Diagnostic Pre-Test

Before attempting to repair any restraint system, technicians should be familiar with and fully understand the system operation. Refer to the Restraints System Description and Operation for complete details. The following should be used as a checklist to be completed in its entirety prior to referencing specific Restraints Diagnostic Procedures.

FOLLOW THE BASIC OUTLINE SET FORTH IN THE SIX-STEP TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE 

1. Verification of complaint.
2. Verification of any related symptoms.
3. Symptom analysis.
4. Problem isolation.
5. Repair of isolated problem.
6. Verification of proper operation.

TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CURRENT VEHICLE CONDITION, REPAIR HISTORY, AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSB) 

• Verify there are no outward signs of vehicle damage or effects from a collision that could impact the proper operation of the Restraints system. Check for aftermarket vehicle accessories that may have been installed improperly or could interfere with the system
• Check the vehicle repair history for repairs that may relate to the current condition.
• Perform a check of current Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for the Restraints system related to the customer concern. If a TSB applies, follow the procedure outlined in the TSB.

DIAGNOSE ONLY THOSE FAILURES THAT ARE ACTIVE AND CAN BE REPRODUCED 

• Check the control module central to the subsystem that is exhibiting the condition for active DTC
• For an intermittent failure that is not active at the time of vehicle inspection. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Standard Procedure  and follow the RESTRAINTS SYSTEM INTERMITTENT TEST and document the event on the repair order.

ADDRESS ACTIVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) IN THE CORRECT ORDER 

1. Low/High Voltage and Serial Data Loss of Communication Codes
2. Module Internal Failure and Configuration Mismatch Codes
3. Circuit specific DTC failures

Should the malfunction still be present after conducting this Pre-diagnostic Procedure, technicians should continue to the appropriate DTC procedure or symptom diagnostic. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Diagnosis and Testing for the appropriate diagnostic procedure or SERVICE INFORMATION .

Was the Pre-Test reviewed and is the DTC still present?

Yes 

• See DTC-Based Diagnostics/CONTROLLER, Occupant Restraint (ORC) - Diagnosis and Testing and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.

No 

• Test Complete.