Airbag code - put computer into 'limp home' mode? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

TrevorJ · 10-20-2009, 04:57 PM

Hey guys, I'm a relative newcomer to autos in general but I'll be lurking here learning all I can

I picked up a 91 Firebird formula as a project car and to learn how to work on them since I've always wanted to.

I do have one (hopefully) simple question: I've read that having a trouble code can cause the computer to enter "limp home mode" which makes sense I suppose.

The issue is, the previous owner of my '91 Firebird Replaced the steering wheel and pulled out the airbag, thusly my "INFL REST" idiot light is on. What I'm wondering is, does this mean my car is/may be running in 'limp home' mode? I know airbags don't have anything to do with how the engine is run, but I don't know if throwing any code at all might effect what mode the computer will run in.

I could pick up an OBD scanner and reset the code but I assume it will keep coming back since the computer expects an airbag to be there. Programming the chip is above my skill level at the moment, but I assume that would be the only real way tell the computer not to expect an airbag to be there unless I rig whatever sensor/circuit is causing the computer to throw the code. If it isn't causing any secondary problems then I guess it's not that important and I can just tape over the light on the cluster :-P

RBob · 10-20-2009, 05:16 PM

The airbag has no relation to the ECM. So no worries there.

Note that instead of tape pulling the cluster (easy) and removing the bulb may be a better solution. I've seen where having the bulb on all of the time melts the socket and plastic surrounding it.

RBob.