Airbag light - tried connectors under seats already

[markengland]

Hi all, first time posting here. I have a 2003 1.5dci Dynamique and the airbag and serv lights are on. We had an auto electrician in at work today and he removed the connectors and soldered all the wires under both seats for me, but the lights are still on. He said the ohms reading is good up as far as the airbag ECU (whatever that means) although he didn't sound 100% certain. Is the problem likely to be the airbag ECU? I have taken it apart and sprayed some contact cleaner in there but it hasn't made any difference. The airbag ECU does look pretty clean and there are no obvious signs of any drinks spillages on there. Any suggestions would be gratefully received as it is due an MOT soon. I have already taken apart and cleaned the airbag on/off switch in the passenger door as well. Cheers, Mark.

 

[AlexW]

It really needs plugging into a diagnostic machine to identify which circuit/airbag is the issue.

As it could be the passenger or drivers side airbag too (drivers side goes through a rotary called a squib which could well be the cause) but would be pointless changing things over and over until you find the cause.

Where abouts are you?

 

[markengland]

Hi Alex. Thanks for the reply. I'm in Rochford in Essex. The sparky plugged his diagnostic computer in to the car and he told me it said pre-tensioners on both sides. As I said before, he cut the connectors off under both seats and soldered, but no difference. Thanks

 

[Ianboom]

Had the side impact sensors go on my sons clio (called satelites in the manual!) they were corroded due to the sunroof leaking. Should be picked up by the diag tool.
When the auto elec soldered the wires, did he retest with the diag tool?

 

[markengland]

I'm not sure if he retested after soldering, I wasn't around unfortunately when he was doing the work and it is not easy for me to check at the moment. Sorry...

 

[AlexW]

Either the joints aren't good enough, or it has an issue elsewhere.

I'm an auto electrician too, with renault specific diagnostics, I'd happily take a look and most likely cure it if you covered fuel costs or came to me (Great Dunmow)

 

[markengland]

Alex, that is really kind of you. I'd love to take you up on that offer if you don't mind. Can I bring the car to you? Whats the best way of exchanging contact details? Cheers, Mark

 

[Ianboom]

I agree with alex.

I'd have thought the auto elec (used to be one too!) would have retested after the repairs?

 

[AlexW]

I'll PM you in a sec.

It deffo should have been checked afterwards, at least to clear codes so you can know exactly whats causing it!

 

[MicKPM]

Sorry OP but what was the actual issue with regards to the pre-tensioners? Have a look at them yourself (Physically) - Have they been triggered? If so this will cause a permanent fault that cannot be removed.

SRS is self diagnosing so if the problem had been resolved the lights would have turned off when you cycle the ignition so you wouldn't actually need a code reader/diagnostic rig to turn off the lights as such (though the codes would still be resident in the memory). If they're still on after the work then there is still either an open/short circuit or an internal fault somewhere within a system component/configuration.

 

[markengland]

Just thought I'd post an update incase it helps anyone else. I visited the very knowledgable AlexW this morning and he very quickly diagnosed it was the squib inside the steering wheel. Problem solved now and no annoying airbag and serv light. Cheers Alex. Top man!

 

[AlexW]

Pleasure to meet you, and glad it was a nice easy fix.