The Car MD may work if it reads body, or "B" codes...You will recognize them with a "B", followed by four digits. B0016, for example. All SIR connectors are yellow. One at the SDM, which is underneath the center of the bench seat (you will not be able to see it, or the connector for it's under the carpet/vinyl. One is at the base of the steering column. One is at the back of the passenger on/off switch. One is at the passenger inflator, and steering wheel horn pad inflator modules. Lastly there are one to each front impact sensors under the radiator support. I wouldn't think tilting the wheel down would cause any issues with the SIR, but anything's possible. You have already elliminated the passenger inflator by turning the switch off, so your problem must lie in the driver's side. So...I would start by getting the code, or codes & go from there. You need to have a starting point, or you're just chasing your tail. Let me know what you come up with.
Matt