Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair

CAUTION: Do not use electrical test equipment to check any SRS circuit.




1. Check "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT" warning lamp operation After turning ignition switch ON, "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT" warning lamps illuminate. The "AIR BAG" warning lamp will turn off after about 7 seconds if no malfunction is detected. The "SEAT BELT" warning lamp will also go off after about 7 seconds if the seat belt has been fastened and no malfunction has been detected. (When the seat belt has not been fastened, the "SEAT BELT" warning lamp remains illuminated until the seat belt is fastened.) If any of the following "AIR BAG" or "SEAT BELT" warning lamp conditions occur, immediately check the air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner system.

Refer to AIR BAG SYSTEMS / TESTING AND INSPECTION / NON-TROUBLE CODE DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES.
[1][2]Component Tests and General Diagnostics

- The "AIR BAG" or "SEAT BELT" warning lamp does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON.
- The "AIR BAG" or "SEAT BELT" (with seat belt fastened) warning lamp does not turn off about 7 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.
- The "AIR BAG" or "SEAT BELT" (with seat belt fastened) warning lamp blinks after illuminating for about 7 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.

2. Visually check SRS components
A. Crash zone sensor (4WD models)
- Check crash zone sensor to ensure the forward mark "<=" is pointing toward the front of the vehicle.
- Check sensor body and sensor bracket for deformities and rust.
- Check sensor case for dents, cracks, deformities and rust.
- Check sensor harness for binding, connector for damage and terminals for deformities.

B. Air bag diagnosis sensor unit
- Check air bag diagnosis sensor unit and bracket for dents, cracks, deformities and rust.
- Check connectors for damage and terminals for deformities.

C. Air bag modules, steering wheel and instrument panel
- Remove driver air bag module from steering wheel. Check harness cover and connectors for damage, terminals for deformities and harness for binding.
- Install driver air bag module to steering wheel to check fit or alignment with the wheel.
- Check steering wheel for excessive free play.
- Remove passenger air bag module. Check harness cover and connectors for damage, terminals for deformities and harness for binding. Check the bracket for deformities and rust.
- Install passenger air bag module in instrument panel to check fit or alignment with the instrument panel.

D. Spiral cable
- Check spiral cable for dents, cracks, deformities and rust.
- Check connectors and protective tape for damage.
- Check steering wheel for noise, binding and heavy operation.

E. Seat belt pre-tensioner
- Check harness cover and connectors for damage, terminals for deformities and harness for binding.
- Check belts for damage and anchors for loose mounting.
- Check retractor for smooth operation.
- Perform Self-diagnosis for seat belt pre-tensioner using "SEAT BELT" warning lamp or CONSULT II. Refer to "Checking seat belt pre-tensioner operation by using "SEAT BELT" warning lamp - User mode", "SRS Operation Check".

F. Main harness and air bag harness
- Check connectors for poor connections, damage, and terminals for deformities.
- Check harnesses for binding, chafing and cuts.

CAUTION: Replace previously used special bolts, anchor bolts and ground bolt with new ones.