Air Bag Telltale Is ONwith DTC 21 Stored in SDM Memory. Saturn Saturn 1995

For 1990-2009 cars

# Air Bag Telltale Is ONwith DTC 21 Stored in SDM Memory

Subject: | Air Bag Telltale is ON with DTC 21 Stored in SDM Memory -- Replace Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Assembly

Models: | 1995 Saturns

### Condition:

Air bag telltale is ON with diagnostic trouble code DTC 21 stored in sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). This condition may be intermittent.

### Cause:

Open connection internal to the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly may cause DTC 21.

### Correction:

Follow the service manual procedures for DTC 21 diagnosis. If no problem is found, replace the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly according to the following procedures.

Important: If it is necessary to replace the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly, the procedures in this bulletin must be used. The procedures in the 1995 SIR Service Manual are incorrect. The procedures in this bulletin will be included in the 2nd edition of the 1995 SIR Service Manual that will be published in April, 1995.

### Procedures:

Caution: When performing service on or around the SIR components or SIR wiring, follow the procedures listed below to temporarily disable the SIR system. Failure to follow procedures could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury or otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 10 seconds after the ignition switch is turned OFF, the battery is disconnected or the fuse powering the SDM is removed. Many of the service procedures require removal of the air bag fuse and disconnecting the deployment loops to avoid an accidental deployment.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
2. Remove the AIR BAG fuse from the I/P junction block.

Important: With the AIR BAG fuse removed and the ignition switch ON, the AIR BAG warning lamp will be ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a SIR system malfunction.

3. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) device and disconnect the yellow 2-way connector located near the base of the steering column.
4. Remove the I/P upper trim panel extension by carefully lifting up at the clip locations, starting at the rear above the end cap.
5. Remove the I/P upper trim panel assembly screw caps by carefully prying with a small flat head screwdriver.
6. Remove the I/P upper trim panel assembly screws.
7. Lift the I/P upper trim panel assembly at the clip locations on the rear edge to disengage the clips.

Notice: Be careful when removing the I/P upper trim panel assembly to prevent damaging the VIN plate. A trim tool or putty knife can be placed at the front of the VIN plate, so that when you pull rearward, the panel will ride up and over the VIN plate.

8. Pull the upper trim panel assembly rearward out of the clips at the bottom of the Windshield.
9. Remove the I/P upper trim panel assembly.
10. Remove the I/P trim panel assembly insulator.
11. Remove the connector position Assurance (CPA) device and disconnect the yellow 2-way connector located on the pigtail inflatable restraint I/P (passenger) module assembly.

Notice: Front wheels must be pointed straight ahead and steering wheel centered whenever removing the inflatable restraint steering wheel coil assembly. Failure to do so will result in damage to the inflatable restraint steering wheel coil assembly.

12. Position the vehicle with the front wheels pointed straight ahead and the steering wheel centered in the straight ahead position.
13. Remove the screw caps on the steering wheel by carefully prying with a small flat-head screwdriver.
14. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module assembly screws.

Caution: When carrying a live inflatable restraint steering wheel or I/P module assembly (Air Bag), make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from you. Never carry an inflatable restraint steering wheel or I/P module assembly (Air Bag) by the wires or connector on the underside of the module. Incase of an accidental deployment, the bag will deploy with minimal chance of injury. When placing a live inflatable restraint steering wheel or I/P module assembly (Air Bag) on a bench or other surface, always face the bag and trim cover up. away from the surface.

15. Lift the inflatable restraint steering wheel assembly out of the steering wheel.
16. Remove the integral connector lock device with a small flat-head screwdriver. Disconnect the connector and remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module assembly.
17. Disconnect the cruise control switch (if equipped) and horn switch connector.
18. Remove the steering wheel attachment nut.
19. Install the steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel and remove the steering wheel.
20. Feed the wiring through the steering wheel and remove the steering wheel.
21. Insert the yellow tab into the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly to prevent rotating.

Notice: If the yellow tab is not available, use tape to prevent the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly from rotating.

Failure to properly align the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly to the steering column/steering gear system will cause the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly to become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
22. Remove the screws and upper steering column shroud.
23. Rotate the key to the ACC position, depress the lock button and remove the ignition lock cylinder assembly.
24. Remove the screws and lower steering column shroud.
25. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly rosebud-type fastener from the bracket below the steering column.
26. Disconnect the horn/cruise in-line connector under the steering column.
27. Remove the screws from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly.
28. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly pigtail from behind the lever control switch and remove from the vehicle.

Notice: A New inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly is equipped with a yellow tab that is removed after the steering wheel is installed. This tab passes through the steering wheel at the pass through hole.

29. Route the long pigtail of the replacement inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly and horn/cruise in-line connector behind the lever control switch and down the steering column.
30. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly to the lever control switch.
31. Install the lower steering column shroud. Install the ignition lock cylinder assembly into the cylinder module housing.
32. Install the upper steering column shroud and secure with screws.
33. Route the wiring through the steering wheel and install the steering wheel onto the steering shaft, noting the orientation notch that locates the steering wheel in the correct position.
34. Remove the yellow tab (or tape) from the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly.

Notice: A new steering wheel nut must be used when installing the steering wheel.

35. Install the steering wheel attachment nut (use a new nut).

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

36. Connect the cruise control connector to the cruise control switch (if equipped). Connect the horn switch connector.
37. Connect the inflatable restraint steering wheel module assembly to the wiring harness behind the lever control switch and install the integral connector lock device.

Notice: Always use new inflatable restraint steering wheel module assembly screws. Never reuse old screws.

38. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module assembly into the steering wheel and tighten the screws. Be careful not to cross thread the screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

39. Snap on the screw covers.
40. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
41. Connect the yellow 2-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column and install the connector position assurance (CPA) device to the connector.
42. Connect the yellow 2-way inflatable restraint I/P (passenger) Module assembly pigtail and install the connector position assurance (CPA) device to the connector.
43. Install the I/P upper trim panel assembly insulator.

Important: Make sure to tuck in all flaps.

Notice: Be careful, when replacing the upper trim panel, not to damage the VIN plate.

44. Install the I/P upper trim panel assembly into the clips at the base of the windshield.
45. Lower the I/P upper trim panel assembly and push down at the clip locations to secure.
46. Install and tighten the I/P upper trim panel assembly screws.
47. Install the I/P upper trim [panel assembly screws caps.
48. Install the I/P upper trim panel assembly extensions by pushing down at the clip and dual-lock locations.
49. Install the AIR BAG fuse to the I/P junction block.
50. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position and verify that the AIR BAG warning lamp flashes seven times and then turns OFF. If it does not operate as described, perform the SIR Diagnostic System Check located in the 1995 SIR Service Manual.

### Parts Requirements:

Part Number | Description
--- | ---
21022602 | Coil ASM -- Infl Rst Strg Whl Mdl
21044092 | Nut -- Strg Whl
21035287 | Bolt/Screw -- Infl Rst Cont Mdl Brkt

Claim Information:

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System using the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide and Labor Operation Code C8800.