2006 Malibu LS - Seat belt pretensioner & Air Bag light question
PackLeader
03-29-2009, 08:56 AM
Greetings all,
Todays challenge is my wife's 2006 Malibu LS - 2.2L 4cyl; 30K miles. Am hoping you kind folks can help with some information and guidance here.
This vehicle was driven into a curb after being run off of the road. Both front wheels & tires were damaged and had to be replaced, but the majority of the impact was to the passenger side front wheel, tire, steering and suspension. I replaced the control arm, sway bar link, inner steering shaft and wheel hub on the passenger side. The vehicle also received a minor frame straigtening and front/rear wheel alignment.
After this incident, the "Service Air Bag" light came on even though no air bags deployed. Also, the passenger-side front seat belt locked in it's retracted position. (there was no passenger present at the time) It's locked about as tight as a guitar string under high tension. In addition, the driver's seat-belt pretensioner/retractor appears to have failed. It won't retract at all.
I put a scan tool on it to see if any codes were set but there weren't any. So here's what I'm wondering....
1) How can I turn off the "Service Air Bags" lamp since they didn't deploy and no codes are set?
2) How can I release the locked seat belt (passenger front)?
3) What do you suppose could have caused the drivers seat belt retractor to fail? This was not a high-speed incident.
4) Does anyone know the GM part number for a drivers front pretensioner for this vehicle, color:titanium? I know I have to replace at least one but they're really expensive. I've had quotes from $171 - $234 but would love to be able to search online by part number.
Thanks in advance folks! Really appreciate your help.
Todays challenge is my wife's 2006 Malibu LS - 2.2L 4cyl; 30K miles. Am hoping you kind folks can help with some information and guidance here.
This vehicle was driven into a curb after being run off of the road. Both front wheels & tires were damaged and had to be replaced, but the majority of the impact was to the passenger side front wheel, tire, steering and suspension. I replaced the control arm, sway bar link, inner steering shaft and wheel hub on the passenger side. The vehicle also received a minor frame straigtening and front/rear wheel alignment.
After this incident, the "Service Air Bag" light came on even though no air bags deployed. Also, the passenger-side front seat belt locked in it's retracted position. (there was no passenger present at the time) It's locked about as tight as a guitar string under high tension. In addition, the driver's seat-belt pretensioner/retractor appears to have failed. It won't retract at all.
I put a scan tool on it to see if any codes were set but there weren't any. So here's what I'm wondering....
1) How can I turn off the "Service Air Bags" lamp since they didn't deploy and no codes are set?
2) How can I release the locked seat belt (passenger front)?
3) What do you suppose could have caused the drivers seat belt retractor to fail? This was not a high-speed incident.
4) Does anyone know the GM part number for a drivers front pretensioner for this vehicle, color:titanium? I know I have to replace at least one but they're really expensive. I've had quotes from $171 - $234 but would love to be able to search online by part number.
Thanks in advance folks! Really appreciate your help.
H1HUMMERMAN
03-29-2009, 01:41 PM
It is possible for the seat belt pretensioners to deploy without air bag deployment. If they did, they will lock in whatever position they were in when deployed (which explains the passenger side so tight). What type of scan tool are you using? Is it a generic scan tool only capable of reading PCM codes or can it read SIR codes as well? If the air bag light is on, there should certainly be codes set. You will most likely need to replace both seat belts, however knowing what codes are stored would verify that.
PackLeader
04-04-2009, 10:02 AM
It is possible for the seat belt pretensioners to deploy without air bag deployment. If they did, they will lock in whatever position they were in when deployed (which explains the passenger side so tight). What type of scan tool are you using? Is it a generic scan tool only capable of reading PCM codes or can it read SIR codes as well? If the air bag light is on, there should certainly be codes set. You will most likely need to replace both seat belts, however knowing what codes are stored would verify that.
Hi, and thanks for the info. I used an Actron CP9180. I guess that would explain why I didn't get any codes. I never realized that different scan tools were needed for ABS/SRS/SIR codes. Do you have any suggestions for an inexpensive scan tool that will pull these codes?
I replaced both seat-belt/retractor assemblies and had the SDM reflashed, but the ABS light remains on and the "Service Air Bags" message still appears on the dash.
Is there an alternate method of troubleshooting without knowing the codes or am I pretty much stuck without them? Someone mentioned that I might need to replace a crash sensor but I hate to replace things that aren't proven to be defective. Any additional info is sincerely appreciated. Thanks again!
Hi, and thanks for the info. I used an Actron CP9180. I guess that would explain why I didn't get any codes. I never realized that different scan tools were needed for ABS/SRS/SIR codes. Do you have any suggestions for an inexpensive scan tool that will pull these codes?
I replaced both seat-belt/retractor assemblies and had the SDM reflashed, but the ABS light remains on and the "Service Air Bags" message still appears on the dash.
Is there an alternate method of troubleshooting without knowing the codes or am I pretty much stuck without them? Someone mentioned that I might need to replace a crash sensor but I hate to replace things that aren't proven to be defective. Any additional info is sincerely appreciated. Thanks again!
H1HUMMERMAN
04-04-2009, 10:35 AM
Sorry to say, buy a scan tool is the only way to find out what is really going on. I am not aware of any inexpensive scanners for airbag codes, I paid $1500 for mine. It is very possible that you have a damaged crash sensor. Even if it doesn't look damaged, it still most likely is. Something sent the messege to the SDM requesting pretensioner deployment. There are two front end sensors and two side impact sensors (if equipped with side curtain airbags). You may be able to tell which one is bad by taking a resistance reading across the two terminals of the sensor. Just make sure you unplug the sensor first and don't touch the harness side of the circuit. You don't want to set off your airbags!! If the sensor is bad, I think you should have little or no resistance accross the two terminals. You can compare the readings of the two front end sensors and see if they are different. However a scanner is the easiest way to determine the problem.
PackLeader
04-04-2009, 11:34 AM
Sorry to say, buy a scan tool is the only way to find out what is really going on. I am not aware of any inexpensive scanners for airbag codes, I paid $1500 for mine. It is very possible that you have a damaged crash sensor. Even if it doesn't look damaged, it still most likely is. Something sent the messege to the SDM requesting pretensioner deployment. There are two front end sensors and two side impact sensors (if equipped with side curtain airbags). You may be able to tell which one is bad by taking a resistance reading across the two terminals of the sensor. Just make sure you unplug the sensor first and don't touch the harness side of the circuit. You don't want to set off your airbags!! If the sensor is bad, I think you should have little or no resistance accross the two terminals. You can compare the readings of the two front end sensors and see if they are different. However a scanner is the easiest way to determine the problem.
Cool, thanks. I'll try that. Also, somthing else just occured to me as well. The collision shop that straightened the frame might have that type of scan tool as well. They might be a good place to ask. Thanks again. http://autobodystore.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif
Cool, thanks. I'll try that. Also, somthing else just occured to me as well. The collision shop that straightened the frame might have that type of scan tool as well. They might be a good place to ask. Thanks again. http://autobodystore.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif
H1HUMMERMAN
04-04-2009, 01:31 PM
wow! the frame needed straightening? I would say there is a very good chance at least one of the impact sensors are bad. If it is a body shop, they should definately have a scan tool I would think. See if they can get the code for you and post back.
PackLeader
04-04-2009, 01:45 PM
wow! the frame needed straightening? I would say there is a very good chance at least one of the impact sensors are bad. If it is a body shop, they should definately have a scan tool I would think. See if they can get the code for you and post back.
Yep. In the grand scheme of things though, it was a relatively minor straightening job. They had to straighten the area where the front of the passenger-side lower contol-arm bushing attaches. I know it's not perfect because I had to put camber kits in it just to get the alignment back within specs, but it's close. At least it steers fine again and doesn't dog-track down the road. This vehicle doesn't have side air bags/curtains, and there was no damage in the area of either of the two front impact sensors, but still, I'll try and find someone that can pull the codes for me. When I do, I'll post em'. Thanks again.
Yep. In the grand scheme of things though, it was a relatively minor straightening job. They had to straighten the area where the front of the passenger-side lower contol-arm bushing attaches. I know it's not perfect because I had to put camber kits in it just to get the alignment back within specs, but it's close. At least it steers fine again and doesn't dog-track down the road. This vehicle doesn't have side air bags/curtains, and there was no damage in the area of either of the two front impact sensors, but still, I'll try and find someone that can pull the codes for me. When I do, I'll post em'. Thanks again.
dugan50
04-07-2009, 04:20 PM
Hi Packleader:
Hummerman has his finger on the pulse! Good advice. In the future, here's a site that may save you a lot of time and trouble. There are specific items that are required replacement items when a deployment occurs or when an airbag light comes on...and there are some items that are "check only". Check out this website for the EXACT answers to your questions including fault code charts and reset information. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced and how to access them (seat belts & all) on over 3500 cars. It's a pay site ($14.95 / day), but it's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text, so you can see what you’re looking for.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
Good Luck...it's not too bad of a job & if your state allows it, used parts or parts from ebay should be ok
Hummerman has his finger on the pulse! Good advice. In the future, here's a site that may save you a lot of time and trouble. There are specific items that are required replacement items when a deployment occurs or when an airbag light comes on...and there are some items that are "check only". Check out this website for the EXACT answers to your questions including fault code charts and reset information. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced and how to access them (seat belts & all) on over 3500 cars. It's a pay site ($14.95 / day), but it's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text, so you can see what you’re looking for.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
Good Luck...it's not too bad of a job & if your state allows it, used parts or parts from ebay should be ok
PackLeader
04-07-2009, 05:34 PM
Hi Packleader:
Hummerman has his finger on the pulse! Good advice. In the future, here's a site that may save you a lot of time and trouble. There are specific items that are required replacement items when a deployment occurs or when an airbag light comes on...and there are some items that are "check only". Check out this website for the EXACT answers to your questions including fault code charts and reset information. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced and how to access them (seat belts & all) on over 3500 cars. It's a pay site ($14.95 / day), but it's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text, so you can see what you’re looking for.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
Good Luck...it's not too bad of a job & if your state allows it, used parts or parts from ebay should be ok
Thanks man. I'll check it out. :)
Hummerman has his finger on the pulse! Good advice. In the future, here's a site that may save you a lot of time and trouble. There are specific items that are required replacement items when a deployment occurs or when an airbag light comes on...and there are some items that are "check only". Check out this website for the EXACT answers to your questions including fault code charts and reset information. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced and how to access them (seat belts & all) on over 3500 cars. It's a pay site ($14.95 / day), but it's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text, so you can see what you’re looking for.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
Good Luck...it's not too bad of a job & if your state allows it, used parts or parts from ebay should be ok
Thanks man. I'll check it out. :)
SC2ner
04-08-2009, 01:50 PM
I responded to your thread on the other forum. Check for reference. But I will say it again to inform others on this forum. I am not sure on the New Malibu but here is a little FYI. You will have to check with chevy and find out.
On some of these newer cars they have pyrotechnic seat belts. Meaning; when you get into a collision there are small explosive charges in the seat belts that go off, either shooting little metal balls or something to spin the gear the other way to tighten it down. In the even of this, I could only imagine that the seat belts would have to be replaced. Otherwise they would not be packed again so a second impact.
So what I am saying is to consult chevy, either a dealer or chevy themselves, and give them your vin to find out if this vehicle is equipped with that or any other device that may cause it to seize and need replacement.
On some of these newer cars they have pyrotechnic seat belts. Meaning; when you get into a collision there are small explosive charges in the seat belts that go off, either shooting little metal balls or something to spin the gear the other way to tighten it down. In the even of this, I could only imagine that the seat belts would have to be replaced. Otherwise they would not be packed again so a second impact.
So what I am saying is to consult chevy, either a dealer or chevy themselves, and give them your vin to find out if this vehicle is equipped with that or any other device that may cause it to seize and need replacement.
PackLeader
04-08-2009, 03:57 PM
I responded to your thread on the other forum. Check for reference. But I will say it again to inform others on this forum. I am not sure on the New Malibu but here is a little FYI. You will have to check with chevy and find out.
On some of these newer cars they have pyrotechnic seat belts. Meaning; when you get into a collision there are small explosive charges in the seat belts that go off, either shooting little metal balls or something to spin the gear the other way to tighten it down. In the even of this, I could only imagine that the seat belts would have to be replaced. Otherwise they would not be packed again so a second impact.
So what I am saying is to consult chevy, either a dealer or chevy themselves, and give them your vin to find out if this vehicle is equipped with that or any other device that may cause it to seize and need replacement.
Hi,
Yep.... you were right about that. And I did have to replace both retractors. I'm currently down to one last problem. Finding out why the air-bag warning light is still on and also the service air bag message on the dash. Thanks.
On some of these newer cars they have pyrotechnic seat belts. Meaning; when you get into a collision there are small explosive charges in the seat belts that go off, either shooting little metal balls or something to spin the gear the other way to tighten it down. In the even of this, I could only imagine that the seat belts would have to be replaced. Otherwise they would not be packed again so a second impact.
So what I am saying is to consult chevy, either a dealer or chevy themselves, and give them your vin to find out if this vehicle is equipped with that or any other device that may cause it to seize and need replacement.
Hi,
Yep.... you were right about that. And I did have to replace both retractors. I'm currently down to one last problem. Finding out why the air-bag warning light is still on and also the service air bag message on the dash. Thanks.
PackLeader
04-08-2009, 04:26 PM
Hi Packleader:
Hummerman has his finger on the pulse! Good advice. In the future, here's a site that may save you a lot of time and trouble. There are specific items that are required replacement items when a deployment occurs or when an airbag light comes on...and there are some items that are "check only". Check out this website for the EXACT answers to your questions including fault code charts and reset information. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced and how to access them (seat belts & all) on over 3500 cars. It's a pay site ($14.95 / day), but it's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text, so you can see what you’re looking for.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
Good Luck...it's not too bad of a job & if your state allows it, used parts or parts from ebay should be ok
Hi again.
Ok, I took your advice. I paid for a day's worth of access. I also found a collision shop with a scan tool that reads SRS codes. There are two codes set. A B0015 and a B0022. The AirBag Fault-Code chart from AirBagSolutions.com show these to be related to the left and right front seatbelt pretensioner deployment loops. The fault chart has two-digit suffix-codes or sub-codes or something that the scan tool didn't show. But, it did indicate an open circuit so my best guess is that the codes are actually B0015 04 and B0022 04. This makes me wonder if it's something really simple like a blown fuse in the BCM somewhere. I'll have to check that tonight. FYI, we cleared the codes twice but they instantly return.
Hummerman has his finger on the pulse! Good advice. In the future, here's a site that may save you a lot of time and trouble. There are specific items that are required replacement items when a deployment occurs or when an airbag light comes on...and there are some items that are "check only". Check out this website for the EXACT answers to your questions including fault code charts and reset information. This site tells you exactly what needs to be replaced and how to access them (seat belts & all) on over 3500 cars. It's a pay site ($14.95 / day), but it's little money well spent to get the correct answers and to see exactly what you're after...it uses pictures, not text, so you can see what you’re looking for.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com (http://www.airbagsolutions.com/)
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
Good Luck...it's not too bad of a job & if your state allows it, used parts or parts from ebay should be ok
Hi again.
Ok, I took your advice. I paid for a day's worth of access. I also found a collision shop with a scan tool that reads SRS codes. There are two codes set. A B0015 and a B0022. The AirBag Fault-Code chart from AirBagSolutions.com show these to be related to the left and right front seatbelt pretensioner deployment loops. The fault chart has two-digit suffix-codes or sub-codes or something that the scan tool didn't show. But, it did indicate an open circuit so my best guess is that the codes are actually B0015 04 and B0022 04. This makes me wonder if it's something really simple like a blown fuse in the BCM somewhere. I'll have to check that tonight. FYI, we cleared the codes twice but they instantly return.
SC2ner
04-09-2009, 06:49 AM
When replacing the seat belts did you make sure to plug in the connector? Second, were either crash sensors in the front bumper damaged due to the impact?
FYI, crash sensors aka lateral impact sensors.
FYI, crash sensors aka lateral impact sensors.
PackLeader
04-09-2009, 08:10 AM
When replacing the seat belts did you make sure to plug in the connector? Second, were either crash sensors in the front bumper damaged due to the impact?
FYI, crash sensors aka lateral impact sensors.
:iceslolan Yes. Most definately plugged in the the connector on each retractor assy, and, was very careful not to damage the two tiny pins on each connector. And no, there's no sign of any (physical) damage to either crash sensor.
One thing I haven't done yet though is to measure the resistance across the terminals of each sensor yet. We both know that just because they don't look damaged doesn't mean they're not. Also didn't get a chance to check the BCM fuses yet. Won't be able to devote any time to this again until the weekend. Thanks.
FYI, crash sensors aka lateral impact sensors.
:iceslolan Yes. Most definately plugged in the the connector on each retractor assy, and, was very careful not to damage the two tiny pins on each connector. And no, there's no sign of any (physical) damage to either crash sensor.
One thing I haven't done yet though is to measure the resistance across the terminals of each sensor yet. We both know that just because they don't look damaged doesn't mean they're not. Also didn't get a chance to check the BCM fuses yet. Won't be able to devote any time to this again until the weekend. Thanks.
dugan50
04-11-2009, 07:54 AM
Hi Packleader:
You still need to replace the airbag control unit. They do not reset after a deployment. These are throwaway control units after a deployment. The codes stored in them will not clear even if you replace the deployed parts. Once you replace it, the control unit may need still to be flashed to your VIN to clear the light. The website (www.airbagsolutions.com) does show you and list all of this information.
Lastly, the two front sensors are required by GM, but I have seen people get away without replacing them if they are unscathed.
You still need to replace the airbag control unit. They do not reset after a deployment. These are throwaway control units after a deployment. The codes stored in them will not clear even if you replace the deployed parts. Once you replace it, the control unit may need still to be flashed to your VIN to clear the light. The website (www.airbagsolutions.com) does show you and list all of this information.
Lastly, the two front sensors are required by GM, but I have seen people get away without replacing them if they are unscathed.
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