Pinpoint Test Q: The Air Bag Warning Indicator Is Never/Always On

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Q1 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) FROM BOTH THE CONTINUOUS AND ON-DEMAND RCM SELF-TESTS
- Check for recorded RCM DTCs from the continuous and on-demand self-tests.
- Are any RCM DTCs recorded?
Yes : REFER to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM to continue diagnosis of the air bag system.

No : GO to Q2.
Q2 CARRY OUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RESTRAINTS OUTPUT CONTROL ACTIVE COMMAND USING THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
- Key in ON position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Instrument Cluster Active Command.
- Select the instrument cluster restraints output control active command. Trigger the air bag warning indicator active command on and off. Observe the air bag warning indicator.
- Does the air bag warning indicator illuminate when triggered on, and turn off when triggered off?
Yes : GO to Q4.

No : GO to Q3.
Q3 CHECK FOR CORRECT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION
- Disconnect the instrument cluster connector.
- Check for:
  - Corrosion
  - Pushed-out pins
- Connect the instrument cluster connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes : INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER . TEST the system for normal operation.

No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
Q4 CHECK FOR CORRECT RCM OPERATION
- Disconnect all the RCM connectors.
- Check for:
  - Corrosion
  - Pushed-out pins
- Connect all the RCM connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes : INSTALL a new RCM. REFER to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM . TEST the system for normal operation.

No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.