module harness connector to open shorting clips
and protect the connector terminal during testing.
When using the load tool follow all of the safety
procedures in the service information for discon-
necting airbag system components. Inspect the wir-
ing, connector and terminals for damage or mis-
alignment. Substitute the airbag load tool in place
of an Driver or Passenger Airbag, curtain airbag,
clockspring, or seat belt tensioner (use a jumper if
needed). Then follow all of the safety procedures in
the service information for connecting airbag sys-
tem components. Read the module active DTC’s. If
the module reports NO ACTIVE DTC’s the defective
component has been removed from the system and
should be replaced. If the DTC is still active, con-
tinue this process until all component in the circuit
have been tested. Then disconnect the module con-
nector and connect the matching adapter to the
module connector. With all airbags disconnected
and the adapter installed the squib wiring can be
tested for open and shorted conditions.
3.1.9
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 diagnos-
tic 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 DRBIII
t.
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, diag-
nostic trouble codes are used as a diagnostic tool.
3.1.9.1
ACTIVE CODES
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunc-
tion is detected and stored after one minute of
occurrence or key-off, whichever occurs first. An
active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunc-
tion. This means that the defect is currently there
every time the airbag control module checks that
circuit/function. It is impossible to erase an active
code; active codes automatically erase by them-
selves when the reason for the code has been
corrected.
With the exception of the warning lamp trouble
codes or malfunctions, when a malfunction is de-
tected, the airbag lamp remains lit for a minimum
of 12 seconds or as long as the malfunction is
present.
3.1.9.2
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.
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 indicates there was an active
code present at some time. However, the code cur-
rently may not be present as an active code, al-
though another active code could be.
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. 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
the same malfunction, that 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 and the diagnostic trouble code will continue
to be a stored code.
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.
Maintain a safe distance from all airbags while
performing the following inspection. If no obvious
problems are found, erase stored codes, and with
the ignition “on” wiggle the wire harness and con-
nectors, rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop.
Recheck for codes periodically as you work through
the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunc-
tion that is difficult to locate.
3.2
AUDIO SYSTEM
The factory installed radio receiver communi-
cates on the Programmable Communication Inter-
face (PCI) data bus network. The PCI Bus inputs
into the radio are used for VF dimming and remote
steering wheel controls. All the radios are capable of
displaying faults and allowing certain actuation
tests through the use of the DRBIII
t. When at-
tempting to perform PCI Bus diagnostics, the first
step is to identify the radio in use in the vehicle.
5
GENERAL INFORMATION