hi
just wondering if anybody knows anything about the srs system. i have a 97 grand prix gt. the light stays on when you start the car and never goes out. from what the dealer has told me it is the airbag module. It has a short in one of the wires. It is the one in the steering wheel. I am wondering if anyone knows how to change these? Is it something I can do myself without setting off the airbag? Anything anyone knows about this could you please tell us. We would appreciate any help. I am slowly getting my grand prix put back together the way it is suppose to be.

A lot of know us about the SIR/SRS system but are reluctant to give info on it for obvious reasons. However:

To start, working on airbags is not for a beginner or novice without specialized knowledge on the SIR system. However, it can be worked on DIY exercising caution and common sense.

Disconnect the battery, pull the airbag fuse and keep the key out of the ignition switch. The airbag should not go off in this condition. Also, it is highly recommended to disconnect the SIR cable (yellow wires) at the base of the steering column.

At this point the steering wheel does not have to be removed. On the back of the driver's side airbag module are leaf spring retainer clips. Prying gently with a screwdriver you can remove those. Once removed the airbag module will release by pulling forward. Then remove electrical connector. Thats it.

However, the wiring from the airbag goes to a SIR coil located in the steering column. If the wiring problem is in the SIR coil then removal of the steering wheel is required. Your problem can be caused by the airbag module or SIR coil.

Also, the airbag light can be caused by other things like the SDM module located under the passenger side seat. This device is the brain of the SIR/SRS system.

Good luck and please be careful.

Excellent advice Bob, and I'd add a static strap (like those used when working on computers) to eliminate the possibility of static electricity setting off the airbag (especially in low humidity areas, or with a velour interior). You can never be TOO careful when working around air bags.

thank you for the help, i figured since the dealer wanted over 700 dollars to do this job it would never get attemped plus i have no air bags in case of a crash, this way at least the problem will get an attemp at fixing, thank you so much for the info, i woulda hated opening it up blind

Excellent advice Bob, and I'd add a static strap (like those used when working on computers) to eliminate the possibility of static electricity setting off the airbag (especially in low humidity areas, or with a velour interior). You can never be TOO careful when working around air bags.

Don't know if it is excellent advice Rich but it is better than nothing. As long as it gets him in the right direction.

Don't be so modest Bob, you know you're good.

Pain the ass here, just one more note of caution, after the battery is disconnected give the DERM about 5 minutes to power down the back up power source before beginning work.

Excellent Max, anything that helps keep that airbag at bay is great advice.

One more thing guys you are not supposed to sit in the driver's seat when doing airbag maintenance, you work from the sides. Just my 2 cents. :2cents: