1997 Chevrolet Lumina: airbag warning light

Filed Oct 21, 2003 · Airbags, Steering · 163,950 miles · MI

I have a 97 chevrolet lumina and started experiencing steering tightness when turning left. I heard about a re-call so I took my car to the chevrolet dealer for help. I asked them if they could check the lower pinion bearing to see if that was the problem. They told me they knew nothing about any recall and said that my power steering pump was out. They couldn't get the part for a week. I was afraid to continue driving it the way it was so my husband changed the pump. There was no difference in the steering. I took it back to the dealer, they said the pump was fine but they would have to flush the system because parts from the pump probably got into the rack. I again explained to them about the upcoming recall and they told me it couldn't be the problem. It was going to be a couple of days before they could get my car in to flush out the system and I asked them if it was safe to drive it the way it was and they told me it wouldn't be a problem. That next day when I was driving my car the steering completely went out. The steering wheel just started spinning. I think I am lucky to be alive. I had to have it towed to them.they told me that the steering column broke and that it still had nothing to do with any recall. They are charging 600.00 for what they fixed. I asked them if I could have the old rack to have the lpb checked out to see if it was bad but they didn't have the part any more, they sent it to where ever they have them re-built. They are going to try and get it back. When they took my car for a test drive after replacing the rack they said that the airbag warning light came on and now want to charge me another 325.00 to fix that. Of course again, nothing to do with changing the rack. Can you tell me if any of this has anything to do with the lpb? I am at a loss, I have read other complaints and to me this sounds about the same.

Filed May 25, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · MA

Between november 2002 and may 2003, I have gone through 4 batteries and 3 visits to the dealer for electrical "shorts." either the antilock brake warning light, or the airbag warning light would come on, and the interior dash lights would become increasingly dim indicating a battery drain. Within a day or two, the battery would be completely drained, and there is no power at all. The dealer reports finding problems in the battery cells and shorts in the harness under the dash each time, but the problem persists.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Airbags · MN

While driving the vehicles air bag light illuminated. The dealer has been notified.

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Airbags · GA

While driving air bag light became illuminated. Have not contacted dealership.*ak

Filed Sep 6, 2001 · Airbags, Engine · TX

Air bag lights stays on, the dealer cleared connection, cleared codes and also replaced passenger side module but the lightis still on .

Filed Aug 8, 2001 · Airbags · TN

After the vehicle is started, the airbag light stays on.

Filed Jul 9, 2001 · Airbags, Brakes · OH

Vehicle has experienced brake problems, front rotors have been replaced twice, front brake pads have been replaced, rear shoes glazed. Steering gear replaced due to consumer losing power steering while driving, power steering pump was replaced, rack was also replaced. Water pump was leaking and was replaced. Air bag light illuminated, dealer stated sir coil inoperative.

Filed Jul 26, 2000 · Airbags · AL

While starting vehicle air bag indicator light would flash seven times and stay on. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information.

Filed Jul 10, 2000 · Airbags · WI

Ignition turned on and vehicle failed to start, heard noise under dash and when vehicle finally started the air bag light remained on, the air bag eject harness shorted out causing incident.

Filed Nov 9, 1999 · Airbags · CA

Airbag indicator light on instrument cluster always on, indicating that airbag is non-operational. Dealer cited a technical service bulletin on service order, but repairs quoted to be paid by owner. Problem is related to high resistance in the wiring harness for the airbag. I have talked with other owners of 1997 lumina's who have had the same problem (people I work with). This is too common of a problem to be left as a tsb. This should be corrected (recall or otherwise). I have a complaint with chevrolet customer service as well (complaint file #990567661) if the airbag is non-operational because of this, any passenger riding in my vehicle is not protected by a supposed safety feature for which insurance companies provide discounts. I have noticed a single airbag tsb across many 1997 chevrolet models in my online searches. I think this is an extremely widespread problem that should be addressed.

Filed Sep 8, 1998 · Airbags · WV

Air bag light continually on, consumer took vehicle in for repair and while in for repair false deployment of air bag causing damage to vehicle's interior.(attorney for consumer).