1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 136

Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag's electrical system malfunctions. The light for tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includesthe air bag sensors, the bag modules, air the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see "Air Bag" in the Index. This light will come on when you start your engine, and it will flash for a few seconds. Then the light should go out. This means the system is ready. Voltmeter You can read battery voltage onyour voltmeter. If it reads less than 11 volts or more than16 volts while your engine is running, and it stays there, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter reading in a warning zone could drain your battery. If you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter reading might move into yellow zone. If the reading the stays in the yellow zone while you are driving, you may on If the air bag readiness light stays after you start the have a problem with the electrical charging system. engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag Have it checked. Whilethe voltmeter reads in the yellow system may not work properly. Have your vehicle zone, your battery may not be able to power certain serviced right away. electrical accessories, like ABS. (If this happens, your ABS INOP light will comeon. See "Anti-Lock Brake a The air bag readiness light should flash forfew System Warning Light" in the Index. seconds when youturn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn't come on then, have fixed so it will be it ready to warn you there is a problem. if AIR BAG 2-81