So i re-grounded (with stars this time) the driver's side sensor, and it threw a code 16 again - didn't even move the car - do I need to buy a new sensor?

:confused: :mad

 

Okay, seems like I've solved the problem - if anyone is interested (doesn't seem like it, I guess noone has any problems with the SIR system).

All working now.

 

What did you do to fix it?

 

I'm definitely interested. I haven't had the problem yet (knocking wood), but if I ever do I'd like to know what you did.

 

Knocking wood myself that this problem is gone for good, because if not, then it may just well be that the DERM needs replacement.

I got an email from a fellow on the ZR1net who told me he had the exact same problem - code 16 set, he would clean the sensor, it reset, he did all the right things, it reset (usually after a few minutes). So he called Gordon Killebrew, who told him that in 90 the SIR system had the usual sensor ground set-up (positive/negative) on the frame, but also had a redundant negative ground on another part of the frame, just for reference, and as a back up supposedly. It caused many problems, and was eliminated in 91. Gordon suggested to this guy that the fault is a diagnostic one, as the DERM will periodically send out a test signal to the second ground, and if it isn't grounded properly, or something else is amiss, it'll set code 16. This doesn't affect performance of the airbag, and he suggested removing the bulb from the DIC if it bothered him. So he did on his car.

Now, I didn't read this email until after I cursed my car all afternoon, and tested it twice by letting it warm up for 25 minutes, shut it down, warm up again for 25 minutes. No codes set.

What did I do? When I disconnected the CPA connector around the SIR connection to check this connection (found it clean), I noticed another couple of wires grounded on the frame/body just in front of the leading edge of the driver's door. I didn't know what these were, but the previous day I had cleaned every connection below the hood (positive and negative), so I figured I should clean this one too. It was HEAVILY corroded on both star washers, as well as the bolt. I cleaned them up, dielectric greased them, and refastened.

After not getting any codes, I figured it maybe was the SIR connector that needed a better connection, but now I'm figuring that the two wires that were grounded - one of them might have been the secondary ground for the airbag system. I totally got lucky on this one, because I don't have a shop manual for my car, its for a 91, and the connectors are totally different in this spot, and no mention anywhere of what this ground is for.

Serendipity strikes again.

I'll keep all posted - check with me again at BG - I'll definitely let you know if my INFL REST light comes on again. Can't drive it right now, as we got 14 inches of snow saturday night!!

:seeya


[Modified by DDSLT5, 8:32 AM 2/24/2003]

 

Depending on where you buy your car and how much of the elements your car has seen, those secondary grounds can get quite corroded.

Good job Dwight.

 

Thanks Jeff, it was quite the odyssey to deal with the vette interior - i much prefer tearing down things under the hood - much easier - I've got the tear down to access the sensors at 45 minutes - start to finish!!

:seeya