Airbag Code 12 and 31

Hey Everybody

Have a 1996 Toyota Tacoma XCab with airbag code 12 and 31. Where should I start with replacing parts?

 

I see this has been dead for a while, but my 1995 Taco SR5 Xcab 4WD had the airbag light come on I have the same codes: 12 and 31. For a week or so, the light only came on after about 30 sec and/or 100-200 yards of travel, but after a week or two, it now comes on with the key and stays on the whole time. I've tried disconnecting the battery and it does the same thing, but only maybe one cycle until the light is on constant. So I was hoping maybe you could post what you found with your truck.

Worst of all, Virginia requires the airbag to function if the airbag was installed as original equipment . . . even though it wasn't required until 1998 . . . and my inspection is due next month! I'm about to just replace the control module (after I figure out where it is). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

code 12 means short in D squib circuit to B+
code 31 means a malfunction in the airbag computer

D squib circuit components are clockspring, steering wheel airbag and the computer, so one of these has gone bad. Though, combined with code 31, it likely means it is the airbag computer...

it is located right in front of the transmission shifter, behind the panel that's below the dash panel with the radio. Just undo the two clips on each side and you'll see it



you could try checking your clockspring, just in case, but a tell-tale sign of a bad clockspring is horn or cruise control problems, especially as the steering wheel is being turned

 

Thanks for the quick response! I had looked up the codes, but I thought it strange to have two, except that maybe because I had a change in symptoms over the course of a week (before I checked them). I also pulled the center console and checked voltage at the bottom left two pins on the plug (ACC and IG2) a few minutes ago per something else I found for a 31 code. It was good at 12V - the other site said probably the module, but that guy only had a 31 code. Horn definitely works, I should check cruise since I've not used that for a while.

Also, your truck is a lot cleaner than mine! and your shifters (at least 4WD) are different than mine (my 4WD has a boot) - maybe because Canadian?

 

oh, no, it's not the interior of my truck on the picture. But still, mine is as clean as this one. I do have a boot for the 4x4, too

by the way, welcome to tacoma world