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to
contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed
within a reasonable time.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless
of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for
which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by
the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the
instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin
for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this
purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that
may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the tools,
equipment, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to
your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification
Page 20
November 2013
Bulletin No.: 13112
November 2013
Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
You may have previously received a letter from GM telling you about this safety recall and that
you would be receiving another letter when the required parts became available. The purpose
of this letter is to let you know that the parts needed to perform the required repair are now
available and you should contact your GM dealer to schedule a service appointment.
The Pontiac Vibe was manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), a
joint venture between Toyota and GM.
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. We
apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and
continued satisfaction with our products.
IMPORTANT



Your vehicle is involved in safety recall 13112.
Schedule an appointment with your GM dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.
Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?
Your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag inflator
which 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.
What will we
do?
Your GM dealer will inspect your vehicle and, if necessary, replace
the front passenger air bag inflator. This service will be performed
for you at no charge. Because of service scheduling requirements,
it is likely that your dealer will need your vehicle longer than the
actual inspection and service correction time of approximately one
hour.
What should
you do?
You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service
appointment as soon as possible.
Do you have
questions?
If you have questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to
resolve, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance
Center at the number listed below.
Page 21
November 2013
Division
Number
Pontiac
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands
1-800-762-2737
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994
Bulletin No.: 13112
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-7668
If after contacting your dealer and the Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied
we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time,
you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 13V133.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
GM Recall #13112