Safety Regulations for Restraint Systems: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If the pyrotechnic units are fault-free the airbag warning lamp must illuminate when the ignition is switched on and go out again after about four seconds. If the light does not go off or it comes on while operating the vehicle, there is a fault.
The system must only be tested using a correct and GM approved scan tool.
During the diagnosis or programming of restraint systems, the following sequence must be followed:
1. Make sure the ignition is OFF
2. Connect the scan tool to the on board diagnostic connector (OBD)
3. Turn the ignition ON
4. Start the scan tool
  NOTE: During diagnosis or programming (the period between switching on and switching off the scan tool) no persons are permitted to occupy the vehicle.
5. Select system, follow menu
6. De-select system
7. Turn off the scan tool
  NOTE: If it is not possible to exit the "Airbag" menu the ground cable must first be disconnected from the battery and the battery negative terminal covered. Wait for one minute until the capacitor in the airbag control unit has discharged.
8. Turn the ignition OFF
9. Disconnect the scan tool from on OBD-connector
If there are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in the airbag or restraint system, a diagnosis in the vehicle (such as seat occupied detection test) is permitted
Vehicles with active DTC must not be handed over to the customer - danger for occupants.
In order to prevent unintentional deployment, never use a test lamp or multimeter to perform measurements on the pyrotechnic units - danger of injury.
Connections for pyrotechnic units and control unit must be disconnected when using a multimeter to check the wiring harness - danger of injury.
If there is bodywork damage in the vicinity of the front airbag sensors, inspect the securing panels and replace if damaged.
Always replace damaged parts.
If the pyrotechnic belt / belt buckle tensioners are deployed in an accident, these must be replaced by new components.
Control units may only be re-used if fault-free.
When checking and replacing the seat belt system (seat belts with guide rollers and belt locks) after accident damage, the following three different cases must be taken into account:
1. Very slight accident damage: (minor accidents, such as parking damage). No checks or replacements are necessary in these cases.
2. Following minor accident damage (such as seat belt tensioner not deployed), check ease of unwinding and check belt buckle operation; there must be no damage to the seat belt (such as tears, shiny areas caused by overstretching) - otherwise replace the affected component. The same applies to ISO-fix mounting systems and additionally to child seat belt systems. If damaged, the child seat must be replaced!
3. For other accident damage in general, replace the respective seat belt system that has been burdened by a person or child seat during an accident. Belt systems must also be replaced if it is subsequently impossible to conclusively determine whether they were burdened. These measures must be carried out in all cases where a seat belt tensioner has been deployed or where side damage has occurred. The same applies to the ISO-fix mounting systems. The same also applies to child seat belt systems. Otherwise replace the child seat. Non-burdened seat belts should be tested as described in step 2.
Steering wheels with an inflatable restraint module may be only replaced with steering wheels approved by GM.
Always put airbag units down with the padded side facing upwards.
Always transport or carry the airbag or restraint units with the padded side facing away from the body.
The impact cushion of the steering wheel and the instrument panel padding may not be glued or otherwise altered. Under no circumstances cleaning agents (aggressive materials) or grease must be used - clean with a dry or moistened cloth and using a cleaning agent approved by GM only.
Before installation, check once more that the ground cable is disconnected from the battery, the negative terminal is covered and the ignition key is in the OFF position.
After completing work on restraint systems, connect the battery negative cable. No persons must be present inside the vehicle.
Disconnecting the ground cable from the battery automatically erases the contents of certain electronic system memories (such as electric window, power sunroof). After reconnecting the ground cable to the battery, these volatile memories must be reprogrammed.