Seat AIRbag sensor/module problem

05 CAD CTS, dealer states the passenger airbag sensor is bad under the seat cushion.

1. I have it out, how can I test to make sure this $500 piece isn't replace only to find out it is not the real problem?

2. Can I reset the computer and see it I have somehow fixed the problem by just adjusting it...

3. Can these be reset by one of the compaies that says they can reload the codes into such items like Airbag modules?

Any other help would be much apreciated.......

There is no way to field test this unit, first. Second, a tech 11 scanner is required to read the codes and get a circuit analysis, 3rd where is your warranty on this repair? I don't know about your skills but this system does not lend it self to dyer type work.

Cadillac dealer said it was a bad module under the seat cushion, I at 500 bucks I wanted to make sure it was this item

What kind of shop would have this Tech 11 scanner? Only car shop or eletrical shop.

There is no more warranty on the car, it had 60k on it, Cadillac warranty runs out at 50k:-(

The repair is nothing, just pull the seat upholstery off the bottom cushion, unplug the module and the sensor pad, plug in the new(I guess this is all required).

Thanks

There is a diagnostic trouble tree set up in the Cad shop manual to trace this issue based on the bcm code, if they did this and determined the module was bad, ok. If they just went by a code that is an insufficient diagnosis. A high liner scanner such as an MTG2500 Snap On with all the cartridges or the dealer's Tech11 or 111 scanner and other high line units. The code read is step is only step in the problem. I would ask the dealer how they determined this, if they do the work and it does not fix the car, you have a backup they can remove it and start anew, you, however cannot. I don't see the savings here, 1 hour labor and the risk of wasting 500 dollars?

Great...I see what you are saying. This is the information I wanted to hear but did not know....

Thanks,

Well problems with the dealer...I shopped around and found a cheaper airbag module under the seat cushion, this is more like a sensor that goes under the passengers seat upholstery.

I took the seat upholstery off today and unplugged the sensor and removed it. I will have to just place the new sensor on the cushion and plug it in then replace the leather seat upholstory...This was an relativily easy job so far...the upholstery didn't have hog rings holding it down, it used velcro...I guess it works for Cadillac, i would prefer hog rings..This could be part of the reason Cadillac seats look so bad after min hours of operation...

The seat upholstrey isn't a problem for me, since I upgraded my truck from cloth to leather....on a scale from 1-10, the truck upgrade was about 6.5 for the general puplic...

I will keep you posted on the progress

If you dont mind, I also need your help to determine the cause of problem that I'm having, my car is Pontiac Montana 2002, there are times while driving that my airbag readiness light is intermittently going on & off. I read the manual and it said there that if this goes on, the airbag may not work during a crash or the airbag might inflate anytime. This light should any go lit for a few seconds after starting the engine. Can anyone of you help me, pls?