2003 Avalanche "Service Airbag" Light

[brnelson98]

I own a 2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66. Recently, the "Service Airbag" light came on for no reason. The light is constantly on and it doesn't go out. I've researched this on the internet and it appears to be a known issue. When this light is on, the airbags will not go off, which is a safety issue. Since it's an '03, the warranty is up and the dealer said they'll have to charge me $100 just to look at the problem. Since this is obviously a safety mfg defect, they should at least look at it for free. The next step I'll take is to call GM directly.

**Update**
It ended up being the module located underneath the drivers side seat. The dealership replaced it for free, since it was not my fault that it went out. When your airbag light is on, your airbags will not work in a collision. This is a safety issue. I complained to the GM customer service line and I was able to have GM pay for it. I went to my local dealership to have the work done.

[MT-2500]

Welcome to AF.
SORRY BUT We can not help you make the dealer or GM warranty it.
What does the warranty papers say about mileage and time.
A 100 dollars is high for 10 minutes work to read out Air bag codes just to see where the problem is.
And remember after testing for codes there will be a cahrge for the fixing parts.

If it is on you need to get it checked and fixed.
If warranty is nearing a end and.
If the dealer will not warranty it I would be checking around for a good repair shop.

Many non dealer repair shop can do amd pickup repair work after warranty is out.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

[dugan50]

I agree with MT 2500. Ironically, his name is one of the scanners that CAN read the airbag codes for your vehicle.


An updated snap-on MT2500 or a Mac Mentor will be able to get into your vehicle (as well as an OTC or a Tech II at the dealer.) Once you spend $45-75 to get the diagnosis, you will have the answer you need to know how to proceed. Sometimes it's under warranty (5 yrs or 50, 000 miles), but sadly, sometimes it's quite costly, $200-700. Good luck. Check out this website for more info on airbag system. http://www.airbagsolutions.com (Resource page is good)

On most vehicles, the airbag light should come on for @6 seconds, and then go off if the system is working properly. If there is a fault or a problem in the system, the light will remain illuminated, or flash continuously. If the airbag light does not work properly, some vehicles have an audible tone that sounds indicating a problem with the airbag light system. When the light is on (or the tone is sounding), the airbag will NOT deploy, even in an accident. Most systems can only be diagnosed using a scanner designed for the airbag system, however some use flash codes to indicate the problem. The scanners at Auto Zone or the ones that sell for @ $50 will not access the airbag system, only the engine systems (check engine light).
This website gives you the procedure for diagnosing and resetting some systems without a scanner. Some vehicle manufacturers accommodate that (like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, Honda, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda & Mercury) and some require a scan tool. http://www.airbagsolutions.com/
Check out these websites also for more info on airbag systems and the light.
http://blog.airbagsolutions.com/arch...ould-i-do.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/resources.aspx
http://blog.airbagsolutions.com/
Check out this scanner for AIRBAG>>>It’s the cheapest one I’ve found!
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/scanner.aspx

[16th hippy]

it may not be a "defect", it may be a connector busted due to too much junk under seat, could be just a loose connector, or a number of things. you need to get it scanned and get the code with explination. It may be a defect, but there is no way to know without the codes.