Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DETERMINE ACTIVE OR STORED DTC
NOTE: Ensure that the battery is fully charged.

NOTE: The scan tool, SRS Airbag Load Tool MRL 8443, and DVOM are required to perform the following test.
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. With the scan tool, read the active ORC DTC.
  Select ACTIVE or STORED DTC:
  
  ACTIVE DTC
  - Go to step 2
  STORED DTC
  - Go to step 1
CHECK FOR SHORTED SQUIB CIRCUITS AT THE LEFT SEAT SQUIB AIRBAG

Fig 1: Checking For Shorted Squib Circuits At Left Seat Squib Airbag
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

WARNING: Turn the ignition off disconnect the 12-volt battery and wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
1. Disconnect the Left Seat Airbag connector.
  WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury, do not place an intact undeployed Left Seat Squib Airbag face down on a hard surface, the airbag will propel into the air if accidentally deployed.
  
  NOTE: Check connectors - Clean and repair as necessary.
2. Connect the 8443 Load Tool and 8443-1 Jumper to the Left Seat Airbag connector.
  WARNING: Turn the ignition on, then reconnect the 12-volt battery. Wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
3. With the scan tool, read the active ORC DTC.
  Does the scan tool display: B1C27-LEFT SIDE SEAT THORAX SQUIB 1 LOW?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 3
  No
  - Replace the Left Seat Airbag in accordance with the Service Information.
  - Perform the AIRBAG SYSTEM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Standard Procedure .
CHECK FOR SHORTED LEFT SEAT AIRBAG SQUIB CIRCUITS IN THE SEAT BACK

Fig 2: Checking For Shorted Left Seat Airbag Squib Circuits In Seat Back
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

WARNING: Turn the ignition off, disconnect the 12-volt battery and wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
1. Disconnect the Left Seat Airbag C353 inline connector (under Left Seat).
  NOTE: Check connectors - Clean and repair as necessary.
2. Connect the 8443 Load Tool and 8443-20 Jumper to the C353 inline connector (Body Side).
  WARNING: Turn the ignition on, then reconnect the 12-volt battery. Wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
3. With the scan tool, read the active ORC DTC.
  Does the scan tool display: B1C27-LEFT SIDE SEAT THORAX SQUIB 1 LOW?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 4
  No
  - In accordance with Service Information repair or replace the Left Seat Airbag Squib 1 circuits. Left Seat Airbag circuits Squib 1 circuits shorted to ground between the C353 inline connector (Side Airbag Jumper) and the Left Seat Airbag connector.
  - Perform the AIRBAG SYSTEM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Standard Procedure .
CHECK LEFT SEAT SQUIB CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO GROUND IN THE BODY HARNESS TO THE SEAT

Fig 3: Checking Left Seat Squib Circuits For A Short To Ground In Body Harness To Seat
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

WARNING: Turn the ignition off, disconnect the 12-volt battery and wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
1. Disconnect the 8443 Load Tool and Jumper from the C353 inline connector.
2. Disconnect the ORC connectors.
  NOTE: Check connectors - Clean and repair as necessary.
3. Connect the ORC 8443-25 Adaptor to the ORC connectors.
4. Measure the resistance of the (R5) Left Seat Squib 1 Line 2 circuit between the ORC 8443-25 Adaptor cavity C2-16 and ground.
5. Measure the resistance of the (R7) Left Seat Squib 1 Line 2 circuit between the ORC 8443-25 Adaptor cavity C2-15 and ground.
  Is the resistance below 10k ohms on either circuit?
  
  Yes
  - In accordance with Service Information repair or replace the Left Seat Airbag Squib 1 circuits. Left Seat Airbag Squib 1 circuits shorted to ground between the C353 inline connector (body side) and the ORC C2 (32 way) connector.
  - Perform the AIRBAG SYSTEM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Standard Procedure .
  No
  - Replace the ORC in accordance with Service Information.
  - Perform the AIRBAG SYSTEM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Standard Procedure .

CHECKING STORED OR INTERMITTENT CODES
NOTE: Diagnose and repair all active codes before diagnosing stored codes. Refer to the DIAGNOSTIC CODE INDEX for a complete list of airbag system diagnostic procedures.
1. With the scan tool, record and erase all Airbag System Module DTCs.
  WARNING: Turn the ignition off, disconnect the 12-volt battery and wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
2. Using the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS as a guide, inspect the related wiring and connectors for chafed, pierced, pinched, and partially broken wires, and for broken, bent, pushed out, corroded, and contaminated terminals. Repair as necessary.
3. Reconnect all disconnected components and harness connectors.
  WARNING: Turn the ignition on, then reconnect the 12-volt battery and wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
4. With the scan tool, monitor for active codes while performing the following:
  - Wiggle the wiring harness and connectors of the related airbag circuit.
  - Continue the test until either a code becomes active or the problem area is isolated.
5. In the previous steps you have attempted to recreate the conditions responsible for setting the DTC in question/causing the intermittent condition.
  Are any ACTIVE DTCs present?
  
  Yes
  - Perform the appropriate DTC. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Diagnosis and Testing .
  No
  - No problem found at this time. Erase all codes before returning the vehicle to the customer.