Diagnostic Aids

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction.

The following are possible causes of the malfunction:

A short between the steering wheel module - high and the steering wheel module - low circuits.
An open or high resistance in the steering wheel module - high or the steering wheel module - low circuits.
A short to ground in the steering wheel module - high or the steering wheel module - low circuits.
A short to voltage in the steering wheel module - high or the steering wheel module - low circuits.
A malfunctioning inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
A malfunctioning inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil.
An internal SDM malfunction.

If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.