Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation

The air bag diagnostic monitor continually monitors all Supplemental Air Bag Restraint System (SRS) components and wiring connections for possible faults in the system. If the diagnostic monitor detects a fault in the SRS when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position, the air bag warning indicator, located in the instrument cluster will flash continuously or remain illuminated. If the system is operational, the air bag warning indicator will illuminate for about seven seconds and then turn off. Performing system diagnostics is the main purpose of the diagnostic monitor.

The air bag diagnostic monitor does not deploy the air bag in the event of a crash. The center radiator primary crash front air bag sensor and the center console primary crash/safing front air bag sensor are "hard wired" to the air bag, therefore, the center radiator primary crash front air bag sensor and the center console primary crash/safing front air bag sensor determine when to deploy the air bag.

Air Bag System Functions
Features and functions of the air bag diagnostic monitor include:

- The air bag diagnostic monitor illuminates the air bag warning indicator for approximately seven seconds when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position and then turns the air bag warning indicator off. This shows that the air bag system is operational. If the air bag warning indicator does not illuminate or the air bag warning indicator stays on or flashes at any time, a fault has been detected by the air bag diagnostic monitor.

- If a fault code is detected, the air bag warning indicator will begin to flash after seven seconds when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

- If the air bag diagnostic monitor is malfunctioning, the air bag warning indicator will remain illuminated.

- The air bag diagnostic monitor includes an internal backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the air bag in the event that the battery or battery cables are damaged in an accident before the center primary crash front air bag sensor and/or center console primary crash front air bag sensor and the safing sensor close. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy approximately ten minutes after the battery ground cable is disconnected.

WARNING: THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE ANY AIR BAG COMPONENT SERVICE IS PERFORMED. TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT TEN MINUTES.






- The air bag warning indicator will illuminate continuously for approximately seven seconds whenever the ignition switch is turned to the ON or START position if the Supplemental Air Bag Restraint System (SRS) is working properly. If an air bag system fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will either fail to illuminate, remain lit continuously, or flash.