Diagnostic Strategies: Diagnostic Trouble Codes

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 in this manual. Do not use a non-powered probe type tester. Instructions in this manual must be followed carefully, otherwise personal injury may result.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
The "Air Bag Diagnostic System Check" must always be the starting point of any air bag system diagnosis. The "Air Bag Diagnostic System Check" checks for proper "AIR BAG" warning lamp operation and checks for air bag diagnostic trouble codes using the Tech-1 (scan tool) or On-board Diagnosis function.

1. Current diagnostic trouble codes - Malfunctions that are presently being detected. Current diagnostic trouble codes are stored in RAM (Random Access Memory).
2. History diagnostic trouble codes - All malfunctions detected since the last time the history memory was cleared. History diagnostic trouble codes are stored in EEPROM.