31 - Driver Air Bag System Open Circuit

Electrical Schematic:

Normal Operation
The diagnostic monitor checks for continuity across the driver air bag. If the air bag circuits (Circuits 614, GY/O and 615, GY/W) are open, the diagnostic monitor will flash Diagnostic Trouble Code 31.

NOTE: The connectors for the air bag and the air bag sliding contacts have metal spring clips that act as shorting bars. These shorting bars are built into the plastic hardshell connectors. The shorting bars are designed to short Circuits 614 and 615 together when the connectors are not mated. Do not attempt to remove the air bag shorting bar and measure the resistance of the air bag.

The air bag sliding contact shorting bar may be removed to measure the air bag sliding contact resistance. Use extreme care when reinstalling the shorting bar to ensure it is installed correctly.

Possible Causes
Open circuits in the driver air bag system can be caused by:
1. A broken connection between the diagnostic monitor and the driver side air bag. Circuit 614 (GY/O) or 615 (GY/W), the air bag sliding contact or the air bag may have an open wire.

Pinpoint Test Steps:

31-1 - 31-3: