Malfunction Lamp / Indicator: Description and Operation

System Readiness Indicator Lamp
The system readiness indicator, located in the left pad of the electronic instrument cluster will light for approximately six seconds whenever the ignition switch is turned from OFF to RUN if the air bag is working properly. If air bag system faults are found, the lamp will either fail to light, stay on continuously, or light in a flashing mode (if a system fault exists and the lamp is malfunctioning an audible tone will be heard indicating the need for service). If a fault occurs after the prove out the lamp will light either continuously or in a coded flashing mode.

Tone Generator
The air bag readiness lamp is the prime means of determining the air bag system condition. However, a series of five sets of five tones will be heard if the readiness lamp is out and a fault occurs in the system. This also means that the Supplemental Air Bag System is in need of service. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the fault and lamp outage are serviced. Unless serviced, the Supplemental Air Bag Restraint System may not function properly in the event of an accident.