1999 Boxster - airbag warning light *yes, I've read previous strin

[Palimpsest]

Hi - I've read the replies when this topic has come up before and know about the issues with the seat-belt buckles and replacing them or cleaning the contacts, etc., etc.

My question is this. My Boxster is now 12-13 yrs old, the airbags are supposed to be checked every 2 years and - seemingly - replaced after 10 yrs (?). The warning light just came on today. How can one tell (from the dealer or indie mechanic) whether the bag unit SHOULD be replaced because of age or it's that issue of the seat belt buckle contacts??? And how will the read on the fault show which of the several air bags - side doors, driver, passenger - needs replacing?? And how much will that run????? Yikes!

Anyone else have a 1999 that's never had airbags deployed? If so, what you have you done about their age?

I really need some help/advice before going to the mechanic!

Harrison

[logray]

The airbags have a much longer shelf life and should not need to be checked every 2 years. In fact, you can go to a junk yard and really old ones will still deploy, however they cannot resell them by law.

As for reading the faults, if you have access (or a nearby neighbor) that will read the codes for you (for free perhaps) from a Durametric, PST2, or PIWIS the fault codes can be very specific. Sometimes telling you exactly where the fault is and what needs to be replaced.