Air Bag Systems: Testing and Inspection

A DRB III(R) scan tool is required for diagnosis of the airbag system. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures for more information.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag system is undeployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.

Fig. 1 Data Link Connector:

2. Connect the DRB III(R) scan tool to the 16-way data link connector. The connector is located under the lower left edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the steering column.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Exit the vehicle with the DRB III(R) scan tool. Use the latest version of the DRB III(R) scan tool.
4. After checking that nobody is inside the vehicle, reconnect the battery negative cable.
5. Using the DRB III(R) scan tool, read and record the active Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) (DTC's) data.
6. Read and record any stored DTC's data.
7. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures if any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6.
8. Erase the stored DTC's data. If any problems remain, the stored DTC's data will not erase.
9. With the ignition switch still in the ON position, make sure nobody is in the vehicle.
10. From outside of the vehicle (away from the airbags in case of an accidental deployment) turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for about ten seconds, and then back to the ON position. Observe the airbag warning lamp in the instrument cluster. It should light for six to eight seconds, and then go out. This indicates that the airbag system is functioning normally.

NOTE: If the airbag warning lamp fails to light, or lights and stays ON, there is a system malfunction. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures to diagnose the problem.