[Warning Light] What is needed to reset an airbag warning light?

[jefferson]

Firstly, apologies because I'm certain the answer is on the forum, but all the threads I've picked through are regarding crashed (and deployed) airbags, or new and unexpected faults. I'm hoping the answer to my problem will be more straightforward.

Today I finally got around to pulling the steering wheel and fixing my shady indicator and full beam controls. Unfortunately, without thinking it through, I connected the battery to test the repair without reconnecting the airbag connectors. It wasn't until I had it all back together and took it for a drive I realised I'd triggered the warning lamp.

From what I gather, it sounds like I need to reset an airbag ECU. Can anybody tell me how I'd go about this?

Thanks in advance

[ffrenchie]

When I adjust the front seat the airbag light sometimes comes on and all it needs is the connector reseating as it gets disturbed. I just pull it apart and snug it back together and the light goes out. Go back and check your connections are tight.

[jefferson]

When I adjust the front seat the airbag light sometimes comes on and all it needs is the connector reseating as it gets disturbed. I just pull it apart and snug it back together and the light goes out. Go back and check your connections are tight.

I was getting the impression I was going to have to hunt an OBD reader down to force a reset as the error would have been stored on the chip. This is good news!

The only connector that was disconnected to remove the steering wheel was the blue/yellow in the back of the drivers airbag. Logic says it must be that unless I wrecked the clock spring (don't think so but...). I'll do a once over and report back.

[jefferson]

It turns out I wasn't as careful as I thought, but it was an easy fix with nothing broken.

The blue plug on the bottom left rear (RHD) of the column switch housing, must be connected before refitting the switch housing cover/clock spring assembly. Otherwise the pins which are attached to the securing bracket of the cover (obviously) will be pushed to the side of the plug.

   


Here you see the copper sprung tabs covering the plug location. Presumably these contact the pins to provide continuity to the circuit where a plug is absent.

   


..and with the plug in place the tabs are pushed to the side and the plug will now accept the pins.

   


To test continuity of the airbag wiring with the column switch assembly completely installed and closed, locate a probe in the back of the blue plug and the other in the airbag plug.

   


There are some strange logical choices throughout the electrical system just waiting to catch you out. Not least the fact that they designed a new plug type for every possible connector.

Thanks @ffrenchie for the tip and saving me messing around with an OBD