My SRS light is still blinking even after I replaced the clock spring. I believe it is an error #34. Does anybody have some troubleshooting procedures for the air bag?

I'm afraid to ohm out the airbag. I'm afraid that if you apply voltage to it, it'll go off!!!

 

You never tried looking to see what code its throwing? What does the code read when you look up that number?

 

The SRS light blinks 3 times, then blinks 4 times. Where can I look that up?

 

PINPOINT TEST DTC 34: DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CIRCUIT LOW RESISTANCE OR SHORTED


Normal Operation

The air bag diagnostic monitor measures the resistance across Pin 10 (Circuit 615, GY/W) and Pin 11 (Circuit 614, GY/O) every time the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. Normal resistance across these circuits is between 1.5 and 2.0 ohms. This resistance comes from the driver side air bag module (approximately 1.0 ohm) and the windings of the air bag sliding contact (0.25 to 0.5 ohm per winding, two windings in all). If the resistance across these two circuits is less than 0.7 ohm, the air bag diagnostic monitor will flash Code 34 on the air bag lamp.

The connectors for the driver side air bag module and the air bag sliding contact have metal spring clips that act as shorting bars. These shorting bars are built into the plastic hardshell connectors. The shorting bars are designed to short Circuits 614 and 615 together when the connectors are not mated. Do not attempt to remove the air bag shorting bar and measure the resistance of the air bag. The air bag sliding contact shorting bar may be removed to measure the resistance of the air bag sliding contact. Use extreme care when reinstalling the shorting bar to make sure it is installed correctly.

Possible Causes

Low resistance across Pins 10 and 11 can be caused by:
1. A poorly mated connector on the air bag sliding contact may not push the shorting bars back into their fully retracted positions.
2. A faulty shorting bar may short Circuits 614 and 615 together.
3. A short in the air bag sliding contact windings between Circuits 614 and 615.
4. A short across the terminals within the driver side air bag module. DO NOT attempt a direct resistance measurement of the driver side air bag module. Follow the diagnostic procedures to determine if the driver side air bag module resistance is lower than normal.


Electrical Schematic, Driver Side Air Bag Circuit Low Resistance or Shorted


/

 

Hmmm. You know Subford, I'm 90% sure that it was a code 32 before I replaced the clock spring. Now it's a code 34. I'll have to investigate that connector again. Can I email you if I need more help?

 

34 Cont.

PINPOINT TEST DTC 34: DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CIRCUIT LOW RESISTANCE OR SHORTED

34-1 CHECK FOR DTC 34
Turn ignition switch lock cylinder to ON.
Count diagnostic trouble code (if any).
Is Code 34 flashing?

Yes
GO to «34-2».

No
READ the normal operation description for this diagnostic trouble code. EXAMINE the diagnostic trouble code schematic and LOOK for areas where intermittent problems would occur (connectors, splices, crimps, etc.). DO NOT PROCEED with pinpoint test until the code is flashing! Failure to do so will result in needless replacement of the air bag diagnostic monitor and repeat service.
================================================== =================
34-2 DEACTIVATE SYSTEM
Deactivate system -- leave driver side air bag harness connector empty (do not install the air bag simulator).
Disconnect the air bag diagnostic monitor
Remove the plastic locking wedge from the black harness connector.
Measure the resistance across Pin 11 -- Circuit 614 (GY/O) and Pin 10 -- Circuit 615 (GY/W).
Is the resistance across Pins 10 and 11 infinite (open)?

Yes
GO to «34-3».

No
GO to «34-4».
================================================== =================
34-3 CHECK COMPONENT INSTALLATION
Install an air bag simulator onto the air bag sliding contact connector at the steering wheel.
Reconnect the air bag diagnostic monitor
Turn ignition switch lock cylinder from OFF to ON.
Wait 30 seconds.
Is Code 34 flashing?

Yes
REPLACE Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor. REACTIVATE system. VERIFY indicator.

No
EXAMINE the shorting bar on the driver side air bag connector for proper function.

NOTE:
EXAMINE the air bag sliding contact to main harness connector as an example of a normal shorting bar.REPLACE the driver side air bag if the shorting bar is normal. REACTIVATE system. VERIFY indicator.
================================================== =====================
34-4 CHECK AIR BAG SLIDING CONTACT

Disconnect the air bag sliding contact at the base of the steering column where it mates with the main vehicle harness.
Measure the resistance across Pin 11 (Circuit 614, GY/O) and Pin 10 (Circuit 615, GY/W).
Is the resistance across Pins 10 and 11 infinite (open)?

Yes
EXAMINE the shorting bar on air bag sliding contact and main harness connector for proper function.

NOTE:
EXAMINE the driver side air bag module connector as an example of a normal shorting bar.REPLACE the air bag sliding contact if the shorting bar is normal. REACTIVATE system. VERIFY indicator.

No
LOCATE and SERVICE the short across Circuits 614 and 615 in the wiring harness. INSPECT the air bag diagnostic monitor harness connector and the air bag sliding contact harness connector for shorted terminals. REACTIVATE system. VERIFY indicator.

 

Yes.
email address at the bottom.

 

Thanks for all the info. I'll start on it Sun or Mon...

 

I just went through a code 34 mission on my 95. The Ford publication states a code 34 is either a clockspring or an airbag module. I replaced the clock spring and still had a code 34. I then replaced the airbag and still had a code 34. Finally, I swapped in an airbag computer from a known good truck and that fixed the problem. I even checked my computer in the donor truck and it threw a code 34. So, you might want to look at an airbag computer if the clockspring and airbag dont fix your problem. I was surprised the Ford publication made no mention of the computer being suspect. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks Machman. Which is more expensive - the computer or the airbag?

 

I disconnected the airbag and inspected the connector. I blew it out and jacked with the shorting bar. I reconnected it and tested and it works now. Thanks for the help!!!

 

a good rule to follow: START WITH THE SIMPLE THINGS FIRST.

 

Can anyone tell me which connector has the shorting bar?

My '94 Bronco has been giving several different air bag codes then the burning smell from under the dash. I will remove the module and either replace the fuse or the module. I just wanted to be sure I had the shorting bar connector in good. Clockspring was replaced recently.

 

b4hntn,
The connectors for the air bag diagnostic monitor and the air bag sliding contact have metal spring clips that act as shorting bars. These shorting bars are built into the plastic hardshell connectors. The shorting bars are designed to short Circuits 614 and 615 together when the connectors are not mated. Do not attempt to remove the air bag shorting bar and measure the resistance of the driver side air bag module.

 

Yes, I disconnect both positive and negative for about 20 minutes...saving you a warning.

Thanks. I found one shorting pin connector. Today's plan is to stop the door dinger when the key is out. Plan to pull the lock cylinder and try to figure out where the little tab goes. I did not do it right when replacing the clockspring.

Any help there would be appreciated.

The air bag is off and I see the shorting pins in that connector.

Now I am going after a steering wheel puller.

Plan "A"...Once the dinger is fixed I'll check the yellow wire connector at the base of the column. Then try to remove the air bag module. Depending on the appearance of the board I might try replacing the thermal fuse and resistor in the little box per the YouTube video.

Thoughts please...