PSA for people with inexplicable SRS warning lights.

[Vinci]

I have seen may reports of people getting airbag lights out of the blue. I feel like many of these are caused by flaky wiring/connectors. For a while, I had an SRS light that was tied to the driver-side seat buckle (Peake table 02, code 10). I would clear the code, and it would come back after a couple weeks or a day. Since it never came back immediately, or even at a regular interval, it struck me as likely that the device wasn't actually bad.

What I did to fix it was clean all the under-seat connectors with DeoxIT. After cleaning the connections and resetting the fault code, it has not come back. My father also fixed some intermittent "Check X lamp" warnings on his e39 by cleaning the connections. I highly recommend that anyone with such problems give DeoxIT a try before they buy any parts.

[SunzOut]

I did the same and so far so good- deoxit can be found in most Radio Shacks for around $14.

[phrider]

Deoxit sounds cheaper than the BMW recommended contact enhancer, Stabilant-22. It seems to be available from some audiophile web sites for the cheapest prices.

[pipiyangtw]

Thank you for sharing. I have the same problem. My SRS light come out sometimes when I move the seat. Its the seat buckle problem too.

[Vinci]

It seems to be available from some audiophile web sites for the cheapest prices.

I got mine online from Guitar Center, in fact. It was much cheaper than other vendors, and they had it in stock. They also had the "Gold" version for plated connectors.

[gearhead1]

I tried a number of contact enhancers/anti-corrosives, but I got the SRS within a week of having it reset. After having it reset five times and after trying all of the techniques in the service bulletins, my mechanic built a new harness/splice for me and I've not had an SRS light for months. It sounds like the connectors get beyond repair.

Now, if I could just get my stupid ebrake light to stop lighting up after the car warms up...

[Monolith]

I got mine online from Guitar Center, in fact. It was much cheaper than other vendors, and they had it in stock. They also had the "Gold" version for plated connectors.

DeOxit is a cleaner whereas the Gold actually coats/embeds the metal contact and is used after the DeOxit.

[scruzphreak]

My local shop wants about $400 to remove the passenger seat, resolder the connector, and replace the seat.

I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron - I did the c33 business radio fix myself. But I don't know how to remove the passenger seat. Is it easy? Where can I find instructions?

1998 328i e36

-ms

[greyish]

If this hasn't been linked in the FAQ, it might be a good idea to add it, given how common airbag lights/codes are on our cars.

..

[SunzOut]

My local shop wants about $400 to remove the passenger seat, resolder the connector, and replace the seat.

I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron - I did the c33 business radio fix myself. But I don't know how to remove the passenger seat. Is it easy? Where can I find instructions?

1998 328i e36

-ms

4 bolts...search for seat bushing fix - you will find info

[BabyM]

4 bolts...search for seat bushing fix - you will find info

well, 5 if you count the seat belt --and be sure to pick up a 16mm socket if you don't already have one.


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Is Deoxit better than a plain vanilla electronics cleaner?

[GBimmer]

I used CRC contact cleaner and had similar results. No SRS light for 6 months now.


...probably will come on tomorrow now...

[greyish]

Added this to the FAQ.

..

[rf900rkw]

well, 5 if you count the seat belt --and be sure to pick up a 16mm socket if you don't already have one

16mm = 5/8"

[ronnie38]

I to had the SRS lamp on problem, bought a peak reset tool and took out the drivers seat.
Proceeded to remove the Molex connectors used by BMW since the late 80's (My 325E has AMP (now TYCO) connectors.
Replaced with a waterproof connector medical grade, reset codes and no more problems.
It has been 3 years now

[SunzOut]

I to had the SRS lamp on problem, bought a peak reset tool and took out the drivers seat.
Proceeded to remove the Molex connectors used by BMW since the late 80's (My 325E has AMP (now TYCO) connectors.
Replaced with a waterproof connector medical grade, reset codes and no more problems.
It has been 3 years now

Can you provide more details on the connectors and where to get them ?

[Vinci]

well, 5 if you count the seat belt --and be sure to pick up a 16mm socket if you don't already have one.


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Is Deoxit better than a plain vanilla electronics cleaner?

I don't think you can get a socket on that bolt. A 16mm ratcheting wrench helps, though.

DeoxIT is better than regular contact cleaner. It is supposed to prevent the contacts from getting corroded again. If you look around for info on contact cleaners, it's the standard for audio/electronics/etc.

[n1c0LaSS]

i ran into a similar problem when i picked-up mine a month or so ago. the carfax checked out, and the engine seemed to be in great condition...no major leaks, ran smooth, didn't overheat. the previous owner painted some interior pieces red, installed a pretty bad aftermarket radio, etc.

well, i was changing out some of the interior components when i noticed a VERY dim airbag light i just thought to myself, "oh no." i bought some new cluster lights and sure enough, there it was in all of its disgusting glory.

after i removed some of the old radio equipment, i noticed that there are two yellow plugs not plugged into anything (the airbag module seems to be in tact with the only plug that could go into it plugged in). then when i removed the tweeters he had in, there are yellow connectors on each side that are also not plugged into anything. any ideas where these things go?

also, i am in the process of removing some of the old dynamat in the trunk and found that there is a bundle of wires CUT in the trunk. WTF!?! can't really complain since i got the car for really cheap

there are also two yellow harnesses in the door panels, right next to the tweeter connectors. any ideas what those could be?

[2kredz3]

The dealer replaced the whole SRS wire harness on my car and the light hasnt returned for almost 2 years now. cost was 1100 bux tho (their dime not mine)

[GBimmer]

i ran into a similar problem when i picked-up mine a month or so ago. the carfax checked out, and the engine seemed to be in great condition...no major leaks, ran smooth, didn't overheat. the previous owner painted some interior pieces red, installed a pretty bad aftermarket radio, etc.

well, i was changing out some of the interior components when i noticed a VERY dim airbag light i just thought to myself, "oh no." i bought some new cluster lights and sure enough, there it was in all of its disgusting glory.

after i removed some of the old radio equipment, i noticed that there are two yellow plugs not plugged into anything (the airbag module seems to be in tact with the only plug that could go into it plugged in). then when i removed the tweeters he had in, there are yellow connectors on each side that are also not plugged into anything. any ideas where these things go?

also, i am in the process of removing some of the old dynamat in the trunk and found that there is a bundle of wires CUT in the trunk. WTF!?! can't really complain since i got the car for really cheap

there are also two yellow harnesses in the door panels, right next to the tweeter connectors. any ideas what those could be?

that all sounds like audio stuff.

[n1c0LaSS]

that all sounds like audio stuff.

i am told that the big bundle of wires that were cut in the trunk might have been for the amp. however, the yellow plugs leave me a bit worried. in japanese cars, anything yellow is associated with the airbag. it seems that in this car, the color is either orange or yellow.

[GBimmer]

i am told that the big bundle of wires that were cut in the trunk might have been for the amp. however, the yellow plugs leave me a bit worried. in japanese cars, anything yellow is associated with the airbag. it seems that in this car, the color is either orange or yellow.

Those are for mid-range speakers.

Sounds like your are aftermarket (just tweets and lows). PO probably removed the mids.

[n1c0LaSS]

Those are for mid-range speakers.

Sounds like your are aftermarket (just tweets and lows). PO probably removed the mids.

yeah, definitely had aftermarket. didn't know those yellow connectors in the door and the center console were for the mids though, thanks for that info. i think i'm just going to bite the bullet and buy the airbag reset tool. after doing some research, it seems like the airbag light is a pretty common occurrence, especially with older cars.

[Silberwald]

Bringing this one back from the dead with questions...

My Airbag light is on & off at different times... I've noticed it triggered by passengers shifting positions in the seat. I'm hoping its not a defective matt. I'd like to try cleaning the plugs first to see if it helps, but I'm wondering one thing...

If you unplug one of those plugs to clean it with the battery connected but the car is off (keys not in ignition) will it trigger a permanent warning light?

I ask because my light is intermittent, and I'd rather spare myself the time/expense of finding a reset tool if possible!

[lokijibber]

I think you'll be ok as long as the key isn't in, but why risk it? I prefer to disconnect the battery before any electrical work (IE: unplugging a harness). It's so incredibly simple to do, it adds at most 60 seconds to any job.