Here is what the code reader is saying:

B1 000-00

Electronic Control Unit
1. DTC Status:History
2. This Ignition Cycle:Passed
3. Last Test:Past
4. Since DTC Clear:Passed
5. DTC History Status:History

It also gives me a part number of 20921857 and from Google searching that seems to be the airbag computer module.

 

Your scan says that it is a HISTORY code.

The SDM is the airbag computer. You must get a NEW one. Shop at online GM parts stores, I got one for about $108 a few years ago.

If you are lucky replacing the module then having a GM shop do the computer "install/integrate" will fix it. The SDM must be replaced every time the airbags and/or seatbelt systems deploy. I stated something like that in the way back.

Have you checked the seatbelts, if they have deployed they must be replaced. That does not require a computer, but does require the exact correct NEW part to be legal.

The physical bolt up of the part is simple. It lives behind the gearshift under the console. Your Autel will not install/integrate the unit.

Did you look at post #5?

Are we debating something?

I know all this from personal experience.

 

As far as I can tell the HHR has never been in a crash, and never had an airbag go off, no evidence that I can see on or under the HHR, and the VIN search is clean, it does show that for a short time around 14,000 miles it was a "rental vehicle, or part of a rental fleet" but no accidents, so I am wondering why it has an airbag problem?

I was reading some forum posts that I found in other forums that talked about the airbag computer getting wet and becoming corroded, I am wondering if thats a possibility?

 

Ford Pickup trucks have the SDM mounted on the floor under the driver seat where they do get wet and corrode, it is a big problem with them. Ours could get wet from spills through the console, maybe.

Those "rent a wreck" places don't always report accidents. It is possible to have a deployment without a collision. Both from personal experience.

So, you put up with the airbag light for a year, or you avoided seeing it for a year, or it just came on?

You could try disconnecting the SDM connector and greasing the contacts, I doubt that would help, but it would save $200 if it does. The positive lock is a bit tricky.

The problem is: the error is now in the hardware and will never clear. It is a safety thing.

Be advised: If you do the work GM will not guarantee their work. In fact, the guy that programmed mine claimed that it was not in the car at all, then proceeded to do all of the work to R&R the new unit I had installed the day before, he spent 3 hours on a 15 minute job.

I cannot vouch for it, but there are places on eBay that say they can re flash your SDM, so no "integrating" is required for $40. The integrating consists of telling the ECM and BCM the digital signature of the new SDM and re flashing it, that's why using the old SDM can work. They guarantee the flash, I would be tempted.

 

I unplugged the battery, let the HHR set for a half hour, then tested the passenger side seat belt retractor, I did a test like this:


and another video showing the same thing:


I get no rattle and I get 2.3Ohms with a multimeter.

Next I removed the console from between the seats, and I see soda stains, and some of the soda is on the airbag computer and its connector, from what I can see the cup holders are directly over the airbag computer

The airbag computer with soda stains:


<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/OL1Tz"><a href="//imgur.com/OL1Tz">HHR Airbag Computer + Soda = Service Airbag</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


I removed the airbag computer and cleaned the soda off best I could, I used 90% alcohol to clean the dried soda off the hard surfaces in the HHR and the metal case of the airbag computer, and contact cleaner on the airbag computer's connector, after letting the airbag computer dry in the warm sun, I put some dielectric grease on the airbag computer's connector and put every thing back together.

I still get the "Service Airbag" warning, but I am 90% sure its soda related, just to make sure I plan to check the drivers side seat belt retractor in the next few days, I have tried calling the local Chevy dealer two days in a row to ask about reseting my airbag computer and had to leave a message both times, they never call back, I guess I will have to wait until after Labor Day.

 

I added some more images to the post above, and tested the driver side seat belt retractor, I am getting 2.3 Ohms and no rattle, I also added dielectric grease to every connector I could when I was looking for problems, the "Service Airbag" problem almost has to be soda related.

I am waiting for the local Chevy dealer to call me back and looking into alternatives now, apparently hacking the airbag computer yourself and paying someone to hack it are possible and cheap, but I would rather not go down that road unless the Chevy dealer tries to charge me an unreasonable amount, one hack requires a computer/laptop connected to your OBD2 connector the computer then issues a command to clear the fault it apparently sends the same code the Tech-2 device does, the pay hack requires you to send the airbag computer to the hacker you can see that here:


I will update when I get a price from the local Chevy dealer.

 

New part MSRP $416 + 1 hour labor to program.
It is listed as discontinued on the site I looked at.

I seriously doubt a dealership will reset it, for liability reasons. If they will it will cost at least 1 hour labor.

You keep sounding like I haven't said I have done this before on my 2011.

 

To hack and clear the fault may not be possible if the module got wet and is corroded internally

 

I understand that you have experience with getting your airbag computer replaced, and I am guessing it was because of an accident, but my situation is a little different because it was caused by soda, right now I am just exploring all of my options, but if the local Chevy dealer acts like that, I am likely going to fix the airbag computer myself or at least make a good effort at fixing it.

The copper pins were not corroded, but there was some soda around the outer edge of the inside of the connector, and the scan tool code said it was a history code, so I believe that means the airbag module is working now but had messed up sometime in the past, but you could be correct about some corrosion on the inside but the airbag computer seems very well sealed so I "believe" its OK.

I am doing a lot of Internet searching now, it looks like I could buy a clone Tech 2 scanner for $350, or get a CAN bus to USB connector and try issuing known commands to reset the airbag computer, you can learn more about CAN bus over here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN_bus

 

I'm very close to closing this thread because of the liability that it exposes ChevyHHR.net and our parent company Internet Brands to in a Court of Law.

Accidentally deploying an airbag can cause the following.....

Abrasions to the face, chest or upper extremities

Contusion of the face, chest, upper extremities, knees or internal organs

Strain, fracture or blunt trauma to the cervical spine

Burns on the chest, upper extremities or hands

Fracture or break in the face, upper extremities or wrists

Fracture in the skull or rib cage

Loss of consciousness or concussion injuries

Bruising or swelling of the brain

Laceration to the veins, arteries, heart, lungs or brain stem

Laceration to the liver or spleen

Compression of the brain or traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Rupture inside the heart muscle

Eye injury such as rupture to the globe, retinal tear, corneal abrasion or conjunctivitis

Hearing loss or ear trauma

Internal bleeding

and last, but not least DEATH.

It is vitally important to be 100% certain of your knowledge pertaining to SRS(SIR) systems,

Don's airbag deployment came about after an evasive maneuver to avoid a certain collision caused him to head up an embankment, which caused the SIR Module to go into "rollover" mode. Deploying his airbags in a spectacular fashion.

Talk of "hacking and clearing" a module has my liability antennas at their maximum extension.