Air bag light.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,056
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From: Waterford, CT
if it flashes 3 times then a pause, then 2 times, its code 32, which is the clock spring code. if the clock spring fails the air bag could go off when you hit a significant bump or not go off when its supposed to. atleast thats what i was told. i had to get it replaced a few months ago in my 94. i dont know the procedure, but i believe you have to remove the steering wheel cover. dont quote me though, im sure someone else will come along with more info.
Brian
Brian
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: metro detroit area...
I wouldn't try to fix that yourself unless you really know what your doing... those things can be pretty unpredictable sometimes, static electricity can sometimes make them go off. May be worth having someone look into it for you so you don't hurt yourself trying to take it out.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
Duely noted. While I'm not an airbag specialist, it's definatly not my first day with a wrench. But now that I say that, most likely it will go off right in my face. LOL But, I've been punched in the face with harder stuff I suppose.
Brian, at lunch today, I watched for the flash. It just came on solid and then went off after the truck started. But I do know it flashed before. Heck, maybe I'll just get a normal steering wheel and pull the light bulb. LOL
Brian, at lunch today, I watched for the flash. It just came on solid and then went off after the truck started. But I do know it flashed before. Heck, maybe I'll just get a normal steering wheel and pull the light bulb. LOL
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
go to the tech thread at the top of this forum.
There you will find info on the replacement of the clockspring....that is assuming that it is the 3.2 code you are getting. Air bags can be dangerous, but if you follow directions it will be fine. Many folks have changed them with no problems. There are other codes as well though.
I have the 5-1 code, which may have been cause by the clockspring.
If it is the clockspring, you will likely find that cruise control will not work(if equipped with cruise) and I believe the horn will be absent as well. In case you're wondering...5.1 is an blown thermal fuse caused by a short.
Here's the link to the tech section. there are Two threads related to the clockspring.
Hope this helps.
There you will find info on the replacement of the clockspring....that is assuming that it is the 3.2 code you are getting. Air bags can be dangerous, but if you follow directions it will be fine. Many folks have changed them with no problems. There are other codes as well though.
I have the 5-1 code, which may have been cause by the clockspring.
If it is the clockspring, you will likely find that cruise control will not work(if equipped with cruise) and I believe the horn will be absent as well. In case you're wondering...5.1 is an blown thermal fuse caused by a short.
Here's the link to the tech section. there are Two threads related to the clockspring.
Hope this helps.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,324
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From: Central Mississippi
From an earlier thread:
Then I added:
Here you go....
I found my original post. Hope this helps.....
I also put the Air Bag light codes at the bottom of the post.
If it's the clock spring, here's the general procedure to remove and replace it..
Air Bag Sliding Contact
1. WARNING: THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE ANY AIR BAG COMPONENT SERVICE IS PERFORMED. TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE AND WAIT ONE MINUTE.
Disconnect the battery positive cable and wait one minute for the backup power supply energy to be depleted.
2. Make sure the vehicle's front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
3. Remove the driver side air bag module (043B13)
4. Remove the steering wheel (3600).
5. CAUTION: Do not apply excessive force to the air bag sliding contact (14A664).
Turn the air bag sliding contact clockwise until it stops.
6. Rotate the air bag sliding contact counterclockwise 2.75 turns.
7. Align the marks on the air bag sliding contact with the marks on the outer housing.
8. Install the steering wheel.
9. Install the air bag module
as described in Module, Driver Side Air Bag, Removal and Installation in this section.
10. NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the strategy.
Connect the battery positive cable.
11. Verify that the air bag indicator is operative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the trouble code chart
CODE COMPONENT/FAULT
12 Low Battery voltage
13 Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Ground
14 Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Circuit Shorted to Ground
21 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
22 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Output Circuit Shorted to Battery Voltage
23 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Circuit Input Feed/Return Circuit Open
24 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Output Feed/Return Circuit Open
32 Driver Side Air Bag Circuit High Resistance or Open
34 Driver Side Air Bag Circuit Low Resistance or Shorted
41 RH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Feed/Return Circuit Open
42 LH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Feed/Return Circuit Open
44 RH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
45 LH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
51 Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Internal Thermal Fuse - Fuse Blown Due to Intermittent Short to Ground
52 Backup Power Supply - Voltage Boost Fault
53 Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Circuits Resistance to Ground or Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Fault
- Rapid Continuous Flashing of Air Bag Indicator (No Fault Code) All Primary Air Bag Sensors Disconnected
- No Air Bag Indicator - Inoperative Indicator Circuit or No Battery Positive Voltage to Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
- Continuous Air Bag Indicator - Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Disconnected or Inoperative
I found my original post. Hope this helps.....
I also put the Air Bag light codes at the bottom of the post.
If it's the clock spring, here's the general procedure to remove and replace it..
Air Bag Sliding Contact
1. WARNING: THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE ANY AIR BAG COMPONENT SERVICE IS PERFORMED. TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE AND WAIT ONE MINUTE.
Disconnect the battery positive cable and wait one minute for the backup power supply energy to be depleted.
2. Make sure the vehicle's front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
3. Remove the driver side air bag module (043B13)
4. Remove the steering wheel (3600).
5. CAUTION: Do not apply excessive force to the air bag sliding contact (14A664).
Turn the air bag sliding contact clockwise until it stops.
6. Rotate the air bag sliding contact counterclockwise 2.75 turns.
7. Align the marks on the air bag sliding contact with the marks on the outer housing.
8. Install the steering wheel.
9. Install the air bag module
as described in Module, Driver Side Air Bag, Removal and Installation in this section.
10. NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the strategy.
Connect the battery positive cable.
11. Verify that the air bag indicator is operative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the trouble code chart
CODE COMPONENT/FAULT
12 Low Battery voltage
13 Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Ground
14 Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Circuit Shorted to Ground
21 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
22 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Output Circuit Shorted to Battery Voltage
23 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Circuit Input Feed/Return Circuit Open
24 Rear Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Output Feed/Return Circuit Open
32 Driver Side Air Bag Circuit High Resistance or Open
34 Driver Side Air Bag Circuit Low Resistance or Shorted
41 RH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Feed/Return Circuit Open
42 LH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Feed/Return Circuit Open
44 RH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
45 LH Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly
51 Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Internal Thermal Fuse - Fuse Blown Due to Intermittent Short to Ground
52 Backup Power Supply - Voltage Boost Fault
53 Front Air Bag Sensor and Bracket Circuits Resistance to Ground or Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Fault
- Rapid Continuous Flashing of Air Bag Indicator (No Fault Code) All Primary Air Bag Sensors Disconnected
- No Air Bag Indicator - Inoperative Indicator Circuit or No Battery Positive Voltage to Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor
- Continuous Air Bag Indicator - Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Disconnected or Inoperative
Then I added:
Recently did the same repair for the same problem. The replacement clock spring should come packaged with a plastic spider that holds the spring assy & keeps it "clocked" & from moving during shipping. Also be very careful of the bolt holes on the steering wheel where your wheel-puller attaches. The threads are shallow, the material aluminium & strips quite easy.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 108
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From: Barrington, Il.
I had the same issue w/ my '94, and a new clock spring cured the air bag light, but my cruise still doesn't work, and stranger yet, my horn only works "key off" (same as before). There's a strange wire added in that I haven't figured out yet, but cutting it didn't make a difference.
I spliced it back together tho since I had no idea what it's function was meant to be.
I spliced it back together tho since I had no idea what it's function was meant to be.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 108
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From: Barrington, Il.
Is that the update you're talking about?
The dealer asked whether the cruise worked b4, but with the bad clock spring, I had no idea.
When I saw the recall notice, I unplugged the cruise, then put in the CS and plastic shifter column bushings. THEN took it for the recall.
I really don't miss the cruise, it's a local driver for bad weather, but the horn would be nice for bad drivers in local weather
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
Yes, that's what I was talking about. Your good. The one on my Diesel had fluid wicked all the way to the fire wall when I installed the update. My cruise on it, still doesn't work. But I know the clock spring on it needs help for sure. But the horn works. LOL
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 108
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From: Barrington, Il.
Truck is a 4X winter driver with 150K on the clock (but a fresh 306) and who knows what damage could have been done to it by the fluid b4 I bought it last spring. It's my EBay problem child, and there were a lot of baling wire / chewing gum fixes on it when I got it.
I can always hook up a horn button if I feel especially agressive LOL
I can always hook up a horn button if I feel especially agressive LOL
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
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From: Marble Falls, Texas
Okay, here's a question, how do I pull off the airbag/center cover of the steering wheel? Is it just pry off like the others?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 108
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From: Barrington, Il.
That will make sure the airbag backup power supply is dead. Most people will say a couple of minutes is enough, but I found out on a Dodge a few years ago that longer is better.
2)There are 4 Phillips head screws holding the air bag to the wheel.
3)Lift the bag off slowly so as not to jerk on the wiring. Disconnect and set aside.
From there the process is pretty straight forward. Once the wheel is off, the clock spring is right out front with 3 screws locating it.
Really, the only trick part is getting that little key chime tab to stay in place when you put it back together.
OH Yeah... have the key on when you hook the battery back up just in case. Your face won't be a target.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 973
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
To those that have changed the clockspring....
When you remove the wheel, is it obvious that there is a problem with the clockspring?
I ask because I have the 51 code but do not want to change the thermal fuse until I solve the underlying problem...so I was just wondering if I pulled off the wheel if it would be obvious if the clockspring was done.
When you remove the wheel, is it obvious that there is a problem with the clockspring?
I ask because I have the 51 code but do not want to change the thermal fuse until I solve the underlying problem...so I was just wondering if I pulled off the wheel if it would be obvious if the clockspring was done.