Opel Frontera UE. Manual - part 578

9J–8

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

Scan Tool
An external computer used to read diagnostic 
information from onboard computers via the data link 
connector.

SDM
Sensing and Diagnostic Module which provides reserve 
energy to the deployment loops, deploys the air bags 
when required and performs diagnostic monitoring of all 
SRS components.

Serial Data
Information representing the status of the SRS.

SRS
Supplemental Restraint System.

SRS Coil Assembly
An assembly of two current–carrying coils in the driver 
deployment loop that allows the rotation of the steering 
wheel while maintaining the continuous contact of the 
driver deployment loop to the driver air bag assembly.

SRS Wiring Harness
The wires and connectors that electrically connect the 
components in the Supplemental Restraint System 
(SRS).

“Turn–ON"
Test which the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) 
performs on the SRS once during each ignition cycle 
immediately after “Ignition 1" voltage is applied to the 
SDM and before “Continuous Monitoring".

Diagnosis

WARNING:  TO AVOID DEPLOYMENT WHEN 
TROUBLESHOOTING THE SRS, DO NOT USE 
ELECTRICAL TEST EQUIPMENT SUCH AS A 
BATTERY–POWERED OR AC–POWERED 
VOLTMETER, OHMMETER, ETC., OR ANY TYPE OF 
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN THAT 
SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL.  DO NOT USE A NON–
POWERED PROVE–TYPE TESTER. INSTRUCTIONS 
IN THIS MANUAL MUST BE FOLLOWED 
CAREFULLY, OTHERWISE PERSONAL INJURY MAY 
RESULT.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes

The “SRS Diagnostic System Check" must always be 
the starting point of any SRS diagnosis.   The “SRS 
Diagnostic System Check" checks for proper “AIR BAG" 
warning lamp operation and checks for SRS diagnostic 
trouble codes using the scan tool. 

1. Current diagnostic trouble codes – Malfunctions that 

are presently being detected.  Current diagnostic 
trouble codes are stored in Random Access 
Memory (RAM).

2. History diagnostic trouble codes – All malfunctions 

detected since the last time the history memory was 
cleared.   History diagnostic trouble codes are 
stored in Electronically Erasable Programmable 

Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

Scan Tool Diagnostics

A scan tool is used to read current and history 
diagnostic trouble codes and to clear all diagnostic 
trouble codes after a repair is completed.   The scan tool 
must be updated to communicate with the SRS through 
a replaceable cartridge before it can be used for SRS 
diagnostics.   To use the scan tool, connect it to the data 
link connector and turn the ignition switch “ON".  The 
scan tool reads serial data from the SDM “Serial Data" 
line terminal “24" to the data link connector terminal “9".

Use of Special Tools

WARNING:  TO AVOID DEPLOYMENT WHEN 
TROUBLESHOOTING THE SRS, DO NOT USE 
ELECTRICAL TEST EQUIPMENT SUCH AS A 
BATTERY–POWERED OR AC–POWERED 
VOLTMETER, OHMMETER, ETC, OR ANY TYPE OF 
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN THAT 
SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL.  DO NOT USE A NON 
POWERED PROVE–TYPE TESTER. INSTRUCTIONS 
IN THIS MANUAL MUST BE FOLLOWED 
CAREFULLY, OTHERWISE PERSONAL INJURY MAY 
RESULT. YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE 
TOOLS LISTED IN THIS SECTION UNDER THE 
HANDLING SRS SPECIAL TOOLS.
You should be able to measure voltage and resistance.   
You should be familiar with proper use of a scan tool 
such as the Tech 2 Diagnostic Computer, SRS Driver/
Passenger Load Tool 5–8840–2421–0, Connector Test 
Adapter Kit 5–8840–0385–0, and the DVM (Digital 
Multimeter) 5–8840–0285–0.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

9J–9

SRS Connector Body Face Views

D09RW003

Legend

EndOFCallout

Repairs and Inspections Required 
After an Accident

NOTE:  If any SRS components are damaged, they 
must be replaced.  If SRS component mounting points 
are damaged, they must be replaced.

• Never use SRS parts from another vehicle.  This 

does not include remanufactured parts purchased 
from an authorized dealer; they may be used for SRS 
repairs.

• Do not attempt to service the SDM, the SRS coil 

assembly, or the air bag assembly.  Service of these 
items is by replacement only.

• Verify the part number of replacement air bag 

assembly.

CAUTION:  Never use the air bag assembly from 
another vehicle.
Use only the air bag assembly for UE models.

CAUTION:  Proper operation of the sensors and 

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) requires that 
any repairs to the vehicle structure return it to the 
original production configuration.  Deployment 
requires, at a minimum, replacement of the SDM, air 
bag assembly and dimensional inspection of the 
steering column.  Any visible damage to the SDM 
mounting bracket (s) requires replacement, and the 
steering column must be dimensionally inspected, 
whether deployment occurred or not.

Accident With Deployment – Component 
Replacement and Inspections

Certain SRS components must be replaced or 
inspected for damage after a frontal crash involving air 
bag deployment.  Those components are:

• Air bag assembly

• SDM

CAUTION:  Refer to “SDM Replacement Guidelines" 
below for important information on Sensing and 

(1) Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
(2) Driver Air Bag Assembly
(3) Passenger Air Bag Assembly
(4) “Air Bag" Warning Lamp

(5) Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Coil 

Assembly

(6) Data Link Connector (DLC)

9J–10

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

Diagnostic Module (SDM) replacement in both 
deployment and non deployment crashes.

• Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) coil 

assembly—Inspect wiring and connector for any 
signs of scorching, melting, or damage due to 
excessive heat.   Replace if damaged.  Refer to SRS 
coil assembly in this section.

Accident With or Without Deployment—
Component Inspection

Certain SRS and restraint system components must be 
inspected after any crash, whether the air bag deployed 
or not.  Those components are:

• Steering column—Dimensionally inspect per 

“Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage" in 
3 of this workshop manual.

• Knee bolsters and mounting points— Inspect for any 

distortion, bending, cracking, or other damage.

• Instrument panel steering column reinforcement 

plate— Inspect for any distortion, bending, cracking, 
or other damage.

• Instrument panel braces—Inspect for any distortion, 

bending, cracking, or other damage.

• Seat belts and mounting points—Refer to “Seat 

Belts" in 10 of this workshop manual.

SDM Replacement Guidelines

SDM replacement policy requires replacement of SDM, 
after crash involving air bag deployment when “SRS 
Warning Lamp" turn “ON", “SRS Diagnosis" should be 
done according to “Section".

Wiring Damage

If any SRS wire harness is damaged, it should be 
replaced. Don't repair SRS. It is replace only.

SRS Connector (Plastic Body And Terminal 
Metal Pin) Damage

If any connector or terminal in the SRS wire harness 
(except pigtails) is damaged, it should be replaced.

SRS Wire Pigtail Damage

If the wiring pigtail (a wire or wires attached directly to 
the device, not by a connector) is damaged, the entire 
component (with pigtail) must be replaced.  Examples of 
“pigtail" components are the driver air bag assembly, the 
passenger air bag assembly, and the SRS coil 
assembly.

On–Vehicle Service

Service Precautions

WARNING:  WHEN PERFORMING SERVICE ON OR 
AROUND SRS COMPONENTS OR SRS WIRING, 
FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES LISTED BELOW TO 
TEMPORARILY DISABLE THE SRS.  FAILURE TO 
FOLLOW PROCEDURES COULD RESULT IN 
POSSIBLE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, PERSONAL 
INJURY OR OTHERWISE UNNEEDED SRS REPAIRS.
The SDM in Driver—Passenger SRS can maintain 
sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 15 
seconds after the ignition switch is turned “OFF", the 
battery is disconnected, or the fuse powering the SDM 
is removed.
Many of the service procedures require removal of the 
“SRS" fuse, and disconnection of the air bag assembly 
from the deployment loop to avoid an accidental 
deployment.  If the air bag assembly is disconnected 
from the deployment loop as noted in the “Disabling the 
SRS" procedure that follows, service can begin 
immediately without waiting for the 15 second time 
period to expire.

Disabling The SRS

Removal

Turn the ignition switch to “lock" and remove key.

1. Remove SRS fuse “METER” and “SRS”, from left 

dash side lower fuse block or disconnect battery.

2. Disconnect yellow 2–pin connector at the base of 

steering column. 

3. Remove glove box assembly, Refer to “Passenger 

Air Bag Assembly Replacement" in section.

4. Disconnect yellow 2–pin connector behind the glove 

box assembly.

CAUTION:  With the “SRS" fuse removed and 
ignition switch “ON", “AIR BAG" warning lamp will 
be “ON". This is normal operation and does not 
indicate an SRS malfunction.

Enabling The SRS

Installation

CAUTION:  Never use the air bag assembly from 
another vehicle. Use only the air bag assembly for 
UE models.
Turn ignition switch to “LOCK" and remove key.

1. Connect yellow 2–pin connector passenger air bag 

assembly.

2. Install glove box assembly, refer to “Passenger Air 

Bag Assembly Replacement" in section.

3. Connect yellow 2–pin connector at the base of 

steering column.

4. Install “AIR BAG" fuse “METER” and “SRS” to left 

dash side lower fuse block or connect battery.

Turn ignition switch to “ON" and verify that the “AIR 

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

9J–11

BAG" warning lamp flashes seven times and then turns 
“OFF" If it does not operate as described, perform the 
“Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Diagnostic 
System Check" in section.

Handling / Installation / Diagnosis

1. Air bag assembly should not be subjected to 

temperatures above 93

°

C (200

°

F

).

2. Air bag assembly, and Sensing and Diagnostic 

Module (SDM) should not be used if they have been 
dropped from a height of 100 centimeters (3.28 
feet).

3. When a SDM is replaced, it must be oriented with 

the arrow on the sensor pointing toward the front of 
the vehicle.  It is very important for the SDM to be 
located flat on the mounting surface, parallel to the 
vehicle datum line.  It is important that the SDM 
mounting surface is free of any dirt or other foreign 
material.

4. Do not apply power to the SRS unless all 

components are connected or a diagnostic chart 
requests it, as this will set a diagnostic trouble code.

5. The “SRS Diagnostic System Check" must be the 

starting point of any SRS diagnostics.  The “SRS 
Diagnostic System Check" will verify proper “AIR 
BAG" warning lamp operation and will lead you to 
the correct chart to diagnose any SRS malfunctions. 
Bypassing these procedures may result in extended 
diagnostic time, incorrect diagnosis, and incorrect 
parts replacement.

Air Bag Assembly Handling / 
Shipping / Scrapping

Live (Undeployed) Air Bag Assembly

Special care is necessary when handling and storing a 
live (undeployed) air bag assembly.   The rapid gas 
generation produced during deployment of the air bag 
could cause the air bag assembly, or an object in front of 
the air bag assembly, to be thrown through the air in the 
unlikely event of an accidental deployment.

827RX037

WARNING:  WHEN CARRYING A LIVE AIR BAG 
ASSEMBLY, MAKE SURE THE BAG OPENING IS 
POINTED AWAY FROM YOU.   IN CASE OF AN 
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT, THE BAG WILL THEN 
DEPLOY WITH MINIMAL CHANCE OF INJURY.   
NEVER CARRY THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY BY THE 
WIRES OR CONNECTOR ON THE UNDERSIDE OF 
THE MODULE.

827RS044