Restraint Systems

Airbag Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Airbag diagnostic trouble codes consist of active and stored codes. If more than one code exists, diagnostic priority should be given to the active codes.

Each diagnostic trouble code is diagnosed by following a specific testing procedure. The diagnostic test procedures contain step-by-step instructions for determining the cause of the trouble codes. It is not necessary to perform all of the tests in this book to diagnose an individual code.

Always begin by reading the diagnostic trouble codes using the DRB. The procedure begins with SYMPTOM IDENTIFICATION TEST 1A-Identifying Airbag System Problems. 1A Identifying Airbag System Problems

This will direct you to the specific test(s) that must be performed.

Active diagnostic trouble codes for the airbag system are not permanent and will change the moment the reason for the code is corrected. In certain test procedures within this manual, diagnostic trouble codes are used as a diagnostic tool.

Airbag Active Codes
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunction is detected and becomes stored after one minute of occurrence or key-off, whichever occurs first. An active trouble code indicates an ongoing malfunction. This means that the defect is currently there every time the airbag control module checks that circuit/function. Active codes automatically disappear when the reason for the code has been corrected.

With the exception of the warning lamp trouble codes or malfunctions, when a malfunction is detected, the airbag lamp remains lit for a minimum of 12 seconds or as long as the malfunction is present.

Airbag Stored Codes
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the ACM's memory after one minute of occurrence or when the ignition is turned off. The exception is the "Loss of Ignition Run Only" code which is an active code only and is not stored.

A "stored" code indicates there was an active code present at some time. However, the code currently may not be present as an active code, although another active code could be.

When a trouble code occurs, the airbag warning-lamp illuminates for 12 seconds minimum (even if the problem existed for less than 12 seconds). The code is stored, along with the time in minutes it was active, and the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the problem was last detected.

The minimum time shown for any code will be one minute, even if the code was actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown for a code that was present for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be three minutes.

If a malfunction is detected a diagnostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored as long as the malfunction exists. When and if the malfunction ceases to exist, an ignition cycle count will be initiated for that code. If the ignition cycle count reaches 100 without a reoccurrence of that same malfunction, the diagnostic trouble code is erased and that ignition cycle counter is reset to zero. If the malfunction reoccurs before the count reaches 100, then the ignition cycle counter will be reset to zero.

If a malfunction is not active while performing a diagnostic test procedure, the active code diagnostic test will not locate the source of the problem. In this case, the stored code can indicate an area to inspect.

If no obvious problems are found, erase stored codes, and with the ignition "on" wiggle the wire harness and connectors, rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop. Recheck for codes periodically as you work through the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunction that is difficult to locate.

NOTE: A "stored" code cannot be erased if it is also an "active" code at the time the erase function is being attempted.

Airbag Trouble Codes
The airbag control module may report any of the following diagnostic trouble codes.

For the following (active or stored) codes, replace the airbag control module (ACM) even if set intermittently:
- AECM Accelerometer
- Internal Diagnostic 1
- Internal Diagnostic 2
- AECM Output Driver
- AECM Stored Energy Logic
- AECM Stored Energy Driver
- AECM Stored Energy Passenger
- Internal Diagnostic 3
- Internal Diagnostic 4
- Safing Sensor Shorted
- Warning Lamp Driver Error

For These active codes, refer to the appropriate diagnostic procedure:
- Driver Squib Open
- Warning Lamp Circuit Shorted
- Either Squib Terminal Short to Battery
- Either Squib Terminal Short to Ground
- Loss of Ignition Run Only
- Loss of Ignition Run/Start
- No CCD Communication
- Passenger Squib Circuit Open
- Passenger Squib Circuit Shorted
- Warning Lamp Circuit Open
- Warning Lamp Circuit Shorted