Airbag System
AIRBAG SYSTEM/OCCUPANT/RESTRAINT CONTROLLER SYSTEMDiagnostic Trouble Codes
Airbag diagnostic trouble codes consist of active and stored codes. If more than one code exists, diagnostic priority should be given to the active codes. Each diagnostic trouble code is diagnosed by following a specific testing procedure.
The diagnostic test procedures contain step-by-step instructions for determining the cause of the trouble codes. It is not necessary to perform all of the tests to diagnose an individual code. Always begin by reading the diagnostic trouble codes with the DRB. This will direct you to the specific test(s) that must be performed. In certain test procedures, diagnostic trouble codes are used as a diagnostic tool.
Active Codes
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunction is detected or key-on, whichever occurs first. An active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunction. This means that the defect is currently there every time the airbag control module checks that circuit or component. It is impossible to erase an active code.
Active diagnostic trouble codes for the airbag system are not permanent and will change the moment the reason for the code is corrected. With the exception of the warning lamp trouble codes or malfunctions, when a malfunction is detected, the airbag lamp remains lit for a minimum of 12 seconds or as long as the malfunction is present.
Stored Codes
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the ACM's memory as soon as the malfunction is detected. A stored code indicates there was an active code present at some time. When a trouble code occurs, the airbag warning indicator illuminates for 12 seconds minimum (even if the problem existed for less than 12 seconds). Once the code is no longer active, the time in minutes it was active, and the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the problem was last detected will be displayed. The minimum time shown for any code will be one minute, even if the code was actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown for a code that was present for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be three minutes. If a malfunction is detected a diagnostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored. When and if the malfunction ceases to exist, an ignition cycle count will be initiated for that code. If the ignition cycle count reaches 100 without a reoccurrence of the same malfunction, the diagnostic trouble code is erased and that ignition cycle counter is reset to zero. If the malfunction reoccurs before the count reaches 100, then the ignition cycle counter will be reset and diagnostic trouble code will continue to be a stored code. If a malfunction is not active while performing a diagnostic test procedure, the active code diagnostic test will not locate the source of the problem. In this case, the stored code can indicate an area to inspect. Maintain a safe distance from all airbags while performing the following inspection. If no obvious problems are found, erase stored codes, and with the ignition on wiggle the wire harness and connectors, rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop. Recheck for codes periodically as you work through the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunction that is difficult to locate.