Expert: Rob Painter - 10/21/2011

Question
The Inflatable Restraint warning light will not go out. I am wondering if this fault can be narrowed down through the on board diagnostics. There was an answer posted referring to SIR which may be relevant but the procedure for retrieving the codes did not work for me. I am fairly sure I wasn't doing the test correctly.

Thanks jim

Answer
Hello,

The good diagnostic system did not come out until 1994 with OBD II. With that you could scan the system for diagnostics with a hand held scanner.

Since you have a 1990, the testing is primitive and all you are relying on is the amount of times (codes) the check engine light will flash.
I used a paper clip crossing 2 terminals on the diagnostic port. Light wouldhave will say one log flash and three short flashes for a code 13 which would be an O2 sensor, or three long flashes then four short flashes code 34 which would be a map sensor.

Even if you do find a code, how are you going to know what it is? I do not think that any specifics on the SIR are going to be there. As I said, this system is primitive.

I suppose you are going to ask me what terminals I went across. I honestly don't remember.
Why don't you take a run over to autozone and see if they have a cheap tester to diagnose and explain the code meaning.
I was a certified air bag specialist in 1990, but my memory is not that good any more.

When did you notice the air bag light illuminated? Di it come on driving down the road or after you parked it. Were you parked in real close that someone could have hit the front bumper?These are not supposed to be employed until 13 miles an hour, but we had them where when front bumper was rammed, sensor would cause air bag light to come on.

The simple question-Did you get out the owners manual, check for fuse box locations and check all fuses?

Clock springs would fail on these as well.

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