Voyager V6-3.3L VIN 3 Flex Fuel (2003)
Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Airbag diagnostic trouble codes consist of active and stored codes. If more than one code exists, diagnostic priority should be given to the active
codes. Each diagnostic trouble code is diagnosed by following a specific testing procedure. The diagnostic test procedures contain step-by-step
instructions for determining the cause of the trouble codes. It is not necessary to perform all of the tests in this book to diagnose an individual
code. Always begin by reading the diagnostic trouble codes using the DRB III. Always begin diagnostic with the Table of Contents. This will
direct you to the specific test(s) that must be performed. Active diagnostic trouble codes for the airbag system are not permanent and will change
the moment the reason for the code is corrected. In certain test procedures, diagnostic trouble codes are used as a diagnostic tool.
Active Codes
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunction is detected or key-on, whichever occurs first. An active trouble code indicates an on-going
malfunction. This means that the defect is currently there every time the airbag control module checks that circuit or component. It is impossible to
erase an active code. Active codes automatically erase by themselves when the reason for the code has been corrected. With the exception of the
warning lamp trouble codes or malfunctions, when a malfunction is detected, the airbag lamp remains lit for a minimum of 12 seconds or as long
as the malfunction is present.
Stored Codes
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the ACM's memory as soon as the malfunction is detected. The exception is the Loss of Ignition Run
Only code which is an active code only. A stored code indicates there was an active code present at some time. However, the code currently may
not be present as an active code, although another code could be active. When a trouble code occurs, the airbag warning indicator illuminates for
12 seconds minimum (even if the problem existed for less than 12 seconds). The code is stored, along with the time in minutes it was active, and
the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the problem was last detected. The minimum time shown for any code will be one minute,
even if the code was actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown for a code will be one minute, even if the code was actually
present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown for a code that was present for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be three
minutes. If a malfunction is detected a diagnostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored. When and if the malfunction ceases to exist, an
ignition cycle count will be initiated for that code. If the ignition cycle count reaches 100 without a reoccurrence of the same malfunction, the
diagnostic trouble code is erased and that ignition cycle counter is reset to zero. If the malfunction reoccurs before the count reaches 100, then the
ignition cycle counter will be reset and diagnostic trouble code will continue to be a stored code. If a malfunction is not active while performing a
diagnostic test procedure, the active code diagnostic test will not locate the source of the problem. In this case, the stored code can indicate an area
to inspect. If no obvious problems are found, erase stored codes, and with the ignition ON wiggle the wire harness and connectors, rotate the
steering wheel from stop to stop. Recheck for codes periodically as you work through the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunction that
is difficult to locate.
