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Airbag Warning Light.....again

westladog
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westladog Member

westladog

Posted
Posted

99 Boxster

59k

Now I have the airbag warning light coming on and staying. I bought this used at 49k 5 months ago.

Last week I had to replace the ignition switch relay (pita!). Did I do something to cause this while installing the ignition relay?

I'm in sacramento. Does anyone have a obdc reader for the porche that I can use to scan for the error code?

Thanks

kbrandsma Member

kbrandsma

Posted
Posted (edited)

99 Boxster

59k

Now I have the airbag warning light coming on and staying. I bought this used at 49k 5 months ago.

Last week I had to replace the ignition switch relay (pita!). Did I do something to cause this while installing the ignition relay?

I'm in sacramento. Does anyone have a obdc reader for the porche that I can use to scan for the error code?

Thanks

Did you remove the steering wheel when you replaced the ignition switch? Get the fault code and report back. Regardless, with the airbag warning light on you will need the duramteric tool or higher to turn off.

Edited by kbrandsma
westladog Member

westladog

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I didn't have to remove the steering wheel. I replaced the switch relay that was causing the vehicle not to start.

Does it mean that the airbag will not function in the event of an accident?

  • Moderators
JFP in PA Member

JFP in PA

Posted
  • Moderators
Posted

Not necessarily, but to know for sure, you must have the codes. Do you know anyone with a Durametric System? Otherwise you need someone with either a PSTII or PIWIS unit…………..

  • 1 month later...
Keith Hatfield Member

Keith Hatfield

Posted
Posted

I didn't have to remove the steering wheel. I replaced the switch relay that was causing the vehicle not to start.

Does it mean that the airbag will not function in the event of an accident?

HOw did that work out for you? I fixed my ignition too and took the driver's seat out to make room. Apparently, by disconnecting the wire harness and reconnecting it, I've disabled the airbag system according to the shop manual. It says I need a PST2 to reset it. Meanwhile, it doesn't work.

Would love to know how you fixed your airbag problem.

  • Admin
Loren Member

Loren

Posted
  • Admin
Posted

I didn't have to remove the steering wheel. I replaced the switch relay that was causing the vehicle not to start.

Does it mean that the airbag will not function in the event of an accident?

HOw did that work out for you? I fixed my ignition too and took the driver's seat out to make room. Apparently, by disconnecting the wire harness and reconnecting it, I've disabled the airbag system according to the shop manual. It says I need a PST2 to reset it. Meanwhile, it doesn't work.

Would love to know how you fixed your airbag problem.

It is not likely disabled if it is connected and functional - just needs a reset via PST2 or Durametric.

N41EF Member

N41EF

Posted
Posted

I used to wonder why auto repair manuals almost always begin with "disconnect the battery" steps. Most times as Loren pointed out, disconnecting and reconnecting the seat or steering wheel dosen't disable the airbags, just sets a fault code. I learned this the hard way doing door window regulators, I reconnected the battery to adjust things, only to have a warning light because I had power applied with no door airbag installed.. If you plan on staying in the Porsche family, it's worth it to buy a durametric. There is a used "enthusiest" version on eBay right now. Even buying a new one, if you need it twice, it's paid for itself. If you are a PCA member ask the local folks to see if anyone has one that will help you.

Keith Hatfield Member

Keith Hatfield

Posted
Posted

I used to wonder why auto repair manuals almost always begin with "disconnect the battery" steps. Most times as Loren pointed out, disconnecting and reconnecting the seat or steering wheel dosen't disable the airbags, just sets a fault code. I learned this the hard way doing door window regulators, I reconnected the battery to adjust things, only to have a warning light because I had power applied with no door airbag installed.. If you plan on staying in the Porsche family, it's worth it to buy a durametric. There is a used "enthusiest" version on eBay right now. Even buying a new one, if you need it twice, it's paid for itself. If you are a PCA member ask the local folks to see if anyone has one that will help you.

Thanks. PCA isn't very active here but I'll pursue it. It occurs to me that if I just ask another owner with a Duramateric, he's going to have a limit of 3 Vins on his machine so it wouldn't be right to consume one just for this one reset. I'd need someone with the professional unlimited Vin version. That basically means someone with a shop. Called one German car specialist who wants $65 (1/2 hr) to reset it. I suppose that is fair but I'll keep looking too. I've had the car 10 years and not needed the Durametric so I'm loath to go buy one just in case I may need it someday. When I need it again the software may be a higher version. On the other hand I'd save $65 in the purchase.

Since I was repairing the poorly designed ignition when I had the seat out, someone said "why don't you try it before putting the seat back in?" So I reconnected the battery and started it. I should have thought about what could go wrong. Stupid.

logray Member

logray

Posted
Posted (edited)

If I remember correctly, if the problem has already corrected itself, the light will go off on it's own after an annoyingly huge number of ignition cycles (like 40 or 50 or something). Can't find the post I read that in though, right now.

Edit: here it tis' - the light went off in the memory banks.

40 restarts, at least on a 996. YMMV.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/8574801-post217.html

Edited by logray
  • Admin
Loren Member

Loren

Posted
  • Admin
Posted

If I remember correctly, if the problem has already corrected itself, the light will go off on it's own after an annoyingly huge number of ignition cycles (like 40 or 50 or something). Can't find the post I read that in though, right now.

Edit: here it tis' - the light went off in the memory banks.

40 restarts, at least on a 996. YMMV.

http://forums.rennli...01-post217.html

Sorry - that guy is wrong.

The only way to get the airbag light off (other than removing the bulb or cutting the wire) is to rest it with a tester. The problem also has to be corrected or it will just come back on.

  • 5 months later...
jborchel Member

jborchel

Posted
Posted (edited)

I have an Actron CP9135 AutoScanner with OBDII capability. Can I reset my air bag warning light with this device? Is it basically the same device as those mentioned above? I replaced my original steering wheel last week with a nicer one and the light came on when I restarted the car.

Edited by jborchel
N41EF Member

N41EF

Posted
Posted

I've had several Actrons. Good for reading and clearing codes, and reading temps, but won't clear ABS or Airbag lights.

  • Moderators
JFP in PA Member

JFP in PA

Posted
  • Moderators
Posted

I have an Actron CP9135 AutoScanner with OBDII capability. Can I reset my air bag warning light with this device? Is it basically the same device as those mentioned above? I replaced my original steering wheel last week with a nicer one and the light came on when I restarted the car.

No. The only way to clear the air bag light is with a PIWIS or the Durametric system; no other aftermarket unit will do it.

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