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.
  Select ACTIVE or STORED DTC:
  
  ACTIVE DTC
  - Go to step 2
  STORED DTC
  - Go to step 1
CHECK FOR SHORTED SQUIB CIRCUITS IN THE LEFT SEAT 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: Do not place an intact undeployed Seat Squib Airbag face down on a hard surface, the airbag will propel into the air if accidentally deployed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
  
  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: B1C2A-LEFT SIDE SEAT THORAX SQUIB 1 SHORTED TOGETHER?
  
  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 LEFT SEAT AIRBAG SQUIB CIRCUITS SHORTED TOGETHER 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 in-line connector (under Left Seat).
  NOTE: Check connectors - Clean and repair as necessary.
2. Connect the 8443 Load Tool and 8443-20 Jumper to the Left Seat Airbag C353 in-line 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: B1C2A-LEFT SIDE SEAT THORAX SQUIB 1 SHORTED TOGETHER?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 4
  No
  - In accordance with the Service Information repair or replace the Left Seat Airbag wiring harness (Side Airbag Jumper). Circuits (R5) and (R7) shorted together between the C353 in-line connector and the Left Seat Airbag connector.
  - Perform the AIRBAG SYSTEM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Standard Procedure .
CHECK (R5) LEFT SEAT SQUIB 1 LINE 2 CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO (R7) LEFT SEAT SQUIB 1 LINE 1 CIRCUIT

Fig 3: Checking Left Seat Squib 1 Line 2 Circuit For A Short To Left Seat Squib 1 Line 1 Circuit
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 Left Seat Airbag 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 between the (R5) Left Seat Squib 1 Line 2 circuit cavity 1 and the (R7) Left Seat Squib 1 Line 1 circuit cavity 2 at the C353 in-line connector (Body side).
  Is the resistance below 10k ohms?
  
  Yes
  - In accordance with the Service Information repair or replace the Left Seat Airbag wiring harness. Circuits (R5) and (R7) shorted together between the C353 in-line connector 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.