3.2.8
SPECIAL TOOLS
Some airbag diagnostic tests will require the use
of special tools, airbag load tools, 8443 for testing
squib circuits and the Occupant Classification Seat
Weight Tool 9077. The load tools contain fixed
resistive loads, jumpers and adapters. The fixed
loads are connected to cables and mounted in a
storage case. The cables can be directly connected
to some airbag system connectors. Jumpers are
used to convert the load tool cable connectors to the
other airbag system connectors. The adapters are
connected to the 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 disconnecting airbag system components. In-
spect the wiring, connector and terminals for dam-
age or misalignment. Substitute the airbag load
tool in place of a 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 system 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, continue this process until
all components in the circuit have been tested.
Then disconnect the module connector 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.
3.2.9
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 instruc-
tions 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 with
the DRBIII
t. This will direct you to the specific
test(s) that must be performed. In certain test
procedures within this manual, diagnostic trouble
codes are used as a diagnostic tool.
3.2.9.1
ACTIVE CODES
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunc-
tion is detected or key-on, whichever occurs first.
An active trouble code indicates an on-going mal-
function. This means that the defect is currently
there every time the Occupant Restraint Control-
ler checks that circuit or component. It is impossi-
ble to erase an active code. Active diagnostic trou-
ble codes for the airbag system are not permanent
and will change the moment the reason for the code
is corrected. With the exception of the warning
lamp trouble codes or malfunctions, when a mal-
function is detected, the airbag lamp remains lit for
a minimum of 12 seconds or as long as the mal-
function is present.
3.2.9.2
STORED CODES
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the
ORC’s memory as soon as the malfunction is de-
tected. A stored code indicates there was an active
code present at some time. When a trouble code
occurs, the Airbag Warning Indicator illuminates
for 12 seconds minimum (even if the problem
existed for less than 12 seconds). Once the code is
no longer active, the time in minutes it was active,
and the number of times the ignition has been
cycled since the problem was last detected will be
displayed. 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, the diagnostic trouble code is
erased and that ignition cycle counter is reset to
zero. The ignition cycle counter will be reset and
diagnostic trouble code will continue to be a stored
code, If the malfunction reoccurs before the count
reaches 100. 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 inspec-
tion. If no obvious problems are found, erase stored
codes, and with the ignition on wiggle the wire
harness and connectors, rotate the steering wheel
from stop to stop. Recheck for codes periodically as
you work through the system. This procedure may
uncover a malfunction that is difficult to locate.
3.3
AUDIO SYSTEM
Both the RAH and RBP radios are on the PCI
Bus system. The audio output signal from the
radios, on these central amplifier systems, is fixed
at one volume level (level 25 for RAH and 26 for
RBP). The actual volume, fade, balance, and tone
adjustments are managed via messages sent over
the PCI Bus from the radio to the amplifier which
changes its speaker outputs to the corresponding
9
GENERAL INFORMATION