Hi,

1996 Buick Century 3.1 130,000 miles, driver'* air bag only.

Looking for a way to reset-turn off the dash Air Bag light after the bag deployed in a minor collision.
Already replaced and plugged in another Air Bag and the front sensor that is in front of the radiator, from a 1996 Century.

I've tried unplugging the battery cables for several days, and connecting them together, first with a resistor to drain any capacitors.

I do have a 2 books factory Buick dealer shop manual that says once the bag and any physically crushed sensor are replaced, to use a scan tool to reset the AirBag light.
I do have a scan tool BUT it does not do AirBags or even ABS.

I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy a more expensive scan tool yet so that'* why I'm asking.
The shop manual does mention a Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module that is part of the system.
I'm wondering if like I can drain the charge in it to clear the code or if it'* a hard set code that definitely requires a scanner?
Or perhaps swapping a module from another 1996 Century with mine?
If I need a scanner, any recommendations??

Thank you

Hopefully someone will come along with an answer on the scanner. In the meantime, a trip to a decent dealership and an hour of labor will likely fix it and cost less than a scanner that can do body codes etc.

You will need a ABS/AIRBAG capable scan tool such as this one...

https://actron.com/content/autoscann...irbag-coverage

Do not attempt to outsource to a cheap chinese lookalike. They are cheap for a reason.

Ah okay so for a little more than an hour of labor you can get this. Cool!

Ok the Xtool A30M scan tool $160, company told me their'* would clear the code and I liked what I read about this scanner for future uses.
So I bought it. Well it said it doesn't have that function for my vehicle. I complained to the company, to no avail.

SO I was finally able to reset the code/check engine light by replacing the Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module from a 1996 Century in the salvage yard that still had its air bag un-deployed.
That module is a silver box that is under the dash by the brake pedal.
Unplugged the old one and plugged in the used one and done.

Thank you for the suggestions!

You completely went against what I suggested and look what happened? SMH

I didn’t think I was going against what you suggested in that I didn’t get a cheap scanner yet I didn’t go with the brand you suggested because when I researched this one seemed more capable for other vehicles.

Xtool A30M
You bought CHEAP, chinese JUNK.

There is a REASON, why I suggested the product. One, its not chinese cheap junk. Two, it does what it is suppose to for your application/concern.
Many of us have researched high and low over the last 20 years when it comes to scan tools. So, when we suggest a specific too, It would be in your best interest to follow our instructions, otherwise, you end up wasting both of our time.

Thank you for the reply Mike,

Darnit I don't want to waste anyone'* time.

If it helps, I'm more sorry than you for getting this scanner.

I get advice and then have to try to pick and choose and make decisions on the plan of action.

I did read reviews of the scanner you recommended and found the 1,2,3 star reviews concerning even though it had many 4,5 star reviews.

Also to me, it seemed antiquated that it didn't use my powerful smart phone as a screen/interface.

This Xtool seemed to have just as good reviews and did more.

I wonder if the real risks in these Chinese scan tools is when using the bi-directional functions or if it'* any function.....
I'll have to decide what to do with this scan tool. I'll perhaps sell it used on eBay.
-
Well it seems the PCM circuit that turns on the AC pusher fan is bad and needs replacement anyway. Perhaps I'll luck out and the $70 replacement PCM will fix everything.
I'll report back so others can learn from my mis-takes and this experience.

Thank-you

Jim

The SDM(sensing diagnostic module) is the airbag module, its one time use

how bad was the collision? thanks for not junking the car

Action Components: Replace After Deployment * Air Bag Module(*) * Sensors In Area Of Accident Damage

There are companies who advertise being able to "reset" a SDM /airbag module to be useable again. im not sure how good these are or if it works for a 96 century, but its something to consider. The SDM reason for "one time" is that it stores information like a airplane recorder, meant to be so that it cant be easily hidden to prevent fraud and ensure the system is gone-over before returned to normal operation