Hello... I've had a problem with the 'INFL REST' light being on since I've owned my 90'. I brought it to the dealer when I first got the car and they supposedly replaced a sensor (not sure which one). The bulb for the INFL REST burned out (or was disconected by the dealer) when I returned it to the dealer when the problem wasnt fixed. The seatbelt light still remained lit though...

After reading a post the other day on the subject I replaced the bulb so I could pull the codes... Pulled code 26. I went through all the steps of pulling the sensor, sanding the frame and sensor for good connection...

Here is where it may get tricky... I put lightbulb grease (w/silicon) on the sensor. Is this the same a di-electric grease as recommended? Package says will not cause power change...

Well, anyway... put it back together... cleared the codes from the memory... started the car... light went out for about 10 seconds and came back on with... you guess it... Code 26 :smash:

What do I do now??? New sensor, clean the sensor again (using di-electric grease this time)?? :confused:

 

Honestly ....and your gonna hate me for saying this...but when i had this problem with my 1990...i learned something....the 1990's were the first year of this new style and with it came numerious problems....this just happens to be one.....

sometimes the computer will pull up a code 26 (faulty sensor) and in actuallity there is nothing wrong at all....the computer just needs to be re-hit....so you either have to ground out the aldl connector pins....hmmmm i gonna have to get back to you on the that one....or do what i did....and buy the little black box from mid america....

basically you have to ground out the correct pins on the connector and push in a sequence of 3 at a certain rate....this resets the INFL REST code...and makes that trouble red light go away!...

did mine 2 yrs ago when the body shop set mine off....15 seconds after doing the procedure...the light went out....and boom...have not seen it ever since....

Mid America at http://www.madirect.com has a section and explains how their device works....

hope this helps
jeff

 

Jeff, I reset the codes so only code 12 was showing (Ground out terminal K for 5 seconds, unground for 3 seconds, ground for 3 seconds and then unground) and Code 26 reappeared after starting the car. I have read the airbags will most likely still work and that the reason in most cases for a Code 26 is a drop in Ohms at the sensor (i.e., bad ground). I'm just not sure if the sensor is bad or if the ohm rating is still lower than whats acceptable.

 

tt

 

....and what I did :yesnod: I had this problem with mine about 6 or 7 years ago and I was getting ready to go through and check this sensors when I saw that little black box in MAD, so I thought what the heck it might be worth a try. Haven't had a problem with it since. Now I probably just jinxed myself :rolleyes:

 

me and steel blue used the boxes.....

might be worth a shot....

if anything....ya buy it from MAD try it...then return it if it does not work....they give you 30 days...i have returned stuff to them up to a year later...and have had no problems at all....Just be sure to keep all the bags, paperwork, invoice and boxes.

jeff

 

Resetting the SIR light with the timing process is very tricky. Timing must be perfect. Allows something like 1/2 second error. Scanners are best, with the little tool next. Before I got a scanner, per Gordon Killebrews instructions, may take several attempts. After getting back to code 12's, then you may be able to determine if the repair was successful. If you have trouble, try to locate a copy of the detailed instructions for the service bulletin, not just the little summary.

 

I was able to get the SIR to reset after 2 attemps. It read only code 12. After I started the car the light went out for about 10 seconds and lit up again. After reading the code it was '26' Again :crazy: . Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the detailed service repair info sheet that GM sent out? I just want to be able to rule out if the sensor is bad. Thanks

 

I have had my 1990 since it rolled out of bowling green. I have replaced the drivers side sensor 4 times in 12 years. Yes, the dealer has cleaned/sanded the attachment point and put dielctric grease each time. The same mech told me each time, that the sensors do go bad. I got the last one still in the garage. Wish I knew how to test it with my VOM to tell if it was bad or I got shafted 4 times in a row.