Need a techs advice...

[HyperFox]

So this evening I was turning the corner when one of Ontario's finest creatures, a deer jumped out in front of the car, I swerved and avoided him, thankfully. It was a left hand corner and the deer jumped from left to right, so I pulled left more, the cars tires broke free and the rear end began to skid.

After it was all said and done, and after I changed the underwear (j/k) the airbag light was illuminated. I drove home, parked the car and checked it over, just to ensure I didnt clip him. No damage, not even a wax scratch.

So I turned off the car. (This happened last year, all that I did was turn the car off, and the light stayed off. )

The light stayed on this time, so I checked under the car, to see if I hit something along the way or chucked a stone while I was doing my anti-deer manouvers. Nothing obvoius.

And I checked a few minutes ago and the light is still on. Im not hugely worried, as I assume when the light is on, the airbags are disabled because of a fault. So its not like they are going to spontanously pop out at me, however withthe airbags being disabled, it would be just my luck, and Id probably have an accident this time.

Here is what I believe I know. The airbags are controlled by a small computer. The computer monitors the rate of speed and calculates the severty of impact and deploys the airbag accordingly. When a heavy brake application happens, the airbags arm, and the pretensioners lock.

I believe the airbags armed and have detected a fault in the system. My question is, how to I identify the fault? This is something that Ill leave to the professionals, but I need to know if this is something that only a GM dealer can do, or any collision shop?

Thanks In advance.

[maxwedge]

You will need to have this scanned on an air bag function scanner for the initial code info. A dealer would be your best bet for a quick accurate diagnosis, most independents shy away from in depth repairs on this system, here in the US anyway.

[fiberglasscivic]

I recently received info about a class action lawsuit against GM dealing with the airbag systems in malibus somwhere between 1996 and 2001 built in a specific plant (not sure which one). I didn't pursue further info because I don't plan on keeping my malibu for much longer. You should be able to find some information on it online and check to see if your vehicle fits the criteria. You may find that the dealership (even though you are in canada) will be willing to fix the problem cheap.