Door Module: Testing and Inspection

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the Driver Door Module (DDM) or the Passenger Door Module (PDM) may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. It is suggested that the proper operation of the inoperative power window motor, power door lock motor, power liftgate lock motor, power mirror motors, or heated mirror grid be confirmed using jumper wires to bypass the door module. If the inoperative component operates when the door module is bypassed, check the circuits between the component and the door module, as well as the fused B(+) and ground circuits of the door module for shorts or opens.

These conventional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the DDM or the PDM. In order to obtain conclusive testing of these modules, the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network and all of the modules that provide inputs to or receive outputs from the door modules must also be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the DDM, the PDM, the PCI data bus network, and the modules that provide inputs to or receive outputs from the door modules requires the use of a DRB III scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic information.