Air Bag Systems: Tools and Equipment

WARNING:
To avoid deployment when troubleshooting the air bag system, do not use electrical test equipment such as a battery powered or AC powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc., or any type of electrical equipment other than that specified. Do not use a non-powered probe type tester. Instructions must be followed carefully, otherwise personal injury may result. You should be familiar with the tools listed in this section. You should be able to measure voltage and resistance. You should be familiar with proper use of a scan tool such as the Tech-1 Diagnostic Computer, Driver/Passenger Load Tool, Connector Test Adapter Kit, and the Digital Multimeter.





Special Tool (Connector Test Adapter Kit) (E): 09932-75020
This must be used whenever a diagnostic procedure requests checking or probing a terminal. Using the appropriate adapter in the special tool will ensure that no damage to the terminal will occur from the multimeter probe, such as spreading or bending.





The adapter will also give an idea of whether contact tension is sufficient, helping to find an open or intermittent open due to poor terminal contact.





Special Tool (Air Bag Driver/Passenger Load Tool) (F): 09932-75010
This tool is used only when called for in this section. It is used as a diagnostic aid and safety device to prevent inadvertent air bag (inflator) module deployment. The load tool has three connectors attached to its case are electrically functional and serve as resistive load substitutions. No more than two connectors are used at any time. One of connectors is used to substitute the load of the driver air bag (inflator) module when it is connected at the top of the column to the contact coil assembly. Another connector is used to substitute the load of the driver air bag (inflator) module and the contact coil assembly when it is connected at the base of the column to the air bag wire harness. The third connector is used to substitute for the load of the passenger air bag (inflator) module when connected to the passenger air bag (inflator) module harness connector. By substituting the resistance of the load tool when called for, a determination can be made as to whether an inflator circuit component is causing system malfunction and which component is causing the malfunction. The load tool should be used only when specifically called for in the diagnostic procedures.