cheap airbag scan tool?

fudge12

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I'm looking for a cheap airbag scan tool to pull all the codes from the module. Is there any on the market under $40 that'll work with the LS? Thanks!
 
the flashing rate will tell you what the issue is most likely the problem (harness or clockspring)...IIRC
 
i did get a code for the clockspring, but i know there's a code for the passenger seat airbag. However, I'm still wondering if the airbag module data is full. I was in an accident and did have a code that went along the lines of "Crash data full."

Do I have to replace the airbag module (not not talking about the airbag itself) after an accident?
 
i did get a code for the clockspring, but i know there's a code for the passenger seat airbag. However, I'm still wondering if the airbag module data is full. I was in an accident and did have a code that went along the lines of "Crash data full."

Do I have to replace the airbag module (not not talking about the airbag itself) after an accident?

Yes, if you get the crash data full code.
Also note that you must replace all seat belts that were worn during the accident (they stretch one time only), and all seat belt pretensioners (these will turn the light on too).
 
Yes, if you get the crash data full code.
Also note that you must replace all seat belts that were worn during the accident (they stretch one time only), and all seat belt pretensioners (these will turn the light on too).

No seatbelts were locked after the accident since no one was in the passenger seat and I was the only one in the car at the time. I tried all by giving them a good fast pull and they locked but retracted once I let go of them. They all extend to the max position and go back in so no problem there.

Pretensioners? A little more elaboration on that would be helpful as I am a noob with this kind of stuff :3

Does the module have to be remarried to the rest of the car or is it just plug and play?

Gen 1 '00 v6 non-sport.
 
No, they don't have to be married.
Which air bag(s) went off?

Seat belt pretensioners are small explosive charges that pull the seat belt tight in a crash. Note that normally the seat belt would not be locked after a crash (they only lock while there is force against them).
 
passenger seat airbag. any way to be sure the pretensioners are ok?
 
passenger seat airbag. any way to be sure the pretensioners are ok?

Yes, the absence of a pretensioner code is the best way. You can also measure the continuity of the pretensioner, but if you do it wrong or use the wrong meter, you may actually set the pretensioner off if it was okay.

So, why didn't the driver's side trigger?
 
the car was hit on the passenger side front door that resulted in seat airbag to deploy. As far as why the dash airbag along with the others didn't deploy are beyond me.
 
the car was hit on the passenger side front door that resulted in seat airbag to deploy. As far as why the dash airbag along with the others didn't deploy are beyond me.

Okay, then that makes sense. I missed that it was the side air bag. The seat belts and pretensioners should be okay.
I think that you usually have to replace the side impact sensor and safety sensor when this happens.

This is from the service manual
When any deployable device or combination of devices are deployed and/or the restraints control module (RCM) has the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1231 (Crash Data Memory Full) in memory, the repair of the vehicle's SRS is to include the removal of all deployed devices and the installation of new deployable devices, the removal and installation of new impact sensors, and the removal and installation of a new restraint control module (RCM).

When any damage to the impact sensor mounting points or mounting hardware has occurred, repair or install new mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

When the driver air bag module has deployed, a new clockspring must be installed.

Inspect the entire vehicle for damage, including the following components:
Steering column
Instrument panel knee bolsters and mounting points
Instrument panel braces and brackets
Instrument panel and mounting points
Seats and seat mounting points
Safety belts, safety belt buckles and safety belt retractors. For additional information, refer to Section 501-20A
SRS wiring, wiring harnesses and connectors

After carrying out the review and inspection of the entire vehicle for damage, repair or install new components as needed.
 
where's the location of the airbag module?

Would part# XW4A-14B321-CC be the one to buy for my car? Gen 1 00 v6?
 
Okay, then that makes sense. I missed that it was the side air bag. The seat belts and pretensioners should be okay.
I think that you usually have to replace the side impact sensor and safety sensor when this happens.

This is from the service manual
When any deployable device or combination of devices are deployed and/or the restraints control module (RCM) has the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1231 (Crash Data Memory Full) in memory, the repair of the vehicle's SRS is to include the removal of all deployed devices and the installation of new deployable devices, the removal and installation of new impact sensors, and the removal and installation of a new restraint control module (RCM).

When any damage to the impact sensor mounting points or mounting hardware has occurred, repair or install new mounting points and mounting hardware as needed.

When the driver air bag module has deployed, a new clockspring must be installed.

Inspect the entire vehicle for damage, including the following components:
Steering column
Instrument panel knee bolsters and mounting points
Instrument panel braces and brackets
Instrument panel and mounting points
Seats and seat mounting points
Safety belts, safety belt buckles and safety belt retractors. For additional information, refer to Section 501-20A
SRS wiring, wiring harnesses and connectors

After carrying out the review and inspection of the entire vehicle for damage, repair or install new components as needed.



Old thread. But I am confused about this restraint module.

My driver airbag and seatbelt both deployed. Does the RCM need to be replaced even if you replace broken/deployed parts?

This part that joegr has bolded, is worded as if the RCM needs replaced after deployment.
 
There's lots of potential for liability when it comes to safety systems. New replacement with OE parts is the only recommended procedure by ICAR and the OE's. With that being said, there are services to reset modules (SDM) and a bad sensor, clockspring, pretensioner, or airbag will turn on the light and set a airbag code. Rebuilders typically get the SDM reset,change the used explosive components, replace the melted clockspring plugs, and turn it on to see if the light comes back on. If it does, it's a flashing light showing a bad component/s and not a solid lit deploy light. Note: some deploy command codes can be reset using an advance scan tool.
 
My understanding is that the "black box" crash data memory is a one time thing and that once it's used, the module has to be replaced. I don't know this first hand though. If you scan for codes and don't get B1231, then you shouldn't have to replace the module.
 
Yea that's what I am thinking. I can get a module for less than I could have a dealer scan it. So I think I will just take a stab.
 
Ah, so currently I have full illumination with no blink. So is that safe to assume module replacement is in fact necessary? Based upon that service manual?

[Continuous] [The Air Bag Indicator is Illuminated Continuously, RCM Disconnected or Inoperative, Loss of Battery Feed, or Loss of Signal Ground]
 
Ah, so currently I have full illumination with no blink. So is that safe to assume module replacement is in fact necessary? Based upon that service manual?

[Continuous] [The Air Bag Indicator is Illuminated Continuously, RCM Disconnected or Inoperative, Loss of Battery Feed, or Loss of Signal Ground]

It could be the wiring, a fuse, or the module. If the related fuses are good, then it's probably the module.
 
Right on. Thanks for the help. Going to order a new bag and module to go along with my seatbelt.

Is there a chance the ignition of the airbag has melted or destroyed my clockspring? Steering buttons still work, but I read something like the clockspring could melt - but it was only vaguely mentioned.
 
I guess there is a chance, but the odds should be low.
 
Right on. Thanks for the help. Going to order a new bag and module to go along with my seatbelt.

Is there a chance the ignition of the airbag has melted or destroyed my clockspring? Steering buttons still work, but I read something like the clockspring could melt - but it was only vaguely mentioned.
IDK about the LS airbag, but on my rebuilder Chevy Cruze the plugs melted after the bag deployed. I wound up changing the clockspring, but cut and solder plugs are available on eBay.
 

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