Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation

Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
The air bag diagnostic monitor continually monitors all air bag system components and wiring connections for possible faults when the ignition switch is in RUN.
- If the air bag diagnostic monitor detects a fault in the air bag system, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be written to the air bag diagnostic monitor's Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).
- This diagnostic trouble code will then be displayed on the air bag indicator lamp.
- After servicing, the diagnostic trouble code may then be cleared from NVM.
- Performing system diagnostics is the main purpose of the air bag diagnostic monitor.
- The air bag diagnostic monitor does not deploy the air bags in the event of a collision. The crash sensors are "hard-wired" to the air bags. Thus the crash sensors determine when the air bag will be deployed.
Several other important features of the air bag diagnostic monitor and its functions within the system are described in Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems)/Description and Operation. It is necessary that these key features and functions are well understood.