Buick Regal: Airbag Indicator Malfunction (Driver)

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition is turned ON, during the bulb check, the driver air bag indicator will flash, and then turn OFF after the bulb check. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) performs diagnostic tests on the SIR system during the bulb check. If any malfunction exists the SDM will request the instrument cluster to illuminate the air bag indicator steady, via serial data. If a preexisting malfunction exists, the air bag indicator will illuminate steady immediately after the ignition is turned ON. If the ignition 1 voltage is outside of the normal operating voltage range of 9 - 16 V, the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module will command the instrument cluster to illuminate the air bag indicator ON, even with no DTCs present, and then disable all deployment loops.

Diagnostic Aids

• A DTC B1370 may set if the ignition 1 circuit is outside the 9 - 16 V range.
• A flashing driver air bag indicator is displayed if the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module was programmed but did not fully complete the programming. For a flashing driver air bag indicator, refer to K36 Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module: Programming and Setup.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

SIR Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End View Index

Description and Operation

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Connector Repairs
• Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Refer to Control Module References for scan tool information.

Circuit/System Verification

If the driver air bag indicator is flashing, refer to K36 Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module: Programming and Setup.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Verify K36 Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module DTCs are not set.

• If Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module DTCs are set

Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

• Go to next step: If Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module DTCs are not set

2. Verify the air bag indicator turns ON and OFF when commanding the Instrument Cluster All Indicators ON and OFF with a scan tool.

• If air bag indicator does not turn on or off

If the air bag indicator does not turn ON and OFF as expected, replace the P16 Instrument Cluster.

• Go to next step: If air bag indicator does turn on or off

3. Replace the K36 Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

Refer to Control Module References for module replacement, programming and setup.

SIR DISABLING AND ENABLING

SIR component location affects how a vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the SIR system installed in various locations around a vehicle. To find the location of the SIR components refer to Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Description and Operation.

There are several reasons for disabling the SIR system, such as repairs to the SIR system or servicing a component near or attached to an SIR component. There are several ways to disable the SIR system depending on what type of service is being performed. The following information covers the proper procedures for disabling/enabling the SIR system.

* DTC's may be lost when the negative battery cable is disconnected.

SIR Service Precautions

WARNING: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components. Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedure could also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs.

The Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) maintains a reserved energy supply. The reserved energy supply provides deployment power for the air bags if the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module loses battery power during a collision. Deployment power is available for as much as 2 minutes after disconnecting the vehicle power. Waiting 2 minutes before working on the system after disabling the SIR system prevents deployment of the air bags from the reserved energy supply.

General Service Instructions

The following are general service instructions which must be followed in order to properly repair the vehicle and return it to its original integrity:

• Do not expose air bags to temperatures above 85ºC (185ºF).
• Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a different vehicle.
• Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Do not use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.

Discard any of the following components if it has been dropped from a height of 80 cm (31.5 Inches) or greater:

• Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
• Any air bag
• Driver steering wheel air bag coil
• Any impact sensor
• Seat belt anchor and/or retractor pretensioners
• Passenger presence module and/or occupant sensor

Disabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse

1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.

2. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

WARNING: The SDM may have more than one fused power input. To ensure there is no unwanted SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs, remove all fuses supplying power to the SDM. With all SDM fuses removed and the ignition switch in the ON position, the AIR BAG warning indicator illuminates. This is normal operation, and does not indicate a SIR system malfunction.

3. Locate and remove the fuse(s) supplying power to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module.

Refer to SIR Wiring Schematics or Master Electrical Component List.

4. Wait 2 minutes before working on the system.

Enabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse

1. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Install the fuse(s) supplying power to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module. Refer to SIR Wiring Schematics or Master Electrical Component List.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will illuminate or flash then turn OFF.

4. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.

Disabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable

1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.

2. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

3. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (3.6L LGX) or Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (2.0L LTG).

4. Wait 2 minutes before working on system.

Enabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable

1. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (3.6L LGX) or Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (2.0L LTG).

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will illuminate or flash then turn OFF.

4. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.

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