Buick Enclave: Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle. Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle. Airbag System Check
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags influence how the vehicle must be inspected, repaired, and maintained. Components of the airbag system are located in several areas throughout the Buick Enclave, and improper service near these components can create a serious safety risk.
Your dealer and the official service manual provide detailed information about correct service procedures for the vehicle and its airbag system. This information is especially important before performing work near the steering wheel, instrument panel, seats, pillars, roof area, or any wiring related to supplemental restraints.
To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information.
WARNING
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate if service is performed incorrectly. Serious injury can occur if you are close to an airbag when it deploys. Avoid yellow connectors.
Yellow connectors are commonly part of the airbag system. Always follow proper service procedures, and make sure any person performing work on the vehicle is qualified to service airbag-equipped vehicles safely.
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories or making modifications that change the vehicle frame, bumper system, ride height, front-end structure, or side sheet metal may affect how the airbag system performs in a crash.
The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by altering, replacing, relocating, or modifying parts related to the front seats, safety belts, airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling trim, pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual contain information about the location of airbag sensors, the sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring. This information should be reviewed before installing accessories or making structural, electrical, or interior modifications to the Buick Enclave.
In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a passenger sensing system that uses sensors built into the front outboard passenger seat.
The passenger sensing system may not operate correctly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM seat covers, upholstery, or trim. It may also be affected if GM covers, upholstery, or trim designed for a different vehicle are installed.
Any object or accessory installed under the seat fabric or placed on top of the seat fabric can interfere with passenger sensing system operation. Examples include aftermarket seat heaters, comfort pads, pressure-relief cushions, massage devices, or similar seat-mounted accessories.
These items may prevent the passenger airbag from deploying when it should, or they may prevent the passenger sensing system from turning off the passenger airbag when it should. For this reason, any seat-related modification should be evaluated carefully before installation.
See Passenger Sensing System.
If the Buick Enclave is equipped with roof-rail airbags, see Different Size Tires and Wheels for additional information, since changes to tire or wheel size can influence vehicle dynamics and airbag system performance.
If the vehicle must be modified because of a disability, and there are questions about whether those modifications may affect the airbag system, contact Customer Assistance before the work is performed. The same recommendation applies if the vehicle is being modified for any other reason and there is concern about airbag system operation.
See Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada) or Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico).
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not require regularly scheduled maintenance or routine replacement under normal conditions. However, the airbag readiness light should always be checked to confirm that the system is monitoring itself properly.
See Airbag Readiness Light for more information.
Notice: If an airbag cover is damaged, opened, cracked, loose, or broken, the airbag may not operate properly in a crash.
Do not open, cut, remove, or break airbag coverings. If any airbag cover is opened, damaged, or broken, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced by a qualified service professional. For the location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? See your dealer for service.
