Below is a Real Fix from Mitchell 1′s new SureTrack™ product. These documented issues from actual shop repair orders demonstrate how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available as a special free preview in our ProDemand product.
SureTrack Real Fix of the Day – Got an Air Bag Light that Needs Fixing?
Air bag related faults can be stressful; the repair could be a simple malfunctioning switch, or a component buried deep inside the dash. It is very helpful when you have real-life failure data at your fingertips to help you along and validate your final diagnosis.
The diagnosis found in the Real Fix below recommends the use of a “load tool”, basically a resistor used to mimic the internal resistance of a known good component. By quickly using the load tool as the replacement for a known good component, the vehicle can be diagnosed faster and with fewer headaches.
Vehicle
2001, Chevrolet Impala 3.4
System
Restraints
Title
B0026, B0043, B0044, Replaced Clock Spring
Complaint
The customer states the air bag light is on.
Cause
Connected a scan tool and found codes: B0026 – Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 1 Open; B0043 – Driver Stage 2 Deployment Loop Short to Ground-Voltage and B0044 – Driver Stage 2 Deployment Loop Resistance High. De-energized the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system and removed the trim panel below the steering column. Performed an inspection of the air bag wiring harness, but found no obvious signs of damage. Removed the air bag from the steering wheel, performed an inspection of the clock spring and the air bag connector, but found no obvious signs of damage. Installed a GM load tool to the SIR clock spring connectors at the steering wheel and tested the circuits from the steering wheel air bag connectors to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Moved the load tool to the base of the steering column, which bypassed the clock spring, used the scan tool to clear the codes and found no fault codes returned. This procedure indicated that the clock spring was faulty.
Correction
Replaced the clock spring, cleared codes, test drove the vehicle and completed the code set enable criteria. The air bag light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.
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