First off, thank you to all the long-time moderators, techs, and regular posting crowd. This site helped me for YEARS with my '97 SE. Owned the car for 12 years with few problems. Lots of great advice borrowed from this site kept it running well, and helped me to self-diagnose and address most issues on my own. I loved the '97 enough that I replaced it with an 05 SLE.

When I got the 05, I knew it had been on the losing end of a deer strike, the hood, left front fender and light assembly had been changed, along with the radiator, condenser, and support rail behind them. The bumper cover was torn in three places right around the front license plate area. For cost considerations, the cover was repaired,

So, no problems for a solid month after the repair, and with almost daily use.

I garaged the car for ~ 10 days while out of town on a vacation. When I got home, I started the car and pulled it out of the garage. The Service Air Bag indicator lit in the DIC, and info chimes sounded. I parked it, shut it off and took it to work the next day, same situation. Indicator light is still on, DIC still says Service Air Bag. Not sure why it was fine for so long and has decided to act up now???

I have checked the SIR fuse in the rear block, and while it was out I disconnected the front sensor to inspect it. No obvious signs of damage to the wiring. Everything is back together, but light still indicates a problem.

So what'* my next step? I know I need the codes scanned, does anyone know if the scan tools at an AutoZone or Advance Auto will be enough to read the air bag module? I know I'm looking for a Tech 2 capable scanner. Most of the tools for loan are Actron scanners, and may only read OBDII / engine codes?

Is there a sticky for an "airbag procedure" to follow?

Oh, on a potentially related note.... the temperature sensor for outside air temp reads between 8 and 12 degrees too high, has since I got the car, I assumed that it might be misplaced, or is pointed at the engine block instead of the ground? Not even sure where that wire is located, or what the sensor looks like. ???

????

Thanks in advance,

FamilyVanMan

Air Bags are dangerous and tricky. If you do do any work on the bag disconnect the battery which still isn't a guarantee it is safe. With a front end collision a sensor could have been compromised.

We love working on our own cars to save money. This is a situation where the car needs to be brought in to be fixed by a train technician.

Thanks Nighthwk12, I hear ya. I'm not willing to risk life or limb on it to save some $. It does seem odd that it waited 6+ months after the deer strike to turn on. Possibly unrelated.

I am hoping to get a code pulled from it, to see what it indicates. I don't trust the dealerships in this area. I like to go to a shop prepared.

Any thoughts on the external temperature sensor reading high?

FWIW, the outside temp sensor on my 2001 Bonny reads about 5 degrees high. The error seems to magnify with higher temps, telling me that it is more a percentage error than a fixed offset.

As to the air bag system. Yes, very tricky. But the airbag needs voltage to fire off. Remove that source (and make darn sure you do), and the air bag is no more dangerous than handling firearms ammunition. There are some good videos on YT from a company close to me that services airbags. They have some DIY and informational type stuff that will help you circumvent making a careless mistake. The manufacturer even helps a bit by putting a shorting mechanism across the pins wherever you can unplug it on the side where the airbag would still be attached. If you find those videos, it will be self evident. Just use your own comfort level in deciding whether to tackle the issue or not.

Hope this helps.

Found the temp sensor, the base for the sensor assembly was broke, when the car was repaired, they tucked the sensor out of the way in front of the condenser / radiator area. Yeah, it stays pretty hot there during the NC summers. Zip tied it to a bracket in the air space behind the front grill, much more accurate readings now!

As to the Service Airbag light, it'* still on - took it to AAA - they diagnosed it as the front discriminating sensor - diag fee $40, replace fee was some where near $275 - seemed steep to me. I paid the diag fee and have priced the part through local GM dealer for under $120.

How tough to change it? Single torx bit screw comes from under? Might be left hand thread?

Part number looks specific for the year 25764117, was told that 2001-2005 LeSabre is same, but only 2005 Bonneville.

I'd pop for the $250 repair but cash is tight, kids always want to eat. Thanks all.

An update for you all - based on the info provided by AAA scan (~$45) and parts priced at ~$120 from a local dealers (purchased from gmpartsdirect for ~$100), the repair is complete. Sensor was simple to swap out, single torx screw, left hand threaded. Complete in under 30 minutes. No more nag light, system checks out OK.