Air Bag Systems: Testing and Inspection

1. With the battery negative remote cable disconnected, connect the DRB III scan tool to the Data Link connector.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit vehicle with the scan tool.
3. After checking that no one is inside the vehicle, connect the battery negative remote terminal.
4. Read and record the ACTIVE Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
5. Read and record any STORED DTC's.
6. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures if any DTC's are found in Step 4 and Step 5.
7. Erase stored DTC's if there are no active codes. If problems remain, DTC's will not erase. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures to diagnose the problem. If the airbag warning lamp either fails to light, or goes on and stays on, there is a system malfunction. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures to diagnose the problem. To test the airbag warning lamp operation in the cluster only, refer to Electrical, Instrument Cluster, Diagnosis and Testing - Instrument Cluster.

Standard Procedure - Clean Up
Roll or fold the Airbag towards the instrument panel surface or steering wheel and tape the door shut or the bag to the steering wheel.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If the heater or air conditioner was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag deployment, operate blower motor on low speed and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heater and A/C outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may to necessary to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.

Service of Deployed Airbag
Driver Airbag
After a Driver Airbag has been deployed:
- Driver Airbag
- Steering Wheel
- Clock Spring
- Steering Column assembly

The component above must be replaced because they cannot be reused. Replace any other driver air-bag system components if damaged.

Passenger Airbag
After a Passenger Airbag has been deployed:
- Passenger Airbag
- Instrument Panel and Pad Assembly

The components above must be replaced because of visible or non visible structural damage.

The glove box, top cover, cluster hood, steering column cover, right trim bezel and/or end cap, or any other components should be checked and replaced if damaged.

Inspection - Airbag System Maintenance
Check the airbag warning lamp for proper operation as follows:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The airbag warning lamp should illuminate. If it does not, test the system using a DRB III scan tool and Body Diagnostic Procedures. Repair as required. Erase stored DTC's.
2. The airbag warning lamp lights, but fails to go out after ten seconds. Test the system using a DRB III scan tool and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures. Repair as required. Erasing stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) is not required.