Passenger Airbag On/Off Indicator

Vehicles manufactured for EMEA markets have a passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator integral to the A/C heater control, which is secured to the instrument panel just below the Radio Receiver Module (RRM).

The text PASSENGER AIRBAG appears on a lens just below the instrument panel switch pod. The text ON and OFF, each beside an International Control and Display Symbol icon, are stencil-like cutouts in the opaque overlay within the indicator. The dark outer lens prevents the text and icon of the indicator from being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. Dedicated LED units behind the lens and each overlay causes the text and icon to appear in amber through the translucent lens when the indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED.

The PAB ON/OFF indicator gives an indication when the PAB and seat belt tensioner deployment circuits are enabled or disabled by the ORC. This indicator is controlled by a transistor within the ORC through hardwired outputs based upon electronic passenger airbag status request messages received by the ORC from the IPC over the CAN data bus. The IPC messages to the ORC are based upon the status of a setup routine performed through the IPC by the vehicle operator.

The PAB ON/OFF indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) units are completely controlled by the ORC. The LED units receive a battery current input on a fused ignition output (run) circuit. Therefore, the LED units will always be OFF when the status of the ignition is anything except ON. The LED units only illuminate when they are provided a path to ground by the ORC transistor. The IPC will request the ORC to turn ON the PAB ON/OFF indicators for the following reasons:

• Bulb Test  - Each time the status of the ignition transitions to ON the PAB ON/OFF indicators are illuminated for about 5 seconds.
• Passenger AirBag Disabled  - Each time the ORC receives an electronic message from the IPC indicating the setup routine has requested the PAB be disabled, the PAB and seat belt tensioner deployment circuits are deactivated and the PAB OFF indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the ORC receives an electronic message from the IPC indicating the setup routine has requested the PAB be enabled, or until the status of the ignition transitions to OFF, whichever occurs first.
• Passenger AirBag Enabled  - Each time the ORC receives an electronic message from the IPC indicating the setup routine has requested the PAB be enabled, the PAB and seat belt tensioner deployment circuits are activated and the PAB ON indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the ORC receives an electronic message from the IPC indicating the setup routine has requested the PAB be disabled, or until the status of the ignition transitions to OFF, whichever occurs first.
• Communication Error  - If the ORC receives invalid messages or no messages from the IPC the PAB on/off indicator status remains as it was when the last valid message was received. The ORC will also maintain the PAB deployment status as it was when the last valid message was received. The ORC and IPC will set a DTC and will illuminate the airbag indicator in the IPC when a communication error has been detected. The PAB indicator remains illuminated in the current status until the ORC receives a valid message from the IPC, or until the status of the ignition transitions to Off, whichever occurs first.

The ORC continually monitors the messages from the IPC to decide whether the PAB and seat belt tensioner deployment circuits should be activated or deactivated. The IPC provides the proper messages to the ORC, and the ORC provides the proper control output to turn the appropriate PAB ON/OFF indicator ON.

The hardwired circuits between the PAB ON/OFF indicator and the ORC may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the PAB ON/OFF indicator or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide the features of this indicator. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the PAB ON/OFF indicator or the electronic controls and communication related to PAB ON/OFF indicator operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

The PAB ON/OFF indicator cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if ineffective or damaged the A/C heater control must be replaced. Refer to CONTROL, A/C AND HEATER, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .