How can I reset the Air Bag light after replacement? 96 Century

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

Hi,

1996 Buick Century 3.1 130,000 miles, driver's air bag only.

Looking for a way to reset-turn off the dash Air Bag light after the bag deployed in a minor collision.
Already replaced and plugged in another Air Bag and the front sensor that is in front of the radiator, from a 1996 Century.

I've tried unplugging the battery cables for several days, and connecting them together, first with a resistor to drain any capacitors.

I do have a 2 books factory Buick dealer shop manual that says once the bag and any physically crushed sensor are replaced, to use a scan tool to reset the AirBag light.
I do have a scan tool BUT it does not do AirBags or even ABS.

I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy a more expensive scan tool yet so that's why I'm asking.
The shop manual does mention a Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module that is part of the system.
I'm wondering if like I can drain the charge in it to clear the code or if it's a hard set code that definitely requires a scanner?
Or perhaps swapping a module from another 1996 Century with mine?
If I need a scanner, any recommendations??

Thank you

 

[ulycyc]

If a body shop did the repairs go back to them to reset the airbag. Most if not all have the scanner to do it. It should be included in what you paid for the repair.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

you need a new SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module) they are one time use. they are black boxes in collisions and you must get another one after it goes off.

At least, this is how other GM models were*
Since century in 96 was basic, its possible I guess it is reusable. I would see if you can find an SDM cheap, try that. if not cheap, consult a person with a tool

 

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

If a body shop did the repairs go back to them to reset the airbag. Most if not all have the scanner to do it. It should be included in what you paid for the repair.

I did the repairs myself.
A body shop or dealer of course, is cost prohibitive when keeping an old vehicle practically on the road.

 

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

If a body shop did the repairs go back to them to reset the airbag. Most if not all have the scanner to do it. It should be included in what you paid for the repair.

I did the repairs myself.
A body shop or dealer of course, is cost prohibitive when keeping an old vehicle practically on the road.
Thank you though

 

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

you need a new SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module) they are one time use. they are black boxes in collisions and you must get another one after it goes off.

At least, this is how other GM models were*
Since century in 96 was basic, its possible I guess it is reusable. I would see if you can find an SDM cheap, try that. if not cheap, consult a person with a tool

Thank you. Then I’ll revisit the same year and model donor car that the unused airbag came from.
If it’s not too hard to remove, I see they are $21 at our yard.

 

[ulycyc]

You will still have a hard code present after replacing parts. As said above earlier models like yours may just be clearing with the proper scantool. Newer cars dont want the general public messing around with airbags and require expensive tools to reset and program.

 

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

You will still have a hard code present after replacing parts. As said above earlier models like yours may just be clearing with the proper scantool. Newer cars dont want the general public messing around with airbags and require expensive tools to reset and program.

Ok perhaps I’ll put the $20 towards a scan tool that is capable.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Ok perhaps I’ll put the $20 towards a scan tool that is capable.

there is no 20 dollar scan tool that can do 1996 gm air bags

A tech 2, a lot of good scanners out there exist that probably can

But I wouldnt assume that will work

Call a dealer about the part and see what you can shake out of them

 

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

Ok the Xtool A30M scan tool company told me their's would clear the code so I bought it. Well it said it doesn't have that function for my vehicle. I complained to the company, to no avail.

SO I was finally able to reset the code/check engine light by replacing the Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module from a 1996 Century in the salvage yard that still had its air bag un-deployed.
That module is a silver box that is under the dash by the brake pedal.
Unplugged the old one and plugged in the used one and done.

Thank you for the suggestions!

 

[CorvairGeek]

The SRS function does come up briefly with the Xtool scan. It disappears after appearing to run. I just got the A30M this week, so it is new to me. Was wondering about the ABS capabilities too for this car.

 

[JIMTMCDANIELS]

The SRS function does come up briefly with the Xtool scan. It disappears after appearing to run. I just got the A30M this week, so it is new to me. Was wondering about the ABS capabilities too for this car.

View attachment 38580

Be very careful with that scannner. The bi directional function of turning on the radiator fan didn’t turn on the fan AND seems to have damaged my PCM. Now I am buying a programmed on on eBay for $70 hoping to fix the car..

I don’t trust XTOOL told me it would clear my airbag light and it did not. Then they didn’t care.

Take care