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.
Section 249 (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System): Diagnostics: Self-Diagnostics
During vehicle operation, the Restraints Control Module (RCM) detects and stores both intermittent and hard failure codes in non-volatile memory. The RCM will also display a Light Flash Code (LFC) on the AIR BAG warning light. The DTCs can be retrieved with Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS), New Generation Star (NGS) tester, or equivalent scan tool, using the retrieve/clear continuous codes option. If no DTCs are present, scan tool will display SYSTEM PASSED message. Once a fault code is logged in RCM memory, it will stay in memory until 100 ignition cycles have been recorded or until scan tool is used to erase the DTCs.
The on-demand self-test can be used to verify there are no electrical faults within air bag system. During this test, RCM will check each electrical component in system. If fault is detected, DTC is displayed on scan tool with brief description of fault. Faults detected during self-test are not stored in memory, unless same fault was detected during normal vehicle operation. Self-test should be run after service to verify operation.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.
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