GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Bonneville 🢒 Restraints 🢒 SIR 🢒 DTC B0042

Circuit Description

The driver deployment loop consists of an dual stage inflatable restraint steering wheel module, the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil, steering wheel module - stage 2 high and steering wheel module - stage 2 low circuits. A shorting bar is used in the steering wheel module connector which will short together both steering wheel module stage 1 & 2 high circuits and steering wheel module stage 1 & 2 low circuits when the connector is disconnected, this will help to prevent unwanted deployment of the inflator module during servicing. During a frontal crash of sufficient force the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop in order to deploy the steering wheel module. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. If a malfunction is detected, a DTC will be stored in non-volatile memory.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition 1 Voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Steering wheel module - stage 2 deployment loop resistance is less than 1.3 ohms for 500 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The SDM commands the AIR BAG warning indicator ON via Class 2 serial data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the scan tool Clear DTCs function is used.
    • A history DTC will clear once 255 malfunction free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

The following are possible causes of the malfunction:

    • A short between the steering wheel module - stage 2 high and low circuits
    • A malfunctioning shorting bar on the steering wheel module connector
    • A malfunctioning shorting bar on the steering wheel module coil connector

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction. If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests to see if the malfunction is caused by the steering wheel module or by the steering wheel module coil.

    2.

  2. Tests for a short to between the steering wheel module - stage 2 high and steering wheel module - stage 2 low circuits.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: SIR Schematics

1

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check - SIR?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - SIR

2
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the steering wheel module coil in-line connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
  3. Inspect the component and harness sides of the steering wheel module coil in-line connector for damage or corrosion that may cause a short between high and low circuits. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Does the connector exhibit any signs of damage or corrosion?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3
  1. If the steering wheel module coil in-line connector is damaged, the steering wheel module coil must be replace. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
  2. If the wiring harness side of steering wheel module coil in-line connector is damaged, replace the harness side of the connector. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

--

4

    Important: When installing J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool for testing the dual stage steering wheel module, the correct 4 way load tool adapter connector must be used. Failure to use the correct 4 way load tool connector will set additional codes when testing.

  1. Use J 38715-80 adapter to connect the J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool to the harness side of the steering wheel module coil connector. Use BASE OF COLUMN and PASSENGER INFLATOR connectors.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Use the scan tool to request SIR DTCs displayed.

Does the scan tool indicate that this DTC 0042 is current?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect and remove the J 38715-A and adapter.
  3. Reconnect the steering wheel module coil in-line connector.
  4. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .

    5. Important: When installing J 38715-A SIR Driver/Passenger Load Tool for testing the dual stage steering wheel module, the correct 4-way load tool adapter connector must be used. Failure to use the correct 4-way load tool connector will set additional codes when testing.

  5. Use the J 38715-120 adapter to connect the J 38715-A to the upper steering wheel module coil connector on top of the steering column. Use STEERING WHEEL and PASSENGER INFLATOR connectors.
  6. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  7. Use the scan tool to request SIR DTCs displayed.

Does the scan tool indicate that this DTC 0042 is current?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

7
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

8
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the J 38715-A .
  3. Disconnect the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .
  4. Inspect the SDM connector for damage or corrosion that may cause a short between steering wheel module - stage 2 high and steering wheel module - stage 2 low circuits. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

9

Test for a short between the steering wheel module - stage 2 high and steering wheel module - stage 2 low circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the SDM. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

11
  1. Use the scan tool in order to Clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK