Airbag Indicator

The airbag indicator indicates when an airbag system circuit or component is inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by an internal transistor on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) circuit board, based on the IPC programming and CAN Bus messages received from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).

The airbag indicator LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the airbag indicator is illuminated for approximately six to eight seconds. This bulb test is a function of the ORC. The IPC will illuminate the airbag indicator for the following reasons:

• Airbag Indicator Lamp-On Message  - Each time the IPC receives an electronic airbag indicator lamp-ON  message from the ORC, the airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for about 12 seconds or until the IPC receives a lamp-OFF message from the ORC, whichever is longer. This indicator will also be extinguished when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
• Communication Error  - If the IPC receives no lamp-ON or lamp-OFF messages from the ORC for 10 consecutive message cycles, the airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the IPC receives a single lamp-OFF message from the ORC.

The ORC continually monitors the airbag system circuits and sensors and determines if the system is operating properly. The ORC then sends the appropriate lamp-ON or lamp-OFF CAN Bus messages to the IPC. If the ORC sends a lamp-ON message after the bulb test, this indicates the ORC has detected a system malfunction or that the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not deploy when required, or that they may deploy when not required. The ORC will store a DTC for any malfunction it detects. Each time the airbag indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the IPC airbag indicator circuit, the IPC sends a message notifying the ORC of the condition, and the IPC and ORC will each store a DTC.