Airbag Light On. Disconnected Power Cable.

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

Hello Chaps,

I was changing a blown bulb in the ashtray of my 2001, 3 litre, Z3. I had to partly remove the centre console to get at it. After changing the bulb I put everything back together. After doing so I found a connector plug sticking out underneath the lower console trim of the car. The picture with the white dot shows where the connector was. I took the console out again and tried to find the other end but with no success. I routed the cable up to the slot for the stereo so I wouldn't loose the end of it. You can see the connector in the second picture. I know that this connector does not feed any of the interior lights. They are all still working.

After all of this I noticed that my airbag light had come on. I have tried to turn it off using my C310+ scanner but all I am getting is a communication error. Incidentally, I'm getting the same error on every function when connected via the OBD port in the footwell of the car. I have now ordered the 20 pin adaptor so I can read from the port under the bonnet. However, that won't be here for a few days.

So .............................

1.) Can anyone tell me what the electrical plug may be for and what is should be connected to?
2.) Does the plug have anything to do with the airbag system?
3.) Does anyone else have the same communication issue with the C310+ when connected to the OBD socket in the footwell?

Looking forward to your responses.

Cheers.

Andy

 

[NZ00Z3]

It looks like the standard clock connector. I take it that you have an on board computer installed in the clock location?

Have a look in the wiring diagrams for your car to confirm. Not got a set? They are in the "Resources" section of this forum. See the Blue ribbon at the top of your screen. They are build date dependent.

The OBD2 port under the steering column only talk to the DME and EGS. You need to go to the 20 pin port under the bonnet/hood to talk to all modules.

 

[Rudyrov]

My resetting tool has never worked, I presume it's because I have not fixed the issue.
Honestly, I would like to bypass all sensors except the one that sets the bags off in case of an inpact.
My insurance would most likely total the car anyway so wh cares if the bags all went off, at least I would stand a chance at survival.

 

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

It looks like the standard clock connector. I take it that you have an on board computer installed in the clock location?

Have a look in the wiring diagrams for your car to confirm. Not got a set? They are in the "Resources" section of this forum. See the Blue ribbon at the top of your screen. They are build date dependent.

The OBD2 port under the steering column only talk to the DME and EGS. You need to go to the 20 pin port under the bonnet/hood to talk to all modules.

Hello Rudyrov,

Thank you for the very informative response.

You are correct, I do have an onboard trip computer and not a clock. I assume that that wiring for the clock would just be 'taped up' behind the dash? The reason being that my car has the computer? I have had a look but cannot find the appropriate wiring diagram? Could you send me a link please?

Can anyone else confirm that they also have an onboard computer and this 'redundant' clock power plug?

Regarding the airbag light, I will wait for the C310+ adaptor to arrive and then report back on this thread.

Thanks again.

Andy.

 

[NZ00Z3]

I have had a look but cannot find the appropriate wiring diagram? Could you send me a link please?

Hmmm, I do not know the build date of your car. I don't known where in the world you are so do I need the NA or UK diagrams?

Best you do this yourself. You may learn something useful. It's one of those "Teach a man to fish" things.

Tip, look for "analogue clock".

 

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

Hmmm, I do not know the build date of your car. I don't known where in the world you are so do I need the NA or UK diagrams?

Best you do this yourself. You may learn something useful. It's one of those "Teach a man to fish" things.

Tip, look for "analogue clock".

Hello again and thanks for your response.

After a bit of searching I think I found it.

(2) Identify these plugs | BMW Z1 Z4 Z8 Z3 Forum and Technical Database - ZRoadster.org

I am based in the UK and the build date was toward the end of 2000.

Cheers.

Andy.

View attachment 221399

 

[t-tony]

The exact build date should be on a sticker on one of the suspension turrets. O/S IIRC.

Tony.

 

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

Hello again Chaps,

Yep, the plug is the redundant power and light connector for the clock. The 'step' plug on the end matches with the socket on the clock. Check out the 2 pictures.

I also know the build date for my car! August 2000! Everyday is a school Day.

I hope this thread may help others in the future.

Just the airbag light to deal with now. More on that shortly.

Thanks to everyone for your help with this.

Cheers.

Andy.