Airbag light question

[Glaze]

There’s multiple threads regarding the dreaded airbag light on commodores - most common issue being the clockspring. However I used a scan tool to check airbag fault on a 2002 VX LS1 and it came up with “fault 21 driver airbag circuit resistance too high”.

Can’t find what “fault 21” refers to.

Since I’ve managed to get live data and fault code readout I’m a bit confused whether they refer to the driver airbag as the clockspring? Note: horn and steering wheel buttons don’t work, I will do clockspring but I wonder if the same fault is related to the airbag module?

Any clarity is appreciated cheers

 

[Lex]

There’s multiple threads regarding the dreaded airbag light on commodores - most common issue being the clockspring. However I used a scan tool to check airbag fault on a 2002 VX LS1 and it came up with “fault 21 driver airbag circuit resistance too high”.

Can’t find what “fault 21” refers to.

Since I’ve managed to get live data and fault code readout I’m a bit confused whether they refer to the driver airbag as the clockspring? Note: horn and steering wheel buttons don’t work, I will do clockspring but I wonder if the same fault is related to the airbag module?

Any clarity is appreciated cheers

It's usually a boken wire in the clockspring, but can be anywhere in the system?
Since the horn & steeering wheel controls aren't working, l'd say clockspring for sure?

Get the steering wheel of & put a mutimeter on it & test for continuance.

 

[lout]

the srs computer has found a high resistance to the drivers airbag
it does not know where the problem is
that is for you to diagnose
thats why we always say it is a fault code telling you where to test
not a shopping list
most likely is the clockspring
so either test further or take a guess at the most common wearing item

 

[BlackVXGTS]

The Sensing and Diagnostic module (aka SDM or Airbag), along with other modules (such as ABS) has its own series of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (aka DTCs or error codes). Refer to the attached excerpt from the Holden VT/VX Service Manual for info on DTC 21.

 

[Glaze]

The Sensing and Diagnostic module (aka SDM or Airbag), along with other modules (such as ABS) has its own series of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (aka DTCs or error codes). Refer to the attached excerpt from the Holden VT/VX Service Manual for info on DTC 21.

Cheers I was basically looking for airbag codes and whether code 21 is part of the BCM data or the scan tool showing it’s own version

 

[Lex]

d whether code 21 is part of the BCM data or the scan tool showing it’s own version

21 is a sdm (airbag code). High resistance. Nothing to do with the bcm.
You're drivers airbag is 12.1 ohms.
The airbag system likes, (if l remember correctly) 1.8 to 3 ohms. Anything that's below 1.8, or above 3 ohms will set the airbag system of.

Have you pulled the steering wheel of yet & tested the clockspring?

 

[Glaze]

I’ve replaced the clockspring and horn pad, unfortunately the second hand horn pad I have seems faulty as the horn is constantly on when I connect the negative back on. I fitted the original horn pad and horn is okay. Is it possible to remove horn relay, clear airbag light and see if it fixes the horn pad? My original one is quite worn out so would like to replace it

 

[Lex]

I’ve replaced the clockspring and horn pad, unfortunately the second hand horn pad I have seems faulty as the horn is constantly on when I connect the negative back on. I fitted the original horn pad and horn is okay. Is it possible to remove horn relay, clear airbag light and see if it fixes the horn pad? My original one is quite worn out so would like to replace it

You can swap the horn pads, no probem.
Has the horn turned off? & if so, does the horn now work, when pushing the horn?

Airbag light won't clear (if problem has been fixed) unless you have a scan tool.

Hint, if you have a scan tool, & the the fault is still current, the fault won't clear. Basically it means there is still a problem.
If the fault is now in history, the fault will clear. Means the problem has been fixed.
Good luck.

 

[lout]

use your old hornpad and "new" clockspring
clear airbag code
buy another hornpad later
horn is a completely different circuit to airbag, so clearing code wont fix horn

 

[Glaze]

You can swap the horn pads, no probem.
Has the horn turned off? & if so, does the horn now work, when pushing the horn?

Airbag light won't clear (if problem has been fixed) unless you have a scan tool.

Hint, if you have a scan tool, & the the fault is still current, the fault won't clear. Basically it means there is still a problem.
If the fault is now in history, the fault will clear. Means the problem has been fixed.
Good luck.

Ive got scan tool to read and clear the faults, I will clear fault first with original horn pad and then check everything. Then once all good I'll swap the horn pad and see how it goes