Airbag warning light on

[Chris Hunter]

My airbag warning light has come on, before I take it to the garage can anyone suggest a possible cause and hopefully a cure. Also what type of machine can detect the fault and switch the light off.

 

[hard top]

This thread might be of some help ?

Link :-

How To Guide - BMW Z3 airbag light turn off by BMW B800 Airbag Reset Tool

BMW Z3 old car but the airbag light keep on to annoy you! You can check below and know the easiest cheapest way to solve this trouble! Tool you need: BMW B800 Airbag Reset Tool for most BMW 1994 to 2003 Connect BMW B800 with BMW Z3 using the round 20 pin connector. The round 20 pin diagnostic...

zroadster.org

 

[colb]

The B800 is very basic airbag code reader and can clear codes however if you want a multi purpose code reader have a look at a Creator 310+ avilable on ebay and Amazon circa £50. It reads all the modules on a car, clears codes and displays live data. Sorted my airbag light when BMW Inpa and Bmw Scanner 1.4 failed to clear the code. My fault was down to me switching on ignition when I had a seat out and airbag wiring disconnected. Creator found the fault and cleared the code once the seat was reconnected.

 

[Chris Hunter]

Thank you colb that is exactly what I did. I moved the hood switch from behind the seat too the front panel, connected the new wiring then switched on the ignition to test everything hence the airbag light problem. Thanks for your help
Chris

 

[colb]

Mine was on my Z4 after having the seats out to fit heated pads, like you I connected the control switches and completly forgot about the airbag connections being undone and switched the ignition on to test the heated seat switches, rewarded with the airbag light. None of my usual software could clear it, must admit didn't try the B800, yes I have one of those as well, think it was out on loan with another member. Bought the Creator 310+ and that found the fault and cleared it first go, it was the Satellite B Post sensor that had set the code, one on each side of the Z4 left and right. Cleared and its stayed off since.

 

[Chris Hunter]

Thank you all for your advice. I bought a B808 code reader which identified the passenger seat belt pretensioner by elimination I suspected the little black box marked BMW 65 77 8 367 242. I had read on the internet that this unit was fitted to most BMWs so off to metal Micky's the scrap man. First car I saw was a Z3 on its side it's seats laying alongside, and on one seat was the black box. I was of course pleased with my prize. Then I thought suppose it is duff. I will take two just in case. There must have been twenty to thirty BMs but not one had this unit fitted, another Z3 had both of them missing. I was thinking aren't I the lucky lad. Duly fitted the B800 cleared the problem. Thanks again for your advice.

 

[colb]

That part number comes back as a seat occupancy sensor so it would only be under the passenger seat, not sure why your code reader showed the fault as the pre tensioner at the base of the seatbelt reciever socket, did you replace that as well or just the occupancy sensor?

 

[bertiejaffa]

Remember when putting your seats back to ensure you route the seatbelt wiring securly away from the seat runners - most classic cause of a sudden airbag light is moving the chair and running over the cable

 

[Chris Hunter]

Hi Colb Thanks for your reply. I tried several times to reset my dash warning light without success. Then I plugged in the said unit, tried a reset and Bob's your uncle.

 

[colb]

Odd that initial code pointed to tensioner yet replacing the occupancy sensor fixed it and light went out when code cleared. Usual fault with occupancy sensor is the mat in the seat squab that sustains broken wires inside it, usually from people kneeling on the seat or kids standing on the squab. That little black box must be the interface that the mat plugs into, best test out sitting in the seat and move it forwards and back just to make sure the light isn't triggered again before declaring a complete fix.

 

[Chris Hunter]

Will check Colb thanks

 

[Steve61]

Like many Z3 owners, I had that pesky airbag light come on, but thanks to the numerous threads on this forum, it was an easy fix.

Brought the B800 off eBay, but got that vague code 02 “warn lamp” and resetting wouldn’t clear the code. So out came the driver’s seat and I could easily see where the cable was getting snagged from seat adjustments. Thankfully wires not cut right through, cleaned up connectors and ensured pushed fully home. Cables now tied back out of harms way and code reset and cleared. You can see from picture where cable was getting caught up and presumably pulling the connector out.

Okay, not the most advanced job, but very satisfying for a novice. Will probably check under the passenger seat to avoid any future problems.

 

[graeme cook]

Hi new to Z's but finding out quickly! mines a 1999. 2.0 6 cylinder i need a correct code reader for mine as it has the round pin port under the bonnet
and the ABS / TRAC light is on and i need to mot it cheers

 

[SV8Predator]

Hi new to Z's but finding out quickly! mines a 1999. 2.0 6 cylinder i need a correct code reader for mine as it has the round pin port under the bonnet
and the ABS / TRAC light is on and i need to mot it cheers

You need the Creator 310+ as explained in this very thread. Also buy the adaptor for the under-bonnet port.

 

[John_B]

Hi new to Z's but finding out quickly! mines a 1999. 2.0 6 cylinder i need a correct code reader for mine as it has the round pin port under the bonnet
and the ABS / TRAC light is on and i need to mot it cheers

You will need an adapter like this one (this is the one I bought and can confirm works):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00SV3GNE0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Newbieowner]

I've heard some people just remove the airbag bulb from the dash ....

 

[colb]

Removing the airbag light bulb will bring you an MOT Fail when car is tested, as it should display when ignition is turned on and go out when engine is started and the car has made its safety checks. Not a very wise thing to do, scan the car for codes and fix the faults.

 

[Newbieowner]

Removing the airbag light bulb will bring you an MOT Fail when car is tested, as it should display when ignition is turned on and go out when engine is started and the car has made its safety checks. Not a very wise thing to do, scan the car for codes and fix the faults.

you just cant tell some people who want a quick win