Hi all, '98 chev cavalier - Air bag light has come on and I don't know how to reset. Have removed steering wheel cover and checked air bag connections and all looks fine. Any suggestions on where else or what else I should be looking at or checking.
Thanks
Usually
a lit airbag can be attributed to faulty wiring, crash sensor behind
the front bumper, bad connection between the airbag and lower part of
the steering column, or a faulty airbag module. I've also heard of clockspring wiring harness problems. An airbag "on" light means that your airbag system is INACTIVE. Be careful. Check for a safety recall. You must have the battery disconnected for at least 15 minutes for a reset and double check your battery. I know it seems simple, but a poor battery will trip a code. 15 minutes allows the SDM (Sensing
Diagnostic Module or Airbag computer) to discharge the backup power for
airbag. Do this especially if you're poking around the controls. It sounds like a bad connection which is not allowing communication between all parts of the system. Also check the fuse (can't hurt).
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hi most mercs of this age are mostley the same where the steering wheel is look underneath that where your peddles are that is a large panel with around 7 to 8 screws keeping it in place remove this pannel when this is removed you should be able to see more screws keeping the steering colum plastic in place you may also need t remove the steering wheel first disconect battery as the srs light will come on and will need reseting if not behind the wheel there are 2 screw holes which are small star keys this removes the air bag once air bag is removed the steering wheel not will be there hope this helps
CAUTION
The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before performing many in-vehicle service procedures. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.
Turn the steering wheel so the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight-ahead.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
Remove or disconnect the following:
Ignition keyAIR BAG fuse from the instrument panel fuse blockLeft-hand sound insulatorConnector retainer and yellow 2-way connector at the base of the steering column.Right-hand sound insulator, if equipped with passenger side air bagsConnector retainer and yellow 2-way connector from the passenger inflator module pigtail, if equipped with passenger side air bags
Fig. Driver-s side Yellow 2-way air bag connector retainer location
no connection between air bag and horn operation
the air bag is in a section but that whole section presses to activate the horn
can be on either side bottom or top will work the horn
probably right that there is no air bag
you will have to remove the wheel to check the horn contact under the center bit
check for a horn relay operation first
disconnect the negative batery terminal be fore you mess with the horn. the cover should come off easily and you will the wire for the horn on my car the wire is green
first take the hot side off the battery,on the back of steering there will be screww take them out then unhook air bag wires you should see it then change it.
STEERING Steering Wheel REMOVAL & INSTALLATION All Series CAUTION When performing service around the SIR system components or wiring, the SIR system
MUST be disabled. Failure to do so could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury or unneeded SIR system repairs.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
On models equipped with a drivers side air bag, perform the following procedure:
Disable the Supplemental Restraint System (if equipped).
On all but 1996–98 models equipped with a air bag, unfasten the screws at the rear of the steering wheel.
On 1996–98 models equipped with a air bag, turn the steering wheel 90° to access the rear shroud holes to the inflator module. Insert a screwdriver in the holes and push the leaf spring to release the pin. Turn the steering wheel 180° to access the remaining shroud holes and using the screwdriver, release the remaining pins.
Tilt the inflator module rearward from the top to access the wiring. Tag and unplug the lead wire from the clip on the module, the lead wire from the clip on the steering wheel and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer from the module.
If not equipped with a drivers side air bag, remove the horn pad or button cap and disconnect the horn wires.
Fig. 1: Remove the horn button cap
Fig. 2: Disengage the horn wiring
Fig. 3: If equipped, remove the snapring from the steering shaft
Mark the steering wheel-to-steering shaft relationship.
If equipped, remove the snapring from the steering shaft.
Remove the nut from the steering shaft.
WARNING Don't hammer on the steering shaft!
Remove the steering wheel with a puller.
To install:
Install the wheel. The turn signal control assembly must be in the Neutral position to prevent damaging the canceling cam and control assembly. Tighten the nut to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
Install the horn pad and horn contact (if equipped).
If equipped with a drivers side air bag, install the inflator module as follows:
Attach the lead wire to the clip on the module, the lead wire to the clip on the steering wheel and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer to the module.
On 1996–98 models, install the inflator module by pressing it firmly into the steering wheel so that all four notched pins in the leaf spring are fully engaged. Be very careful that you do not pinch any wires.
On all but 1996–98 models equipped with a air bag, install the inflator module and tighten the screws to 27 inch lbs. (3 Nm).
Connect the battery ground cable and enable the SIR system (if equipped).
Fig. 4: Remove the nut and washer from the steering shaft
Fig. 5: Use a puller to separate the steering wheel
Fig. 6: Remove the steering wheel
First thing is to remove the negative battery cable. Then pull the air bag fuse, then take off steering wheel cover, and pull the wiring harness of the air bags. Just pulling the fuse is the first good thing.
It's a pretty long procedure to type out,so go to autozone.com,register and input your vehicle info,then you can access their online repair guide,they have the procedure to disarm the air bag(s),they are under the chassis electrical heading,follow them to a tee so you don't set the air bag off,the cover maybe screwed on thru the back of the steering wheel or may just be held in place with tension clips,the repair guide isn't clear on this so look for srews first,if you don't see any you should be able to pry gently off with a screwdriver,the horn switch will be in the cavity underneath or possibly attached to the back of the air bag itself,it's just a small springed tab with a wire attached that touches the metal of the steering column.I hope this info helps and please be careful to follow the instructions.
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