My airbag light is on and I'm not sure why. It used to go on and off randomly then eventually stayed on always. Everything else works. I already tried replacing the clockspring and it didn't help. Next idea is the module.
Has anybody else battled this? What did you do to fix it?
Ideally I would like to have it scanned but the couple places I asked both want over $150 to do that. I am not paying $150 until I've tried replacing/guessing at various parts first. (Salvage yard here is pretty cheap).
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Check with your local parts stores, and see if any of them have a scanner that will read SRS codes. The advance auto by me can, along with ABS. And I don't live in a big city......

 

The parts stores ,here anyway,only have the rental ones that check OBD2/ABS..not SRS.
I'm not sure if the Dakota has a way to jumper the port for srs codes info like toyota does but it would be nice.
Test an replace common sensors 1st as you mentioned .

 

I sort of assumed the auto parts stores wouldn't have the software to read these but I'll have to check for myself and get back.

 

Well the stores here don't lend readers that do SRS systems. Maybe I'll just buy a code reader that can. It would be nice to have in general anyways.
Does anybody have a code reader that can see SRS codes? What else does it do? Do you like it?

I saw one in harbor freight today (Zurich ZR13) that seemed nice. About $145 with a coupon.

 

I have one of these.
Launch CRP129 Professional Obd2 Scanner Code Reader Scan Tool for Engine Transmission ABS Airbag System EPB/SAS/Oil Reset with 16 Pin Extensive Cable
It was able to read the ABS code for the little Corolla I drive as a work beater. 206 bucks on Amazon.

 

I ended up buying an Innova 5410. Apparently this new line just came out. It was only $145 including taxes with a 25% off at Advanced Auto.
Anyways, it says "Driver Squib #1 short to battery"
Found this wiring diagram, it's a pretty simple system and I don't think it'll be too hard to track down from here.



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Could be the clockspring. Does the horn work? How about the cruise?

Easy enough to replace.

 

My horn and cruise always work. But since it's the most likely culprit I tried replacing the clockspring anyways (it was only $13) and it didn't change anything. So unless the new one is also bad in the exact same manner as my original, it is not the clockspring.
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SOLVED!!!

​​It was the airbag module.
In addition to my 03 dakota, an 03 durango also resides here. I robbed the module out of the durango, put in it my truck and the airbag light went away. I'm assuming the little control board inside the module corroded and/or somehow bridged/shorted together the 2 lines for the driver "squib" circuit. The circuit was shorted out before it even left the module housing.
I'll take it apart after I reassemble everything and see what it looks like.