Airbag light on and Horn simultaneously quit

[09hummerh3]

I did a search of the forum and didn't find anything, a while ago i noticed the horn wasn't sounding when i pressed the remote button, thought might be a fuse or the horn itself, then i noticed the airbag light was on and the horn wouldn't sound when pressed. is there anything that would cause these two to fail at the same time. thanks for any responses.

 

[alrock]

The way you describe it, it sounds like the horn wasn't working for a while with the remote and later you discovered the airbag light. Is that correct? I can't see these having a common issue except for a bad battery terminals, bad battery or cables. Weird stuff happens when the electrical system doesn't work correctly.

Have you checked the fuse for the horn?

Airbag is, I think, usually due to a connection issue under the hood but I do not know where that is. Dealer addressed it for me once.

 

[rsc]

Check connections and battery cables like Alrock said. Also read these threads that I found linked at the bottom of this page for more ideas.

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?10082-airbag-light
http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?7550-airbag-light

 

[4speedfunk]

If the steering system was disconnected and the wheel rotated, it could be a broken ribbon cable inside the column. If so...you must replace the entire smart switch (horn-cruise control-turn signals-airbag-etc.). It not too bad of a job...45 minutes but, the part is pricey, around $300 I think.

 

[f5moab]

Sounds like the horn was not working for a while before the SIR light came on, is that correct? If yes, check the horn fuse, and if ok, swap out the horn relay with a known good one from inside the fuse panel. Basically, troubleshoot the easiest and safest circuit first.

And it would help to get the SIR (airbag system) DTC to see what problem exists.

If the horn fuse and relay are ok, connectors at the horn are ok, it could be the roll coil connector (aka Sir Clock Spring Connector) in the steering column. But as 4Speed noted it is usually from messing around with the steering column. Also if working on any parts of the SIR (AIRBAG) system, make sure to disconnect the battery first for a minute or two before messing with the components. I have had an airbag blow in my face twice, and it is no fun, and kind of expensive too.

So before ripping the column apart, do some simple steps first.

And if it is the roll connector that is broken, make sure to align it correctly.

Notice: The new SIR coil assembly will be centered. Improper alignment of the SIR coil assembly may damage the unit, causing an inflatable restraint malfunction.

Important: The SIR coil and multifunction, turn signal switch are serviced as an assembly.

Important: If double wire harness strap is installed onto the wire harness assembly and column, you must reuse the holder for the wire straps during installation.


Remove the wire harness strap(s) where necessary.

Verify the following conditions before centering the SIR coil:
• The wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead.


• The block tooth (1) of the steering shaft assembly is in the 12 o'clock position.


• The ignition switch is in the LOCK position.

To center the coil perform the following:
• Rotate the inner portion of the SIR coil clockwise till it stops.


• Rotate the inner portion of the SIR coil counterclockwise 3 ½ turns till the indicator marks line up (2).


• At this time the steering wheel harness (1) should be at the 12 o'clock position.


• This indicates that the SIR coil is now centered and can be installed to the steering column.

 

[digglesworth]

my airbag light has been on for quite a while. came on after a wheeling trip and i havent been able to figure out why. tried disconnecting the battery for a while and that did nothing. checked the fuse and its good. next step would be finding a professional code reader to see if theres any chassis codes. not wanting to pay the dealer fee to have them check it though...

 

[f5moab]

Most, not all SIR codes cannot be erased without a scanner. Disconnecting the battery does nothing. And two codes, (I believe) B0051 and B0053 cannot be removed by any scan tool. They require the replacement of the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM or commonly referred to as the 'black box' that isn't black).
I wonder if you have a roll over sensor code B3855 (I think that's the code).

 

[digglesworth]

id be curious to see...
SuperBuickGuy said his turned out to be the bcm.
I was on some of the gnarliest trails I've run, at night, dropping down ginormous ledges and hovering in the driver's seat trying to see where I was putting the tires....

 

[f5moab]

SIR codes are set in the SDM, all the BCM does is pass those codes through to the IP. The BCM could hickup and turn on any indicator light if it faulted, or in fact do anything. It is the main controller for the H3.
I only mentioned the rollover since the side curtains, at times, will inflate, and at times, it will set a near deployment and you will be notified. I got a near employment one day a trail and actually got a call from Onstar asking if I had been in an accident. NEO was in his H3 in front of me. (I think it was Long Canyon.)

I would suggest getting it read just from a safety point of view.

 

[digglesworth]

I've had the onstar thing happen to me as well... Hit a good size rock with the skid plate and onstar came on with "collision detected, please hold for an operator"... Had to explain that we were out off-roading and everything was fine. We both had a good laugh. I'm sure I'll get it read some way or another one of these days... Frankly, I'm kinda scared of what they might tell me... $$$ wise...

 

[alrock]

I used to get that on nearly every off road trip until the dealer made some sort of adjustment or repair; it hasn't happened since. All I recall was them telling me of a connector but I didn't get more details and it was years ago.