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Thread: DIY airbag reset tool?

  1. #1
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    DIY airbag reset tool?

    Is there any schematic or instruction to reset an airbag light without the $120 tool? A quick search didn't pop anything up, but I'd imagine the theory to be similar to the workaround for service light resetting (jumping 2 obd2 port pins, etc).

    Any info out there?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Itsablurr View Post
    Is there any schematic or instruction to reset an airbag light without the $120 tool? A quick search didn't pop anything up, but I'd imagine the theory to be similar to the workaround for service light resetting (jumping 2 obd2 port pins, etc).

    Any info out there?
    Borrow one, or worst case, buy a used one on Ebay and resell it when you are done with it.

    Might cost you $20 for the whole transaction.

  3. #3
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    i dont believe its that simple.
    if you are ever in brooklyn ny, PM me and i will scan and reset it for u for free.
    ps, if you have a fault, the light will not reset. it will come back on.
    Last edited by hc1001; 08-09-2010 at 05:10 PM.

  4. #4
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    Yup, what you really want is a reset tool / code reader so you can diagnose the fault, fix it then reset.

    If your light is on because you turned the car on with the airbag or seat disconnected you can probably get away with just a reset.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by alanilil View Post
    Borrow one, or worst case, buy a used one on Ebay and resell it when you are done with it.

    Might cost you $20 for the whole transaction.
    Of course. However, if someone could figure out a diy workaround without the tool, it would be a great tech tip for the community.

    Quote Originally Posted by alanilil View Post
    Yup, what you really want is a reset tool / code reader so you can diagnose the fault, fix it then reset.

    If your light is on because you turned the car on with the airbag or seat disconnected you can probably get away with just a reset.
    Yea, don't need anything read... just swapping some stuff around and need the light reset.

    Quote Originally Posted by hc1001 View Post
    i dont believe its that simple.
    if you are ever in brooklyn ny, PM me and i will scan and reset it for u for free.
    ps, if you have a fault, the light will not reset. it will come back on.
    Some searching reveals that it likely is diy-able with reference to an access port pin 7 to pin 15 jumper for a number of seconds with the key in position 2. No definite confirmation, though. If someone dissected a tool....

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    I'm sure it is just a matter of jumping pins on the diagnostic connector being that the peake tool I have just counts down seconds in reset mode. I got the tool for 50 bucks though so why bother.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Itsablurr View Post
    Is there any schematic or instruction to reset an airbag light without the $120 tool? A quick search didn't pop anything up, but I'd imagine the theory to be similar to the workaround for service light resetting (jumping 2 obd2 port pins, etc).

    Any info out there?
    what s the process for this?

    edit: i googled

    http://e36-drift.blogspot.com/2009/0...tor-reset.html


    sorry OP
    Last edited by das borgen; 08-11-2010 at 02:40 PM.
    -Rich-


  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by das borgen View Post
    what s the process for this?
    Off the top of my head, it is a pin 7 to pin 19 jump.

    1) Key in ignition, turned to position 2
    2) underhood diag access port cap off
    3) jump pin 7 to pin 19
    4a) maintain jumped connection for 3 or 5 or however many seconds total for oil light reset
    4b) maintain jumped connection for 10 or 12 or 15 or however many seconds total for oil light and service light reset

    Quote Originally Posted by hcaleman View Post
    I'm sure it is just a matter of jumping pins on the diagnostic connector being that the peake tool I have just counts down seconds in reset mode. I got the tool for 50 bucks though so why bother.
    what pin holes do the male connector... ummm..... penetrate?
    Last edited by Itsablurr; 08-11-2010 at 02:44 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

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    Pin Terminal Description

    1. TD - TD Signal
    2. Not occupied
    3. Not occupied
    4. Not occupied
    5. Not occupied
    6. Not occupied
    7. SI - Service Interval Reset
    8. Not occupied
    9. Not occupied
    10. Not occupied
    11. Not occupied
    12. 61 (D+) - Generator Charge Indicator
    13. Not occupied
    14. 30 Voltage - Hot at all times
    15. RXD - Diagnostic Data Link
    16. 15S Voltage - Ignition Switch in Run
    17. Not occupied
    18. PGSP - Programming Line
    19. 31 - Ground
    20. TXD - Diagnostic Data Link


    no idea which pins it would penetrate..... I m guessing the ECU must talk to the airbag module indeed

    I hjave interest in this too
    Last edited by das borgen; 08-11-2010 at 03:01 PM.
    -Rich-


  10. #10
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    I'll take a look at mine when I get home and see if I can reconcile the pins.

  11. #11
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    Had an airbag light on - BMW mechanic fixed, reset as part of throwing in a little extra on a big job - said that it was the passenger side seatbelt receptacle that was dirty, cleaned it out a bit and reset it.

    Just a note to share with others that are wondering the many possibilities of an airbag light.

  12. #12
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    The SRS reset tool (like the GT1) communicate on the TXD and RXD bus with the ECU and the SRS module. There is no diy way to reset an SRS light.

    It't not as simple as resetting the oil or service interval light.
    No matter where you go, there you are...

  13. #13
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    Correct -

    Resetting the airbag warning is not like resetting service reminders. You must electronically connect to the airbag module, read the fault codes, repair the problem, then reset (erase) the codes and warning.

    Our R5/SRS tool does this. It is not like our $50 reset tool which works to reset reminders. The SRS tool communicates with the diagnostic module (like a dealer console, just without the additional features), reads the fault codes, and will allow you to reset the warning once you've made a repair. Resetting the light without a repair will just lead to the warning light coming right back on.

    Our R5/SRS tool retails for $129.99, but can be found for less through many of our authorized retailers. Click my signature to find one that sponsors Bimmerforums.

    Any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or any of our retailers.

    Best of luck!

    Ken

    edit - our SRS tool is a dedicated BMW airbag tool. It does not read engine codes. Likewise, our engine tool (FCX3) will not read airbag codes.
    Last edited by PeakeResearch; 08-12-2010 at 11:54 AM.

  14. #14
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    RRSperry is offline Senior Moment Member BMW E36 M3 Expert
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    Didn't I just say that??? lol

    Usually you can find a local guy what will let you use the tool cheap.
    No matter where you go, there you are...

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by RRSperry View Post
    Didn't I just say that??? lol


    I was merely agreeing with you (and promoting our product!).

    Ken

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    It should be mentioned, that the Peake SRS tool does not work on BMW <1994, as their website says:
    Airbag (SRS) Scan/Reset Tools for BMWs 1994-2002:
    R5/SRS (plugs in under hood)
    R5/SRS-16 (plugs in under dash)
    R5/SRS-U (plugs in under dash and under hood)
    R5/SRS Features:
    •Models available for most BMWs built between 1994 and 2002.
    Which tool should I order?
    R5/SRS: 1994-2000*
    R5/SRS-16: 2001-2002
    * Mechanics; The compatibility range of the R5/SRS can be extended to 2002, by simply adding the AB03 adaptor. In other words, the R5/SRS combined with the AB03 adaptor will give you a compatibility range of 1994 - 2002, noting the exceptions below.
    Known Incompatibilities:
    - Our SRS/Airbag tool compatibility falls off sharply around mid 2002. Flagship BMWs, such as the 7 series, are the least likely to be compatible.
    - We have received reports of a "perpetual" 01 code on the model year 2000, 323i.
    - Our SRS/Airbag tool is not compatible with any BMW built before 1994.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

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    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    It should be mentioned, that the Peake SRS tool does not work on BMW <1994, as their website says:
    Airbag (SRS) Scan/Reset Tools for BMWs 1994-2002:
    R5/SRS (plugs in under hood)
    R5/SRS-16 (plugs in under dash)
    R5/SRS-U (plugs in under dash and under hood)
    R5/SRS Features:
    •Models available for most BMWs built between 1994 and 2002.
    Which tool should I order?
    R5/SRS: 1994-2000*
    R5/SRS-16: 2001-2002
    * Mechanics; The compatibility range of the R5/SRS can be extended to 2002, by simply adding the AB03 adaptor. In other words, the R5/SRS combined with the AB03 adaptor will give you a compatibility range of 1994 - 2002, noting the exceptions below.
    Known Incompatibilities:
    - Our SRS/Airbag tool compatibility falls off sharply around mid 2002. Flagship BMWs, such as the 7 series, are the least likely to be compatible.
    - We have received reports of a "perpetual" 01 code on the model year 2000, 323i.
    - Our SRS/Airbag tool is not compatible with any BMW built before 1994.
    Yep, answering a 7 year old post. That’ll work.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  18. #18
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    It is old, but my info is important, not for the person which asked 7 years ago, but many newbies find it with search engines. And then they might buy the wrong reset tool. BTW: also the cheapo B800 reset from China does not work on E36 built before 1994, I tested it.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  19. #19
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    Does the B800 cheapo work on the E34 1994? I plan to replace the capacitors in the instrument cluster due to fuel gauge dropping after warming up(the fuel sender i have taken apart and cleaned it down) the airbag light is blown as i have had the cluster out previously so plan to get every thing done in the one go ?

  20. #20
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    Can the airbag light be reset with Carly app ?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonylevers View Post
    Does the B800 cheapo work on the E34 1994? I plan to replace the capacitors in the instrument cluster due to fuel gauge dropping after warming up(the fuel sender i have taken apart and cleaned it down) the airbag light is blown as i have had the cluster out previously so plan to get every thing done in the one go ?
    It's a direct ripoff of the Peake tool, so if the peak tool does not work for vehicles 93 and under it won't, but yours is a 94 so technically it should.

  22. #22
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    Yeah LD thats about right ! though the only bloke here that has the tool wants $146 dollars to reset it,so willing to give it a go

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    Anyone in Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley have tool to share??

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonylevers View Post
    Yeah LD thats about right ! though the only bloke here that has the tool wants $146 dollars to reset it,so willing to give it a go
    I live in SFV and I need help with reading and clearing the error code for my 1998 328is. I'm willing to drive to you if you can help me!! Thanks for any help you can give me.

  24. #24
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    On a 1998 E36 the cheapo chinese B800 works, I bought one for abt. $25 years ago as I had a warning light on my 02/98 E36 M3, maybe even cheaper nowadays. On my 98 M3 it could read the codes that the passenger accupancy seat mat was defective and after I repaired it I could reset the SRS warning light with the B800.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  25. #25
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    Just get one of the Autel tools that fits your budget. They work, they're upgradeable and they do other stuff depending on the model.
    I have an AL619 and that thing reads damn near everything.
    Last edited by tjm3; 05-04-2019 at 12:56 PM.
    See ya later,

    tony
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