Airbag Indicator light

[Bilito]

Mine is on all the time, what can cause that? Is there thing I can do to deal with that myself?

[Randy Forbes]

So, you've read the codes and know WHICH element is tripping the code? Then yes, YOU can deal with it yourself.

Without knowing the code, all you can do is start throwing parts at it, so might as well start with the most expensive ones first, and get those out of the way.

[Bilito]

I do not have a check engine light on, does that possibly mean there are no codes. That airbag light is the only light lit.

[colb]

You need an airbag code reader not the usual type of code reader.
Most people invest in a B800 airbag code reader and reset tool obtainable from ebay sellers. You will also need a 20pin BMW diagnostic socket to 16 pin obd2 cable to plug in to the round diagnostic socket in the engine compartment as this is capable of connecting to the airbag module. If you have a 16pin obd2 socket under the steering wheel airbag module is not connectable it only reads the engine module.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/B800-SRS-Reset-Airbag-Scanner-Diagnostic-Tool-OBD-OBD-2-For-1994-2003-BMW-20-Pin-/172844099514?hash=item283e4fa7ba:g:JwkAAOSw7pNZpkG g

Most of the sellers are from China, looks like US based sellers prices are very expensive compared to Chinese suppliers, best do a search and choose what works for you.
The cable is here
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-Pin-to-OB...4AAOSw3xJVWZnJ

It is easy to use and comes with instruction booklet.

[Randy Forbes]

I do not have a check engine light on, does that possibly mean there are no codes. That airbag light is the only light lit.

Your original post is akin to "my car makes a noise; what is it?"

Not much to go on to get a real answer. You could get a multitude of suggestions to check and try and replace, but without know WHAT SPECIFICALLY generated the Diagnostic Trouble Code__DTC__ you're chasing your tail.

Even if you were lucky enough to stumble onto the fault, the controller module still needs to be reset to get the light to go out.

Experience says that the most likely culprit is the connector for the seat belt(s), but without being able to see if you've corrected the fault__and cleared the code__how would you know?

[328 Power 04]

Check engine light has nothing to do with airbag codes. And yes, there will be codes.

[Vintage42]

Mine is on all the time, what can cause that? Is there thing I can do to deal with that myself?

Often it is caused by a previous owner removing a seat and then inserting the key and turning it.
It can also be caused by corroded contacts on the passenger seat air bag occupancy sensor if it has been removed and left on the carpet that has been soaked from leaks.
And other causes.
The cause can be pinpointed by an airbag scanner, which is different from an engine OBDII scanner.

[Tallyho322]

My airbag light comes on occasionally. I used the INPA software and cable to read the error code (something about seat belt tensioner on drivers side). I unplugged the 2 wire connectors under the drivers seat, plugged them back in, cleared the error code and the light goes out. Stays out usually until my wife drives the car and she moves the seat (I know..easy way to prevent the airbag light from coming on is to hide they keys from my wife).

Greg

[Vintage42]

My airbag light comes on occasionally... unplugged the 2 wire connectors under the drivers seat, plugged them back in, cleared the error code and the light goes out. Stays out usually until my wife drives the car and she moves the seat...

I wonder why moving the seat would cause an air bag error.

[zellamay]

Okay, you guys keep saying "clear the error code" like it's as well-known as tying your shoes. How does one do that?

[328 Power 04]

There are a few solutions available

This is one of them http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...xperimentation

[Vintage42]

... "clear the error code"... How does one do that?

With a SRS (supplemental restraint system) device (electronic tool). They connect to the 20-pin port under the hood, read the codes identifying the physical problem(s) that cause the air bag light, and clear the codes, which turns off the light. If the problems are not fixed, the codes are reset, and the airbag light comes back on.
The expensive foolproof older tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Peake-Researc.../dp/B003FFP2X2
Some of the cheaper newer tools, that do more than just air bags.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4542-_-Product
https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-Airba.../dp/B00DFIYZPA

[Randy Forbes]

I wonder why moving the seat would cause an air bag error.

Electrical connectors made by the lowest bidder; move the seat and upset continuity.

[Bilito]

Will the airbags work in a collision with the airbag light on??????

[Randy Forbes]

Will the airbags work in a collision with the airbag light on??????

I do not think so; Abel should be able to give you a definitive answer, but if there's a fault__particularly a seat occupancy malfunction__I'm pretty sure the airbag(s) won't fire.

[Vintage42]

Electrical connectors made by the lowest bidder; move the seat and upset continuity.

Or, maybe the connector is not fully plugged together, or the harness is snagged, so that moving the seat breaks the continuity in the connector. But the seat belt tensioner plugs into a connector up under the back of the seat, not on the floor where movement would affect it.

[328 Power 04]

No, they will not/should not fire. An unknown belt status should definitely not fire a driver's airbag if the driver is actually not restrained to take a blow.

- - - Updated - - -

If precordial thump (fist to chest defibrillation method for use in the wild) is enough to start some hearts up again... I can only see a direct airbag blast enough to put it back down again.

[z3forlife]

I would say it depends on the current status at time of impact. My wife was hit in our x3 recently and it already had the airbag light on prior to the crash for a fault on the battery disconnect pyro. I inspected it after the crash and it had indeed fired. Drivers airbag deployed as well but it's really a roll of the dice weather the system components function properly. Get it fixed for peace of mind. Belt tensioners are relatively cheap ($100-$120). Get the diagnostic program 328 power 04 provides in the diag thread and you'll be able to read your fault codes for anything on the car