Air Bag Systems: Tools and Equipment

You should be familiar with the tools in this service category listed under the heading Special Tools. You should know how to measure voltage and resistance. Diagnosis requires proper use of the following tools:
^ The Scan Tool
^ The J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool
^ The J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit
^ The J 39200 Digital Multimeter
^ The J 38715 - 96 SIR Shorting Bar Tool

Special Tools Descriptions
J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool
Use the J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool only when the SIR diagnostics call for this tool. Use the load tool as a diagnostic aid. Use the tool also as a safety device in order to prevent inadvertent deployment of the inflator module.
The load tool has four yellow connectors which are attached to its case. The three small connectors are electrically functional. These connectors serve as resistive load substitutions. The large dummy connector does not serve as a load substitution. This connector is not used.
Use no more than two connectors at any time. One of the small connectors with adapter J 38715-15 is used in order to substitute the load of the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module. This connector is attached at the top of the column to the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil. Another small connector with adapter J 38715-25 is used in order to substitute the load of the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module and the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil. This connector is attached at the base of the column to the SIR wiring harness. The third small connector with adapter J 38715-20 is used in order to substitute for the load of the Inflatable Restraint IP module. This connector is attached to the Inflatable Restraint IP module harness connector. You substitute the resistance of the inflator module in order to determine whether an inflator circuit component is causing a system malfunction. Use the load tool only when specifically called for in the diagnostic procedures.

J 38715-96 SIR Shorting Bar Tool
Use the J 38715-96 SIR shorting bar tool only when the SIR diagnostics call for this tool. The shorting bar tool lifts one side of the shorting bar on the SIR Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) harness connector. The Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lifts the opposite side of the shorting bar. With the CPA and the shorting bar tool installed, the warning lamp circuit disconnects from the ground circuit. This turns the warning lamp to the OFF position.

J 39200 DMM
The J 39200 is the preferred DMM for SIR diagnosis and repair. However, you may use the J 34029-A if J 39200 is not available. No other DMMs are approved for SIR diagnosis and repair.

Scan Tool
Use the Scan Tool for the following reasons:
^ Read and clear SIR system diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
^ Provide SIR system circuit values using the data list function

Refer to the Tech 2(R) Operator's Manual for specific information on how to use the Tech 2(R).

You may also use scan tools from other manufacturers. For specific instructions, refer to the Operator's Manual for the tool.

J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit
Use the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit whenever a diagnostic procedure requests checking or probing a terminal. If you use the appropriate adapter, no damage will occur to the terminal from the DMM probe, such as spreading or bending. You can use the adapter for the following:
^ Indicate whether contact tension is sufficient
^ Help to find an open, or an intermittent open, due to poor terminal contact