hey all,

looking for some experienced help with code readers. I have an intermittent airbag light which years back was my clock spring, everything works fine now horns, lights, dash....
I was going to order a bluedriver, but im not so sure this is going to help.

What Im trying to find out is what scan tools can read and tell me whats going on with the SRS system? I havent found any good for this system in our jeep and what these scanners read when theres an intermittent light.- school me if you know please

n e qway

is this only a high end DRBIII/ snap on code reader type of tool that will work, or will another code reader be able to give me the error thats causing this intermittent light?



thank you,
trying to avoid taking this to chrysler or a shop if I can avoid doing so affordably.

 

So if you have multiple Chrysler products and a laptop you don't mind taking outside, AutoEnginuity is decent. The reason I say "Multiple Chrysler Products" is it can be a bit pricey ($600). If you want a decent bi directional scan tool for most vehicles, Autel scanners are awesome for their cost ($800 - $2000 depending on addons) and sometimes out perform the better known aftermarket tools.

 

I have blue driver, and it will read all codes

 

it will read all obdii codes, but will it identify an intermittent airbag light. Lemur says it will not register live data for airbags, nor did they think the obdii will read anything for airbags.

that's why I'm trying to understand how a scanner reads an airbag system. What does the system communicate.

 

I have an Autel MaxiDas. It performs most of the same functions as the SnapOns do, just doesn't have all of the bells and whistles. I am in Colorado Springs. If you are close and want help, will be glad to hook it up and see if it helps you out. Haven't used it for airbag diagnostics yet, so could be a good test for it.

 

AFAIK, only a DRBIII scan tool will read the airbag circuit and then only the continuity of the firing squib circuit. My 2000 WJ had the same problem soon after I bought it in 2012 and I was told it was probably the clockspring. Not wanting to mess with an actively charged explosive device, I took it to a dealer. They scanned it and said there was an intermittent open circuit in the squib, meaning it needed a clockspring. It cost me $600 to get it fixed. I was told this circuit is constantly scanned by the can-bus system so the data must be stored in the BCM/PCM somewhere.

 

by far the best thing ive read on explaining this system thus far, thank you

Does anyone know why only DRBIII can read the chrysler SRS system? just curious really.


Is the stealership the only option for getting this thing read?

 

My mechanic has a DRBIII scan tool and he read my ABS system. It told us both front sensors and one rear sensor weren't returning any signal and even which one. The fronts were fixed by cleaning the tone rings on the CV joints, but the rear one had to be replaced. This scanner costs about $2000 so not many shops have one. About a year later, the ABS module went bad so I've been driving without it since then and don't miss it at all. In fact, I can control the jeep better with my foot than the unit ever did!

 

I can vouch for that, mines not abs equipped, much better feel for the vehicle.