DoorAir Bag Test Failure - 1999 DeVille

[Ray]

I have recently incurred an Air Bag warning notice on my dash when first
starting up my car. The failure sets Diagnostic Codes B1147 & B1148 and the
failure warning can be extinguished by switching the ignition off and then
back on. This failure occurs intermittently on startup only after the car
has been sitting for a while. If it does not occur on initial startup, it
will not occur while the car is running.

The probability of the side impact sensing modules failing in both doors
simultaneously appears to me to be remote. I suspect the failure is either
caused by a common ground problem or an intermittent failure of the sensing
and diagnostic module under the driver's seat.

Has anyone experienced this type of problem? If so, I'd appreciate hearing
what you found was the problem and how it was resolved.

Ray

[squid]

Post by Ray
I have recently incurred an Air Bag warning notice on my dash when first
starting up my car.  The failure sets Diagnostic Codes B1147 & B1148 and the
failure warning can be extinguished by switching the ignition off and then
back on.  This failure occurs intermittently on startup only after the car
has been sitting for a while.  If it does not occur on initial startup, it
will not occur while the car is running.
The probability of the side impact sensing modules failing in both doors
simultaneously appears to me to be remote.  I suspect the failure is either
caused by a common ground problem or an intermittent failure of the sensing
and diagnostic module under the driver's seat.
Has anyone experienced this type of problem?  If so, I'd appreciate hearing
what you found was the problem and how it was resolved.
Ray

You might want to consult your local dealer. I can't remember for
sure, but there was a bulletin/recall on devilles of your model year.
There was a problem with the side airbag inflator modules that would
even result in them deploying at random. I am not sure if '99 falls
under this though. It is setting codes for both sides at the same
time? If it is one or the other that is consistently returning, you
can swap the inflators from side to side to isolate the fault. I am
going to do some research for you on this recall, will reply.

[squid]

Post by squid

Post by Ray
I have recently incurred an Air Bag warning notice on my dash when first
starting up my car.  The failure sets Diagnostic Codes B1147 & B1148 and the
failure warning can be extinguished by switching the ignition off and then
back on.  This failure occurs intermittently on startup only after the car
has been sitting for a while.  If it does not occur on initial startup, it
will not occur while the car is running.
The probability of the side impact sensing modules failing in both doors
simultaneously appears to me to be remote.  I suspect the failure is either
caused by a common ground problem or an intermittent failure of the sensing
and diagnostic module under the driver's seat.
Has anyone experienced this type of problem?  If so, I'd appreciate hearing
what you found was the problem and how it was resolved.
Ray

You might want to consult your local dealer. I can't remember for
sure, but there was a bulletin/recall on devilles of your model year.
There was a problem with the side airbag inflator modules that would
even result in them deploying at random. I am not sure if '99 falls
under this though. It is setting codes for both sides at the same
time? If it is one or the other that is consistently returning, you
can swap the inflators from side to side to isolate the fault. I am
going to do some research for you on this recall, will reply.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Your 99 does fall under the recall, assuming the the last 8 of the vin
is between xu500001 to xu810434. The bulletin info does not state
fault codes, just that door airbag modules may deploy unexpectedly. A
dealer can do a search on your vin and determine if the recall is
still active. This may save you some $$$ in the long run. recall # is
00066A issued Jun 2001
Gerald