Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Supplemental Restraint System Verification Test
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
The following procedure should be performed using a diagnostic scan tool to verify proper Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) operation following the service or replacement of any SRS component. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic procedures.
- During the following test, the negative cable remains disconnected and isolated from the battery, as it was during the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) component removal and installation procedures.
- Be certain that the diagnostic scan tool contains the latest version of the proper diagnostic software. Connect the scan tool to the 16-way Data Link Connector (DLC) (2). The DLC is located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel, near the steering column opening cover (1) and outboard of the steering column.
- Transition the status of the ignition switch (also known as the Keyless Ignition Node/KIN or Ignition Node Module/IGNM) to ON and exit the vehicle with the scan tool.
- Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehicle, then connect the negative cable to the battery.
- Using the scan tool, read and record the active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
- Next, use the scan tool to read and record any stored (historical) DTC data.
- If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6 , refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
- Use the scan tool to erase the stored DTC data. If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase. If the stored DTC information is successfully erased, go to Step 9 .
- Transition the status of the ignition switch to OFF for about 15 seconds, and then back to ON. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster. It should light from four to six seconds, and then go out. This indicates that the SRS is functioning normally and that the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails to light, or lights and stays ON, there is still an active SRS fault or malfunction. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to diagnose the problem.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.