1995 Bonneville SSEI - airbag light/cannot scan computer

[pappyl]

Need some help on this one.
Car running fine - Airbag light just came on this week.
I tried to hook my scanner to the computer (No problems before) BUT unable to connect (link error).
Too dark tonight to check - thinking this may be a fuse???

Anyone have any ideas on this? Appreciate your help.

[skregal]

I have the same issue with my 95 SSEi. My traction control is out and I
can't scan it (neither can any shops). The FSM says that the data link
wire (circuit 800 tan wire IIRC) goes through several modules before it gets
to the PCM. If any of those modules are messed up you have issues.
The FSM says to unplug each module and do a bunch of electronic testing
on the harness but I never found the time to do all that.

I posted a couple times on here about this issue but never got any suggestions.

I think the modules it goes through are the Diagnostic Energy Reserve, Traction
Control/Antilock Brake, HVAC, and maybe one other.

I have considered making a bypass wire to the PCM but haven't gotten to it.
Maybe some others will have ideas about this.

[pappyl]

I've been able to scan before.

This airbag thing just started - so maybe the bloody airbag module is causing this.

I'm going to focus on the airbag issue first -and maybe I'll fix the other.

I'm assuming the problem at this point is that an airbag sensor is corroded or something (due to age).
In my searches I've seen references to the sensors being at the front (centre pillar new condenser, and somewhere in the trunk - does anyone know for sure?)

In my reading I've seen issues where the airbag light goes on and after a time the bags deploy, wreck the dash, blow the windshield - and possible hurt the driver.
I'm pulling the airbag fuse on the driver's side (not the crank one) for now - I DO NOT want that to happen.

Any wiring schematics/physical location info on the sensors will be of great help.

[willwren]

Your airbag module on the 95 is in the worst possible place GM could have put it. Make sure you disable the SIR system properly before you begin any testing or diagnostics.

You will likely find corrosion on the airbag module connector under your RF passenger seat due to years of moisture contact.

[RJolly87]

I believe there are crush sensors across the nose. One in the center of the car, and one on either side of the car. Without actually knowing what the actual issue is, you would be just throwing money at it. The only way that the airbags could deploy would be if the system did not recognize the failure, and believes a crash sensor trips, or if the corrosion is actually at the airbag module, under the passenger seat, and the corrosion happens in such a way that would trigger deployment.

My advice: Get the airbag codes pulled, and see why is it complaining.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

If you have any leaks it's likely the module under the seat. That module's a bear to get at since all of the bottom door trim pieces have to come out, then the seat has to come out, then the carpet needs to be pulled back, then you're fighting holding the carpet up while getting that very annoying connector out. It's almost easier to remove the whole carpet than half of it. Then you can check for any leaks that might have drenched that module.

[pappyl]

Well I had the seats out last summer due to my battery draining (found a hot c/b to the seats - then found the passenger seat had a corroded connector.

So it's under the carpet.... great. WTF?

SO I already suspect corrosion there. It is a 95 - and it has been raining way too much over the last few weeks.

Question: Can you switch with a junker or does this need to be programmed or something?


oh yes - Willwren - disabling SIR - methinks pulling the airbag fuse is all is needed?

[00Beast]

Disconnecting the battery is the best option for dealing w/ airbags.

[pappyl]

Well I noticed there are (2) fuses for airbag
- the crank circuit also has the airbag
- separate airbag

I'll unhook the battery to be safe. Last thing I want is a bag going off by accident.

I don't know if I really want to look under that carpet - lol.

[skregal]

pappyl -
When the ignition switch is turned "on" does the air bag warning light flash 7 times?
If not, does it flash 4 times, or come on steady?
When cranking, what does the light do?
After the car has started, does the light flash any or just stay on steady?
Count any flashes after vehicle is running.

If the lamp is always steady then you have a bad circuit to the SDM at
either terminals B9 or A10, or a bad SDM.

Replace the airbag fuses to make sure they are good. #1C and #1A
All the precautions for messing with the SIR system should be followed, of course.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

When I replaced that module, I pulled the airbag fuse, then disconnected the battery. According to the 1999 FSM's the system has 15 minutes of reserve power. Ripping out the necessary interior things took longer than 15 minutes, so when the module was in sight it was plug and chug.

All this happened after I fixed my leak that shorted the original airbag module.

Your situation might be different. That was my experience.

[pappyl]

Guys,

Sorry on not replying - email was dumping my messages

I BELIEVE we have a count of 4 blinks after I turn on the key - then it stays on. I'll need to check as I've pulled the fuse. I just pulled the 1C fuse and been running with it that way, as I DO NOT want this sucker to trigger.

Weather hasn't been nice to pull the carpet as yet - it would not surprise me about a problem with the module under there.

I noticed up under the trunk a black box (centre) - I think that is the one that rear window leakages cause shorting problems BUT that one looks good (and dry).

I worry more about my problem linking to the 'puter to tell you the truth.

Anyone know why they invented airbags? Because the public weren't using their seatbelts and big brother (government and insurance co.) decided they should impose airbags on us.
A good friend of mine was killed by an airbag (piece of the dash broke loose along with the bag). Regardless, I know, for every story like that the opposite is true...

Anyways, my rant for the day.

Thanks everyone - appreciate your posts!!!!