1982 CHEVROLET CAMARO warning

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 143

Fig. 4: Spark plug wires can be checked for excessive resistance using an
ohmmeter
WARNING - Never use an ohmmeter with power applied to the circuit. The
ohmmeter is designed to operate on its own power supply. The normal 12 volt
electrical system voltage could damage the meter!

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 147
SYSTEM OPERATION
The main portions of the SIR system
are the deployment loops and the
Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (D ERM). The main function of the
deployment loops is to supply current through the inflator module(s), which will
cause deployment of the air bag(s) in t he event of a frontal crash of sufficient
force. The arming sensor, SIR coil assembly (driver side only), passen\
ger
inflator module jumper (passenger side only), inflator module(s), passenger
compartment discriminating sensor and fo rward discriminating sensor make up
the deployment loops.
The DERM has two functions. One to supply the deployment loops with a 36
volt reserve to ensure sufficient energy is available to deploy the airbag(s) if the
battery voltage feed to the arming sensor is lost during a frontal crash. Another
function is SIR electrical system diagnostics.
The arming sensor switches power to th e inflator module(s) on the high side
(power side) of the deployment loops. Ei ther of the discriminating sensors can
supply ground to the inflator module(s) on the low side (ground side) of the loop.
The inflator module(s) ar e only supplied sufficient cu rrent to deploy when the
arming sensor and at least one of the two discriminating sensors are closed
simultaneously.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
DIAGNOSTIC ENERGY RESERVE MODULE
The DERM is designed to perform the following functions in the SIR system:
• Energy Reserve - Maintains 36 volt energy reserve(s) to provide
deployment energy when the vehicle volt age is low or lost in a frontal
impact
• Malfunction Detection - Performs diagnostic monitoring of the SIR
system electrical components
• Malfunction Recording - Provides diagnostic trouble code information
• Frontal Crash Recording - Record s the SIR system status during a
frontal crash
WARNING LAMP
The "INFL REST" or "AIR BAG" warning lamp is used to do the following:
• Verify lamp and DERM oper ation by flashing seven to nine times when
the ignition key is first turned ON
• Warn the driver of SIR electrical system faults which could potentially
affect the operation of the SIR system
• Provide diagnostic information by fl ashing the fault codes when the
diagnostic mode is enabled

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 149

Fig. 3: Passenger com partment SIR component lo cations on 1990-1992 models
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The DERM can maintain sufficient volt age to cause a deployment for up to 10
minutes after the ignition switch is tur ned OFF or the battery is disconnected.
Always disable the system when perfo rming service procedures ON OR NEAR
the system and it's components.
CAUTION - The disarming and arming procedures must be followed in the
order listed to temporarily disable the SI R system. Failure to do so could result
in possible air bag deployment, pers onal injury or otherwise unneeded SIR
system repairs.
DISARMING THE SYSTEM
1. Turn the steering wheel so that t he vehicle's wheels are pointing straight
ahead.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the SIR or AIR BAG fuse from the fuse panel.
4. Remove the left side trim panel, t hen remove the Connector Position
Assurance (CPA) device and disconnec t the yellow two-way SIR harness
connector at the base of the steering column.
5. On vehicles with passenger side air bags, remove the glove box door
then disconnect the yellow two-way c onnector located near the yellow
24-way DERM harness connector.
With the fuse removed and the ignition sw itch ON, the air bag warning lamp will
be on. This is normal and does not indicate a SIR system malfunction.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 151
ARMING THE SYSTEM
1. Turn the ignition key to the LO CK position and remove the key.
2. On vehicles with a passenger side ai r bag, reconnect the yellow two-way
connector assembly located near the yellow 24-way DERM harness
connector. Install the glov e box door assembly.
3. Connect the yellow two-way connector assembly at the base of the
steering column.
Always be sure to reinstall the Connec tor Position Assurance (CPA) device.
4. Install the left side trim panel and rein stall the fuse in the fuse block.
5. Turn the ignition key to the RUN posit ion and verify that the warning lamp
flashes seven to nine times and then turn s OFF. If it does not operate as
described, have the system repair ed by a qualified technician.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

BLOWER MOTOR
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If necessary, remove the diagonal
fender brace at the right rear corner of the engine compartment to gain
access to the blower motor.
2. Disconnect the electrical wiring fr om the blower motor. If equipped with
air conditioning, remove the blower relay and bracket as an assembly
and swing them aside.
3. Remove the blower motor cooling tube.
4. Remove the blower mo tor retaining screws.
5. Remove the blower motor and fan as an assembly from the case.
To install: 6. Position the blower motor into pl ace and install the retaining screws.
7. Install the blower motor cooling tube.
8. Connect all the electrical connections.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.

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FUSIBLE LINKS
In addition to circuit breakers and fuses,
the wiring harness incorporates fusible
links to protect the wiring. Links are used rather than a fuse, in wiring circuits
that are not normally fused, such as th e ignition circuit. The fusible links are
color coded red in the charging and load circuits to match the color coding of
the circuits they protect. Each link is four gauges smaller than the cable it
protects, and is marked on the insulation with the gauge size because the
insulation makes it appear heavier than it really is. The engine compartment
wiring harness has several fusible links. The same size wire with a special
Hypalon insulation must be used w hen replacing a fusible link.
For more details, see the information on fusible links at the beginning of this
section.
The links are located in the following areas:
1. A molded splice at the starter solenoid Bat terminal, a 14 gauge red wire.
2. A 16 gauge red fusible link at the j unction block to protect the unfused
wiring of 12 gauge or larger wire. This link stops at the bulkhead
connector.
3. The alternator warning light and fiel d circuitry is protected by a 20 gauge
red wire fusible link used in the batte ry feed-to-voltage regulator number
3 terminal. The link is installed as a molded splice in the circuit at the
junction block.
4. The ammeter circuit is protected by two 20 gauge fusible links installed
as molded splices in the circuit at t he junction block and battery to starter
circuit.
REPLACEMENT 1. Determine the circuit that is damaged.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
3. Cut the damaged fuse link from the harness and discard it.
4. Identify and procure the proper fuse link and butt connectors.
5. Strip the wire about
1/2 in. (13mm) on each end.
6. Connect the fusible link and crimp the butt connectors making sure that the wires are secure.
7. Solder each connection with resin core solder, and wrap the connections
with plastic electrical tape.
8. Reinstall the wir e in the harness.
9. Connect the negative battery terminal and test the system for proper
operation.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Various circuit breakers are located under the instrument panel. In order to gain
access to these components, it may be ne cessary to first remove the under
dash padding. Most of the circuit breakers are located in the convenience
center or the fuse panel.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 298

Fig. 2: Clutch pedal with mechanical linkage
5. Disconnect and remove the neutra l start switch at the pedal.
6. Remove the turn signal and hazard warning flasher mounting bracket.
7. Disconnect the clutch pedal rod from the pedal.
8. Remove the clutch pedal pivot bolt far enough to permit removal of pedal\
assembly.
9. Clean all parts and relubricate. Install in reverse of removal.
CLUTCH LINKAGE
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the return spring and rods from the pedal and fork assembly.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 351
alternating current developed
within the stator windings to a direct (DC) current
at the output (BAT) terminal. Three of these diodes are negative and are
mounted flush with the end frame while t he other three are positive and are
mounted into a strip called a heat sink. The positive diodes are easily identified
as the ones within small cavities or depressions.
The alternator charging system is a negative (-) ground system which consists
of an alternator, a regulat or, a charge indicator, a storage battery and wiring
connecting the components, and fuse link wire.
The alternator is belt-driven from t he engine. Energy is supplied from the
alternator/regulator system to the rotati ng field through two brushes to two slip-
rings. The slip-rings are mounted on the rotor shaft and are connected t\
o the
field coil. This energy supplied to the ro tating field from the battery is called
excitation current and is used to init ially energize the field to begin the
generation of electricity. Once the alter nator starts to generate electricity, the
excitation current comes from its ow n output rather than the battery.
The alternator produces power in the form of alternating current. The alternating
current is rectified by 6 diodes into dire ct current. The direct current is used to
charge the battery and power the rest of the electrical system.
When the ignition key is turned ON, current flows from the battery, through the
charging system indicator light on the in strument panel, to the voltage regulator,
and to the alternator. Since the alternat or is not producing any current, the
alternator warning light comes on. When the engine is started, the alternator
begins to produce current and turns the alte rnator light off. As the alternator
turns and produces current, the current is divided in two ways: part to the
battery(to charge the battery and power the electrical components of the
vehicle), and part is returned to the alte rnator (to enable it to increase its
output). In this situation, the alternator is receiving current from the battery and
from itself. A voltage regulat or is wired into the current supply to the alternator
to prevent it from receiving too much cu rrent which would cause it to put out too
much current. Conversely, if the voltage regulator does not allow the alternator
to receive enough current, the battery will not be fully charged and will
eventually go dead.
The battery is connected to the alternator at all times, whether the ignition key is
turned ON or not. If the battery were shorted to ground, the alternator would
also be shorted. This woul d damage the alternator. To prevent this, a fuse link
is installed in the wiring between the battery and the alternator. If the battery is
shorted, the fuse link melts, protecting the alternator.
An alternator is better that a convent ional, DC shunt generator because it is
lighter and more compact, because it is designed to supply the battery and
accessory circuits through a wide range of engine speeds, and because it
eliminates the necessary maintenance of replacing brushes and servicing
commutators.
PRECAUTIONS

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 352
To prevent serious damage to the alte
rnator and the rest of the charging
system, the following precauti ons must be observed:
• Never reverse the battery connections.
• Booster batteries for starting must be connected properly: positive-to-
positive and negative-to-ground.
• Disconnect the battery cables before using a fast charger; the charger
has a tendency to force current through the diodes in the opposite
direction for which they were designed. This burns out the diodes.
• Never use a fast charger as a booster for starting the vehicle.
• Never disconnect the voltage regulator while the engine is running.
• Avoid long soldering times when replacing diodes or transistors.
Prolonged heat is damaging to AC alternators.
• Do not use test lamps of more t han 12 volts (V) for checking diode
continuity.
• Do not short across or ground any of the terminals on the AC alternator.
• The polarity of the battery, alter nator, and regulator must be matched
and considered before making any elec trical connections within the
system.
• Never operate the alternator on an open circuit. make sure that all
connections within the circ uit are clean and tight.
• Disconnect the battery terminals when performing any service on the
electrical system. This wil l eliminate the possibility of accidental reversal
of polarity.
• Disconnect the battery ground cable if arc welding is to be done on any
part of the car.
CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING
There are many possible ways in whic h the charging system can malfunction.
Often the source of a problem is diffi cult to diagnose, requiring special
equipment and a good deal of experience. However, when the charging system
fails completely and causes the dash boar d warning light to come on or the
battery to become dead the following items may be checked:
1. The battery is known to be good and fully charged.
2. The alternator belt is in good condition and adjusted to the proper
tension.
3. All connections in t he system are clean and tight.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION