GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows airbag. The system checks the airbag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, the airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System .


Object Number: 808596  Size: A1

This light will come on when the ignition is turned to ON, and it will flash for a few seconds. Then the light should go out. This means the system is ready.

Your airbag system may not work properly if the airbag readiness light does any of the following:

    • The light does not flash when the ignition is turned to ON.
    • The light stays on after several flashes.
    • The light flashes while driving.
    • The light stays on while driving.

Have your vehicle serviced right away if any of the above conditions exist.

Caution: If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.

The airbag readiness light should flash for a few seconds when you turn the ignition to ON. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.