Test Notes

Fault Code 12 - Low Battery Voltage

Normal Operation

The air bag diagnostic monitor measures the voltage at pin 13 of the diagnostic monitor connector. Voltage at pin 13 should be equal to battery voltage. If the voltage measured at pin 13 drops to less than 9 volts, the air bag diagnostic monitor will flash out code 12.

Possible Causes

A drop in battery voltage at pin 13 of the air bag diagnostic monitor can be caused by:

1. An open circuit that would prevent battery voltage from reaching pin 13 of the air bag diagnostic monitor.

NOTE: If the instrument panel fuse and/or the power distribution fuse are blown, make sure to diagnose the system for possible causes 2 and 3.

2. A short to ground in circuit 611 (W/O) or 612 (P/O) may result in a blown instrument panel fuse and/or power distribution fuse.
3. An internal short to ground within the LH cowl side air bag sensor and bracket may result in a blown instrument panel fuse and/or power distribution fuse.
4. A problem in the charging system causing battery voltage to drop below 9 volts.