Air Bag Systems: Tools and Equipment

Ensure that you are familiar with the tools in this service category listed under Special Tools. You should know how to measure voltage and resistance. Diagnosis requires proper use of the following tools:
^ The Scan Tool.
^ The J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool.
^ The J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter kit.
^ The J 39200 Digital Multimeter.

Special Tools Descriptions
J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit
Use the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter kit whenever a diagnostic procedure requests inspecting or probing a terminal. Using the appropriate adapter will ensure that no damage to the terminal occurs from the DMM probe, such as spreading or bending. The adapter will also give an idea of whether contact tension is sufficient, helping to find an open or intermittent open due to poor terminal contact.

J 38125-B Terminal Repair Kit
Use the J 38125-B Terminal Repair Kit for SIR wiring repair. This kit contains a special crimping tool, heat torch, and sealed splices. Do not use the terminals in the kit in order to replace damaged SIR system terminals unless specifically indicated by the terminal package.

J 38715-A SIR Driver/passenger Load Tool
Use the J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool only when required by the SIR diagnostics. The Load Tool is used as a diagnostic aid and a safety device in order to prevent inadvertent inflator module deployment.

The load tool has 4 yellow connectors attached to the case. The 3 small connectors are electrically functional and serve as resistive load substitutions. The large dummy connector does not serve as a load substitution and is not used. Use no more than 2 connectors at any time.

One of the small connectors is used in order to substitute the load of the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module. The connector is connected at the top of the column to the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil. Use 1 of the following adapters in order to connect the load tool to the Steering Wheel Module Coil:

^ The J 38715 - 5 SIR Load Tool Adapter (pigtail connector)
^ The J 38715 - 30 Steering Column SIR Load Tool Adapter (integral connector)

A second small connector is used in order to substitute the load of the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module and the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil. The second small connector is connected at the base of the column to the SIR wiring harness. The third small connector is used in order to substitute for the load of the Inflatable Restraint IP module. The third small connector is connected to the Inflatable Restraint IP module harness connector.

Substitute the resistance of the inflator module in order to determine whether an inflator circuit component is causing a system malfunction. Use the load tool only when specifically called for in the diagnostic procedures.

J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness
Use the J 38826 SIR Deployment Harness in order to deploy a driver inflator module outside of the vehicle. Use 1 of the following adapters in order to connect the deployment harness to the inflator module:
^ The J 38826 - 20 SIR Deployment Harness Adapter (pigtail connector)
^ The J 38826 - 50 SIR Deployment Harness Adapter (integral connector)

J 39200 Digital Multimeter
The J 39200 Digital Multimeter (DMM) is the preferred DMM for use in SIR diagnosis and repair. The J 34029-A may be used if the J 39200 is not available. No other DMMs are approved for SIR diagnosis and repair.

Scan Tool
The scan tool is used for the following reasons:
^ In order to read and clear SIR system Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
^ In order to provide SIR system circuit values using the data list function

Refer to the scan tool operator's manual for specific information on how to use the scan tool.