Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes

The air bag warning indicator is designed to illuminate for six +/- two seconds when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. This initial six seconds of air bag warning indicator illumination (continuous warning indicator) is considered normal operation and is called "prove out" of the air bag warning indicator.

If the air bag diagnostic monitor detects any faults in the air bag system following prove out, it will flash the air bag warning indicator a series of times to indicate the fault code that has been detected. If the air bag warning indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and stays on for more than eight seconds continuously, then a fault exists in the air bag warning indicator circuit.

Fault codes are displayed as a series of flashes and pauses of the air bag warning indicator. Each fault code (series of flashes) represents a two-digit number. For example, a fault code 32 is displayed as follows:
- Three flashes, followed by a one second pause, then two flashes, followed by a three second pause.
- Three flashes, followed by a one second pause, then two flashes, followed by a three second pause.

If a system fault is present and the air bag warning indicator is malfunctioning, an audible tone will be heard, indicating that system service is required. The tone is a series of five sets of five beeps. This does not indicate a fault code 55. If the tone is heard, the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a system fault that requires service is present.