'96 DERM code 26 Driver Initiator Circuit Open
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 422
Likes: 53
From: PA
'96 DERM code 26 Driver Initiator Circuit Open
Hi everyone, picked up a 96, 154k recently with issues. Try to tackle the safety issues first, air bag light is on. Pulled the codes and got 26 for the SIR. Driver initiator circuit open, so I guessing connection broken to driver bag. Checked fuses, good. Pulled lower dash down to inspect yellow wire connector, all connected. Previous owner told me he had "his mechanic" replace the column because the owner before him used the wheel as a handle to get in and out of the car. FSM on the way, haven't got it yet. At this point I'm thinking clock spring which is like $250. Wondering if anyone else went through this and if there's something else to check before I pull the wheel off to test the clock spring? thanks, paul
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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Hi everyone, picked up a 96, 154k recently with issues. Try to tackle the safety issues first, air bag light is on. Pulled the codes and got 26 for the SIR. Driver initiator circuit open, so I guessing connection broken to driver bag. Checked fuses, good. Pulled lower dash down to inspect yellow wire connector, all connected. Previous owner told me he had "his mechanic" replace the column because the owner before him used the wheel as a handle to get in and out of the car. FSM on the way, haven't got it yet. At this point I'm thinking clock spring which is like $250. Wondering if anyone else went through this and if there's something else to check before I pull the wheel off to test the clock spring? thanks, paul
The coil used in the '94+ C4 was quite popular and I believe you could do much better than the $250 you mentioned. GM# 26041005 should be appropriate for the '96 column so you might shop. I'd think still available. A used from an appropriate column? Maybe if you've a relationship with a JY.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 422
Likes: 53
From: PA
I'd say you wait for the FSM to do diagnostics. Theoretically only an issue at the base connector, the connector to the air bag or a defective coil would create the issue. The module is an easy removal from the wheel to check the upper connector but continuity checks of the coil are sometimes debated. If you've a shop in the area that does SIR maybe you consider removing the SIR and have them do a check using a load tool. They can check at the connector to the column base and then at the connector to the module.
The coil used in the '94+ C4 was quite popular and I believe you could do much better than the $250 you mentioned. GM# 26041005 should be appropriate for the '96 column so you might shop. I'd think still available. A used from an appropriate column? Maybe if you've a relationship with a JY.
The coil used in the '94+ C4 was quite popular and I believe you could do much better than the $250 you mentioned. GM# 26041005 should be appropriate for the '96 column so you might shop. I'd think still available. A used from an appropriate column? Maybe if you've a relationship with a JY.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
thanks for the advice, got it pulled apart tonight, no continuity between wheel connector and under dash connector. So the clockspring apart and connector is broke. I may try and solder but checked used and can get one for fifty bucks. But of course the horn harness is toast too So Ill need one of those. The other problem I got is the lower connector will not fit up through the column, had to clip it. Have to do the same thing to the new one to snake it back down through. I almost tempted to just throw a momo on and say forget it. This is a lot more complicated than a '71. Thanks again for your advice.
This should be a reasonable image of the coil.
http://www.2040-parts.com/new-oem-ge...ship-i1169343/
