Airbag light is driving me nuts - common problems?

767Jockey

Original poster
Member
Apr 5, 2012
30
The airbag light is on. In searching, there seems to be no common direction for what causes this. Is there something that seems to be common in these cars to cause this? It's a 2005 Trailblazer 6 cylinder 4 wheel drive. I seem some allude to connectors under the seats? Do I need to remove the seats to get to these? If I clean these connectors is there an chance that the light will go out? Does it do that on it's own like a check engine light, or do I need to have it cleared? This is maddening. I am trying at all costs to avoid going to the dealer - their bill will be more than the car is worth. All help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

Wooluf1952

Member
Nov 20, 2011
2,663
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you can give us the actual code, it would help.
 

767Jockey

Original poster
Member
Apr 5, 2012
30
Wouldn't you know, I can't find the paper with the codes written on it. I remember they corresponded to driver seat sensor and steering wheel airbag. Car has never had the bags deployed, so the steering wheel bag code is puzzling. I guess I'll try to clean the contacts on the seat sensor connector, assuming there are any under the seat - does anyone know? Any additional info on this would be appreciated.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,347
Ottawa, ON
The steering wheel one could be caused by a broken clock spring. You'd need the actual codes to be sure. I've seen other GM's with flakey seat sensors.
 

jsheahawk

Member
Jan 16, 2013
533
Kansas City
Pull the yellow plugs under both the drivers and passenger seats. Clean the contacts and see if that fixes it.
 
Sep 20, 2015
501
Western Mass.
I've currently got an Airbag code. My Snap-On Solus Edge says it's a B0082 (DISCARD R SIDE DOOR IMPACT SENSOR) which is for the Side Impact Sensor, Passenger Side, in the passenger door frame I'm going to take a look at the connections under the front passenger seat before I go anywhere else with this.
 

mrrsm

Lifetime VIP Donor
Supporting Donor
Member
Oct 22, 2015
7,737
Tampa Bay Area
You probably already have this procedural information from the Service Bulletin, but just in case you need the data... this one is worth looking over for the sake of not accidentally setting anything off when jiggling the harnesses, connectors or replacing any components:

Bulletin No.: 08-09-41-002E

Date: December 07, 2009

Subject: Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)

Models:
2005-2007 Buick Rainier
2006-2009 Buick Allure (Canada only), LaCrosse, Lucerne
2008-2010 Buick Enclave
2006-2010 Cadillac DTS
2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade Models
2008-2009 Cadillac SRX, XLR
2008-2010 Cadillac CTS, STS
2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR
2005-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2006-2010 Chevrolet Corvette, HHR, Impala, Malibu Models (includes Malibu Classic)
2007-2009 Chevrolet Equinox
2007-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2008-2010 Chevrolet Express
2009-2010 Chevrolet Traverse
2005-2009 GMC Envoy Models
2007-2010 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali XL
2008-2010 GMC Savana
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit
2005-2009 Pontiac G6
2006-2009 Pontiac Solstice
2007-2009 Pontiac G5, Torrent
2008-2009 Pontiac G8
2005-2009 Saab 9-7X
2007-2009 Saturn AURA, OUTLOOK, SKY
2008-2009 Saturn VUE
2008-2009 HUMMER H2
2007-2008 Daewoo G2X
2007-2009 Opel GT

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the Parts Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-09-41-002D (Section 09 - Restraints).

Condition

- Some customers may comment on an intermittent or current AIR BAG indicator or lamp being illuminated on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
Important
This bulletin only applies to the following DTCs:

- Technicians may observe DTC(s) B0012 04, 0D, 0E; B0013 04, 0D, 0E; B0015 04, 0D, 0E; B0016 04, 0D, 0E; B0019 04, 0D, 0E; B0020 04, 0D, 0E; B0022, B0023 04, 0D, 0E; B0033 04, 0D, 0E; B0040 04, 0D, 0E; B0042 or B0044 set as Current or in History in the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).


Cause

This condition may be caused by a loose, missing, or damaged connector position assurance (CPA) retainer at a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) module electrical connector, or a deployment loop wiring harness electrical connector.

Correction

Caution
When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components. Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedure could also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs.

1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check-Vehicle.
2. Identify the DTC that is set AND review the DTC Descriptor in the corresponding diagnostic procedure. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List-Vehicle in SI.
3. Using the information from the DTC Descriptor, determine the location of the affected electrical connector. Refer to SIR Identification Views and the Master Electrical Component List in SI.
4. Turn OFF the ignition and disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI.
5. BEFORE removing, INSPECT the CPA retainer at the electrical connector.

Note
The connector and connector position assurance (CPA) may seat independent of each other. Both the connector and CPA should seat with an audible and/or tactile click. The CPA isolates the shorting-bars within the connector allowing the deployment circuit to operate properly.

¤ If the CPA retainer is loose, damaged, or will not seat in the connector, replace it with a new one. Reinstall the CPA correctly by first pushing the connector body in completely, and then pushing the CPA retainer in completely.
¤ If the CPA retainer is not loose or damaged and is properly seated, proceed to Step 6.

6. Remove the CPA retainer and disconnect the electrical connector. Inspect the terminals for the following conditions:

- Corrosion
- Contamination
- Terminal tension.
- Damage

Important
The terminals in the SIR/SRS system are made with a special plating. This plating provides the necessary contact integrity for the sensitive, low energy circuits. Use the J-38125 SIR/SRS Terminal Repair Kit for repairing SIR/SRS terminals and connectors. DO NOT substitute any other terminals for those in the repair kit.

¤ If the terminals are damaged, corrosion is observed, or have poor tension, repair or replace as necessary. Apply dielectric grease, GM P/N 12345579 (in Canada, use P/N 10953481) on the connector pins and terminals when reassembling. Refer to SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs in SI.

Note
The connector and connector position assurance (CPA) may seat independent of each other. Both the connector and CPA should seat with an audible and/or tactile click. The CPA isolates the shorting-bars within the connector allowing the deployment circuit to operate properly.

7. Connect the electrical connector, and install the CPA retainer.
8. Enable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI.
9. Clear the DTC with a scan tool.
10. Verify that the DTC does not reset by performing the Diagnostic Repair Verification in SI.

¤ If any DTC resets, then refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List-Vehicle in SI.
 

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