DTC 13: Air Bag Or Crash Sensor Circuit Shorted to Ground

Electrical Schematic:

Pin 11 Voltage Chart:

Normal Operation
The diagnostic monitor measures the voltage at Pin 11 (Circuit 614, GY/O) of the diagnostic monitor connector. The voltage at Pin 11 varies with charging system voltage (the expected voltage at Pin 11 is shown in the chart provided). Note that Circuit 614 is connected to Circuit 615 (GY/W) through the driver side air bag. Also, note that Circuit 615 is connected to the primary crash sensor feed circuits (617 (PK/O), 619 (PK/W) and 621, W/Y) through a diode inside the diagnostic monitor. If the diagnostic monitor measures a voltage of 2.0 volts or less at Pin 11, the monitor will flash out Diagnostic Trouble Code 13 to indicate a possible short to ground on this circuit (refer to Possible Causes for additional circuits that may be shorted to ground). When flashing Diagnostic Trouble Code 13, the diagnostic monitor blows its internal thermal fuse. This disables the air bag deployment circuit. If the voltage at Pin 11 returns to normal, a Diagnostic Trouble Code 51 will be present due to the open thermal fuse (refer to DTC 51).

NOTE: Diagnostic Trouble Code 13 will flash only while the short to ground is present.

Possible Causes
Low voltage at diagnostic monitor Pin 11 can be caused by:
1. A short to ground within the wiring harness on Circuits 614 (GY/O), 615 (GY/W), 623 (P/W), 617 (PK/O), 619 (PK/W), or 621 (W/Y) causing the diagnostic voltage to drop.
2. An internal short to ground within the clockspring assembly causing the driver side air bag circuit(s) to be shorted to ground.
3. An internal short to ground within a safing sensor causing Circuit 614 (GY/O) or 623 (P/W) to be shorted to ground.
4. An internal short to ground within one or more of the crash sensors causing Circuits 617(PK/O), 619 (PK/W) AND 621 (W/Y) to be shorted to ground.
5. An internal short to case ground within the driver side air bag.

NOTE: Circuits 617 (PK/O), 619 (PK/W) AND 621 (W/Y) are all connected together inside the diagnostic monitor. Therefore, a short to ground on any of these circuits will short all of the circuits to ground.

Pinpoint Test Steps:

13-1 - 13-5:

13-6 - 13-9:

13-10: