Airbag warning light

[TraceyP]

Airbag light on again in my 1997 Z3 1.9 auto, managed to put it out last time with the airbag code reader whotsit but it refuses to stay off now. Is it usually the connection under the seats that causes it coz always seems to happen when I move the drivers seat? Thanks for any help. Ps codes on code reader say 2- crash sensor closed more than once and 5- crash sensor closed permanently.

 

[Nodzed]

Mine does the same (passenger side) and its the seat belt pre-tensioner unit causing my issue.

 

[mrscalex]

The airbag light can come on for various reasons. Including pre-tensioners, passenger seat occupancy mat, crash sensors, faulty airbags, battery blow-off.

The error codes there suggest it's a crash sensor which are located under the carpet.

Clearing codes with a reader will only ever be a temporary thing waiting for it to reoccur. Unless you triggered it when removing the seat with the power on - it doesn't like losing the pre-tensioner connectivity. Common one that but won't be what you have there.

 

[TraceyP]

The airbag light can come on for various reasons. Including pre-tensioners, passenger seat occupancy mat, crash sensors, faulty airbags, battery blow-off.

The error codes there suggest it's a crash sensor which are located under the carpet.

Clearing codes with a reader will only ever be a temporary thing waiting for it to reoccur. Unless you triggered it when removing the seat with the power on - it doesn't like losing the pre-tensioner connectivity. Common one that but won't be what you have there.

So it's probably the crash sensor, will that need replacing or can it be fixed? Sorry know nothing about the airbag system, thankyou for your help!

 

[jonco]

The airbag light can come on for various reasons. Including pre-tensioners, passenger seat occupancy mat, crash sensors, faulty airbags, battery blow-off.

The error codes there suggest it's a crash sensor which are located under the carpet.

Clearing codes with a reader will only ever be a temporary thing waiting for it to reoccur. Unless you triggered it when removing the seat with the power on - it doesn't like losing the pre-tensioner connectivity. Common one that but won't be what you have there.

Agree but on my 98 1.9 auto I recall the crash sensor is mounted on centre console just in front of gear selector housing.
Also agree it's unlikely to be pretensioner based on codes, but may be worth cleaning up plug contacts and making sure the cable tie is holding plug and socket firmly together. This was part of the problem on mine.

 

[TraceyP]

Agree but on my 98 1.9 auto I recall the crash sensor is mounted on centre console just in front of gear selector housing.
Also agree it's unlikely to be pretensioner based on codes, but may be worth cleaning up plug contacts and making sure the cable tie is holding plug and socket firmly together. This was part of the problem on mine.
View attachment 186403

Thankyou!

 

[mrscalex]

Agree but on my 98 1.9 auto I recall the crash sensor is mounted on centre console just in front of gear selector housing.
Also agree it's unlikely to be pretensioner based on codes, but may be worth cleaning up plug contacts and making sure the cable tie is holding plug and socket firmly together. This was part of the problem on mine.
View attachment 186403

Strangle label to be honest. That’s the control module not sensor. But that can be added to the list of possible culprits. Unlikely in this case I would tend to think.

 

[TraceyP]

Strangle label to be honest. That’s the control module not sensor. But that can be added to the list of possible culprits. Unlikely in this case I would tend to think.

Thankyou, so are the crash sensors under the seat?

 

[jonco]

Strangle label to be honest. That’s the control module not sensor. But that can be added to the list of possible culprits. Unlikely in this case I would tend to think.

Thanks - interesting - I assumed it was especially as there is a directional arrow on it . I've only had the carpet partially out on mine but have never found anything else. Any suggestions where it is actually mounted please?

 

[mrscalex]

Thanks - interesting - I assumed it was especially as there is a directional arrow on it . I've only had the carpet partially out on mine but have never found anything else. Any suggestions where it is actually mounted please?

I know where they are on a facelift. It’s possible they (or it in earlier cars) are in a different place. I would start with seat out passenger side and directly underneath.

It’s common to find it wet under there and the sensor badly rusted.