Found this dialogue out there; 2wd config shouldn't matter:
Customer Question:
1996 Toyota T100 4cyl 2wd Airbag light came on 6-8 mo back while driving on smooth road at approx. 55mph. Since then it stays on every time I start the truck. I live in VA and the inspection requirement is that the airbag light come on when starting the vehicle and go off within approx 6 sec.
Can I fix this without taking to dealer or repair shop? What is the most likely problem? Can I get the airbag code(s) read by using a jumper wire and counting flashes on dash light? What connector, where is it located and what pins would I short? Can I get an interpretation or what the code is telling me?
Already Tried:
Nothing - local repair shop failed the inspection due to airbag light remaining on when starting the vehicle. The vehicle has only approx 80,000 miles on it.
Chat Conversation Started
ted ritter:
Hello: The trouble codes for the airbag system can be retrieved using a check wire jumper. Under the hood locate the diagnostic check connector, it's a small box about 3/4 x 2 inches, it will have a cover on it saying "diagnostic" open the cover and on the inside of the cover are the terminal locations, now put a short jumper wire, making sure to make good contact with the metal terminal, between the terminals Tc and E1, turn the key on and the airbag light will flash along with some other lights but ignore them, once this happens the connections are good and you can read the codes. Count the number of flashes/blinks of the light, the code will be two digits and there may be more than one. For example a code 14 would be one blink followed by four and so on. There will be a short pause between each code so you may have to let this flashing go through it's cycles a few times to decipher the codes, please do this and let me know what codes are recorded, write them down for reference.
Customer:
I found the connector (mounted on fwd end of air intade manifol). Lots of grease over the connector (hope this grease is non conductive, otherwise likely shorting the pins). I shorted Tc and E1 - when key turned on the airbag light came "on" and after a few seconds began to blink a code: 31 and then it repeats the 31 blinking.
What does the 31 code tell me? If multiple possible failure paths, can you identify the most likely and/or easy items/process to check for "a no failure"?
ted ritter:
This code is for the center airbag sensor:
DTC 31 is recorded when occurrence of a malfunction in the center airbag sensor assembly is detected.
DTC No. DTC Detecting Condition Trouble Area 31
Center airbag sensor assembly malfunction
Center airbag sensor assembly do the following first:
CHECK:
(a) Turn ignition switch to LOCK, and wait at least 20 seconds.
(b) Turn ignition switch to ACC or ON, and wait at least 20 seconds.
(c) Repeat operation in steps (a) and (b) at least 5 times.
(d) Using SST, connect terminals Tc and E1 of DLC1.
(e) Check the DTC. If the trouble code comes back replace the center air bag sensor aka ECU, it's located in the center of the dash below the radio and mounted to the floorboard.
Customer:
Thanks! I assume this is the airbag computer that holds the code and is expensive? I will have to obtain this item from a Toyota dealership?
ted ritter:
Yes call the toyota parts department they will give you a price quote, I don't think they are available anywhere else
Customer:
Can I disconnect this airbag sensor module and safely drive the vehicle? Would this disconnect keep the airbag light off? By safely drive, I mean drive the vehicle with no active airbag capability (deactivated airbag).
ted ritter:
Yes you can drive it with it disconnected but remember the only protection in an impact would be the seatbelts, which is the case now with the light on. I think the light will stay on if the sensor is disconnected.
Customer:
Thanks! I disconnected and no airbag light exists.
*******
That's that. I also see there's a TSB out the for SRS wiring repairs too. Ask for a printout of this one:
CRIB156 AUG 07 Electrical - SRS And HV Wiring Repairs
