1998 Saturn SL Logo
Posted on Jul 25, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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'96 Saturn airbag light, do I need a reset or just drive cycles?

I have a '96 Saturn SL1 which had airbag light on when I bought it. Mechanic plugged in and said there was a code 22 (low resistance, drivers side). I replaced the airbag control module and drivers side airbag but light is still on. My first question is, once the faulty components of the airbag system are replaced, will the airbag light clear after so many drive cycles as with the PCM? Second question is since both the airbag and horn both go through the clock spring, is it a safe assumtion that if the horn is working that the clock spring is good? Thanks in advance to the experts on airbag systems who answer!

  • pablake1 Jul 26, 2009

    Thanks but ya didn't read what I said and asked in my post. "I" am the one who replaced the control module and d/s airbag, not the mechanic. Unfortunately I do not have the means to reset the module which is why I asked the question about the drive cycles, if the airbag module is anything like the PCM where once the fault is gone, drive cycles will clear the code.

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1 Answer

Ned C Cook

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  • Saturn Master 3,433 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 26, 2009
Ned C Cook
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Whomever changed the parts hasn't finished yet. Go back and tell them so. Or tell them the light is on so the parts they put in need warranty replacement. Good Luck

  • Ned C Cook
    Ned C Cook Jul 26, 2009



    GM AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL

    REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES



    This steering wheel is a direct replacement for your factory steering wheel. It is designed to accept the horn connections, shroud and air bag module from the steering wheel being replaced.

    GENERAL NOTES AND WARNINGS:

    PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION. IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO INSTALL THIS PRODUCT, PLEASE GO TO A CERTIFIED GARAGE OR DEALERSHIP IN YOUR AREA FOR INSTALLATION.

    FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY MAY RESULT IN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

    ALWAYS
    WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN REPAIRING OR HANDLING AN AIR BAG MODULE.

    ALWAYS
    DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM (SIR) BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.

    ALWAYS
    CARRY A LIVE AIR BAG MODULE WITH THE BAG AND TRIM COVER POINTED AWAY FROM YOUR BODY. AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT WILL THEN DEPLOY WITH A MINIMAL CHANCE OF INJURY.

    ALWAYS
    PLACE A LIVE AIR BAG MODULE ON A BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE WITH THE TRIM COVER FACING UP.

    NEVER
    PROBE THE CONNECTORS ON THE AIR BAG MODULE, DOING SO MAY RESULT IN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

    AIR BAG MODULES WITH DISCOLORED OR DAMAGED COVERS OR DEPLOYMENT DOORS MUST BE REPLACED, NOT REPAINTED.

    1

    On the Web: www.grantproducts.com



    Grant Products 700 Allen Avenue Glendale, Ca 91201 Phone: (818) 247-2910 Fax: (818) 241-4683TOOLS NEEDED:

    Fuse Puller Torque Wrench Flathead Screwdriver 7mm Socket

    #20 Torx Bit 1/8" Punch Steering Wheel Puller 21mm Socket

    #30 Torx Bit

    INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS



    Before disabling the Supplemental Restraint System (SIR), turn ignition to the ON position and observe the air bag lamp in dash. This lamp should flash 7 times and then go out. If lamp remains on before or after the 7 flashes, a problem exists in the system and MUST be repaired before proceeding with the disabling procedure.

    NOTE!
    Before you proceed, you might want to write down all your radio station presets, as these settings will be lost when you disconnect the battery.

    Where shown, refer to illustrations on last page of instructions.

    Disabling System

    1. Turn the steering wheel to the 12 O'clock and 6 O'clock position (Figure 1). Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the key from the vehicle.

    2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the air bag fuse from the fuse panel (see owners manual for the location of this fuse). Disconnect the orange connector position assurance clip (CPA) from yellow SIR connector under dash. Some vehicles may have two connectors, you must disconnect them both and separate the connector(s). (On S/T models, you will have to remove the lower dash panel for access to this connector). (Figure 2)

    Air Bag Module Removal

    3. Early 1995 models have a ball/lock fastener which has a round hole in the back of the steering wheel, simply insert a small 1/8" punch into the center of each fastener (4) and push to release.

    Other models have a leaf spring type fastener which has a square hole in the back of the steering wheel, insert a screwdriver with a 1/4" blade into hole in wheel and tilt or twist to push spring inward to release. Repeat for each fastener (4 each on most 1995-98 models, and 2 each on 1998-99 models with New Generation Air Bag).

    4. Lift air bag module from center of wheel enough to release module connector wiring from harness routing clips on wheel and back of air bag module (Figure 3). Do not pull or stretch wires. Disconnect connector position assurance clip (CPA) from the yellow connector and unplug the connector. (Figure 4)

    5. Remove the air bag module from the steering wheel and place it either in a safe place inside vehicle or on a workbench with the trim cover facing up. See warnings on page 1.



    6. Remove the horn contact pin by pushing down and turning plastic sleeve left slightly to release. Remove the steering wheel column shaft nut with a 21mm socket. Using a steering wheel puller, remove the steering wheel.



    7. Remove the shroud from the back of old wheel using torx driver and also remove horn contact tabs, wiring, routing clip,...etc. and transfer these components to the new wheel taking care to locate them exactly as they are on old wheel.

    2

    Grant Products 700 Allen Avenue Glendale, Ca 91201 Phone: (818) 247-2910 Fax: (818) 241-4683

    New Wheel Installation

    8. Install the new steering wheel onto steering shaft (align marks on the shaft and wheel so that wheel is oriented correctly). Tighten the steering wheel shaft nut securely to 30 ft-lbs. Reconnect the horn contact pin by pushing into housing and turning right slightly to lock into place.



    9. Reconnect the yellow air bag connector from column onto wire coming from air bag module and reinstall the CPA clip. Install wire into harness routing clips on wheel and back of module. (Figures 3 & 4) NOTE! - Improperly installed harness wiring may cause the steering shaft to damage the harness when the wheel is turned.



    10. Position air bag module into center of wheel (make sure wiring is routed so that it will not be pinched) and press firmly down on module until all fasteners lock into position (Figure 5). Visually verify that all fasteners are indeed locked in place.



    11. Reconnect the yellow connector(s) under dash panel from step 2 above and reinstall the CPA clip(s). (Reinstall the lower dash panel on S/T models).



    12. Reinstall the air bag fuse into the fuse panel. Reconnect the battery cable. Insert key and turn ignition to ON position. Observe the air bag light should flash 7 times and then go out.



    If the air bag light does not flash: Inspect the air bag fuse and also check that fuse has been installed into the correct location in fuseblock.



    If the air bag light flashes seven times and then stays on: Check the following: Is the yellow connector below the dash connected? If not, reconnect and try again. If it is connected:



    Release the air bag fasteners and check the yellow connector under air bag module. If not connected, reconnect and try again. If it is connected contact Grant Products or an authorized General Motors dealership.



    NOTE! Because you have disconnected power to the vehicle, your computer will have to relearn its settings. You may notice some roughness or other abnormal drive symptoms until it has reset. Also remember to reset all your radio stations.



    3



    Grant Products 700 Allen Avenue Glendale, Ca .

    Maybe you can use this info. Sounds like a learning process.

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