Airbag Diagnostic Trouble Codes

ACTIVE CODES
An active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunction. This means the defect exists every time the Airbag Control Module (ACM) checks that circuit/function. It is impossible to erase an active code; active codes are automatically erased by the ACM when the reason for the code has been corrected.

STORED CODES
Airbag codes are continuously stored in the ACM (AECM) code is stored 1 minute after the code was detected or when the ignition is turned off, with the exception of the Loss of Ignition Run Only code, which is an active code only.

A stored code indicates there was an active code present at some time. However, the code currently may not be present as an active code, although another active code could be.

When a trouble code occurs, the AIRBAG warning lamp illuminates for 12 seconds minimum (even if the problem existed for less than 12 seconds). The code is stored, along with the time in minutes that it was active, and the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the problem was last detected.

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 would be three minutes.

If a malfunction is detected, a diagnostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored as long as the malfunction exists. 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 that same malfunction, that 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 the 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.

If no obvious problems are found, erase the stored code, 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.