current and historical DTCs through the DLC, using a scan tool. If the air bag indicator does not
function, and the system detects a fault condition, the RCM will signal the GEM to activate an audible
chime. The chime is a series of five sets of five tone bursts. If the chime is heard, the SRS and the air
bag indicator require repair.
LFCs are prioritized. If two or more faults occur at the same time, the fault having the highest priority
will be displayed. After that fault has been corrected, the next highest priority fault will be displayed.
The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the
air bags in the event that the ignition circuit is damaged in a collision before the safing and air bag
sensors determine that deployment is required. The backup power supply will deplete its stored energy
approximately one minute after the battery ground cable is disconnected.
Electrical System
The electrical system that supports the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS):
zis powered from the battery through the ignition circuit.
z provides the electrical path from the restraints control module (RCM) to the air bag modules.
z provides the electrical path from the RCM to the air bag indicator.
z provides the electrical path from the RCM to the data link connector (DLC).
z provides the electrical path from the RCM to the generic electronic module (GEM).
Sensor WARNING: The restraints control module (RCM) orientation is critical for proper system
operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) has been
involved in a collision in which the center tunnel area has been damaged, inspect the mounting
and bracket for deformation. If damaged, the RCM must be replaced whether or not the air bags
have deployed. In addition, make sure the area of the RCM mounting is restored to its original
condition.
The SRS contains two sensors which are integral to the RCM. The RCM is mounted on the center
tunnel under the instrument panel. Klj . 3 ba
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a
DTC: Diagnostic Trouble Code, retrieved using a scan tool.
b LFC: Lamp fault code, flashed on air bag indicator.
c Tone will sound only if additional DTCs are present.
Inspection and Verification 1. Verify the customer concern by checking the air bag indicator in the instrument cluster. Refer to Prove Out the System in this section.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage using the following chart:
3. If the concern is not visually evident, use the scan tool to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and perform the on- demand self test.
4. WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only.
Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and
possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
If the on- demand self test is passed and no DTCs are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart .
5. If DTCs are retrieved, proceed to the Restraints Control Module (RCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Priority Table.
Symptom Chart — — — No Communication with the Restraints Control Module Go To Pinpoint
Test P .
Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical
z
Damaged restraints control module (RCM) bracket z
Open fuse(s)
z Damaged wiring harness
z Loose or corroded connectors
z Circuitry open/shorted Symptom Chart
Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Air bag warning indicator is
illuminated continuously z
Circuitry.
z Worn or damaged
connector component.
z RCM.
z Instrument cluster. z
Go To Pinpoint Test A .
z Air bag indicator flashing zAir bag SRS system
fault. z
REFER to DTC
Priority Table.
z Audible tone — DTCs
retrieved z
Air bag SRS system
fault. z
Go To Pinpoint Test N .
z Go To Pinpoint Test O .
z No communication with the zScan Tool. zGo To Pinpoint Klj . 4 ba
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Pinpoint Test B: LFC 21/DTC B1921 —
RCM Bracket Ground Resistance High
Normal Operation
WARNING: The tightening torque of the restraints control module (RCM) retaining bolts is
critical for proper air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) operation. Refer to Restraints Control Module (RCM) in this section for correct torque values.
The restraints control module (RCM) monitors the resistance between the ground connections at its
housing and the reference ground at pin 21. If the RCM detects a resistance greater than 100 ohms, it
will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1921 in memory and flash a lamp fault code (LFC) 21 (or
higher priority code if one exists) on the air bag indicator.
Possible Causes
High resistance between the RCM housing ground and pin ground can be caused by:
zincorrect seating of the RCM retaining bolts.
z incorrect tightening torque of the RCM retaining bolts.
z high resistance on RCM logic ground circuit 397 (BK/WH).
PINPOINT TEST B: LFC 21/DTC B1921 — RCM BRACKET GROUND
RESISTANCE HIGH section for
pinpoint test
direction.
No
RECONNECT the
system.
REACTIVATE the
system. PROVE
OUT the system.
REFER to
Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System
(SRS) in this
section. CLEAR all
DTCs. Test Step Result / Action to Take
B1 CHECK FOR A HARD OR INTERMITTENT DTC
z
Key in OFF position.
z Connect the diagnostic tool. Scan Tool
z Key in ON position.
z Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool:
Retrieve/Clear Continuous DTCs.
z Retrieve and record any continuous DTCs for use later in
this pinpoint test.
z Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool:
On- Demand Self Test.
z Was DTC B1921 retrieved during the on- demand self Yes
This is a hard fault. The fault
condition is still present. This
fault cannot be cleared until it
is corrected and the DTC is
no longer retrieved during the
on-demand self test. GO to
B2 .
No Klj . 5 ba
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