96 Coupe AirBag Light / DERM Issue Help Needed

**blainelocklair** · 02-28-12, 09:26 PM

Ok, after battling pneumonia for two weeks, I'm finally tacking this issue again.

I pulled the driver's side airbag sensor, and it looked like this:

IMG_1013.jpg

Here's the frame where it was bolted down:

IMG_1014.jpg

Cleaned up:

IMG_1021.jpg

The cleaned frame, along with the two grounds removed and cleaned:

IMG_1028.jpg

Here's the passenger side sensor. Much cleaner than the driver's side.

IMG_1037.jpg

The frame (could only get one hole photographed):

IMG_1047.jpg

Cleaned sensor:

IMG_1051.jpg

Cleaned frame:

IMG_1050.jpg

I coated all ground and frame areas with GM dielectric silicon grease prior to reinstallation. Powered everything back up, and...

... the light is still on.

The more I've read into the FSM, and the more I learn about the DERM, I'm inclined again to suspect the DERM here. It seems that if there's an energy reserve voltage low issue, and the DERM stores and manages this energy, the DERM is likely at fault. I'm guessing the DERM keeps the reserve current in capacitors, and if they're on the DERM, that's gotta be it. There is the possibility that the dual pole arming sensor is bad as well, but I"m leaning toward the DERM.

Any input is always appreciated. I can get both parts for around $50 each used, so it's not a bank breaker. I just hate throwing parts at something without a plan to get it working first. Wastes time and money.

By the way, that passenger side sensor was a bitch to get out. I managed to do it without taking out the heat/AC blower, but not by much.

Thanks,
Blaine

**toptechx6** · 02-29-12, 05:34 AM

No personal experience but have been told this company repairs DERM's, just another option in case you do not want to buy used, good luck.

Airbag Computer

**blainelocklair** · 02-29-12, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by toptechx6

No personal experience but have been told this company repairs DERM's, just another option in case you do not want to buy used, good luck.

Airbag Computer

Thanks man. I've got no issue with buying used, as long as it works. Hell, the whole car is used and 16 years old. Guess it can't be too bad to put in something used.

Before throwing money at the problem, I'll be sure to check the DERM to make sure the dual pole arming sensor and all required connections are in place.

All advice is welcome!

Thanks,
Blaine

**blainelocklair** · 02-29-12, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by blainelocklair

* check the yellow plug for the airbag under the steering column, and to unplug and replug it several times to improve the connection.

Tried this today with both plugs, light is still on. I still think it's the DERM or the dual pole arming sensor.

All advice welcomed!

**blainelocklair** · 03-03-12, 09:58 AM

I ordered a used dual pole arming sensor a couple of days ago from Corvette Recycling. I should have it in the middle of this upcoming week. I'll get it swapped out and will report back. They had a good price and shipped same day, by the way. Seem like good folks.

**blainelocklair** · 03-19-12, 07:12 PM

Well, after pneumonia, overtime at work, and other life things, I finally got around to putting in the dual pole arming sensor. I put it in, started the car, and...

...no more airbag light!

The dual pole arming sensor was the problem. Now I get all flashes, light on during key twist, and no more light after the 2nd set of flashes.

While I had the dash pieces out, I also installed the resistor mod to kill off the SYS message about the absent dimmer on the aftermarket stereo. I even fixed the broken arm on the cup holder cover. Great to have all of the codes cleared.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this post. Thanks again also to Hib and gmjunkie too!

Blaine