Airbag Light Meaning & How to Fix One on a GM Vehicle

Steps to diagnose an airbag light in a GM vehicle

1. Scan the Airbag System with an Advanced Scan Tool

   You won’t be able to scan and check the airbag system for codes without a higher-end or more advanced scan tool. The scanner will need to be able to communicate with different modules to scan for diagnostic codes.
   
   
   
   – Select the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint module, which is the airbag module.
   – Select to read the fault codes and display the DTCs. In the example shown in the video above, the scanner picked up airbag code B0091-00.

2. Locate the Sensor Causing the Code

   Check underneath the front bumper cover for the airbag sensors. You may have one or more.
   
   

3. Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

   Loosen the bolt and disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the airbag system.
   
   

4. Check the Sensor Connector for Corrosion

   Check the airbag sensor electrical connector for damage like corrosion. The sensor in the video above at 1:35 and the picture below has split open from corrosion. The metal sleeve in the sensor can rust and corrode. As it corrodes it expands, splits and breaks the seal, which allows moisture to accumulate and damage the sensor.
   
   

5. If There Is More Than One Sensor, Swap It with Another to Test It

   If you have more than one airbag sensor, you can test the sensor by swapping it with another and seeing if the code follows the bad sensor.

6. Replace the Defective Airbag Sensor

   Replace the defective sensor by disconnecting the electrical connector, removing the bolts, and removing the sensor. Install the new sensor by inserting it into place, tightening the fasteners, and connecting the electrical connector.