Airbag warning light!!!

[AaronHurd]

I have the airbag warning light on... I have done a search and is there another way to solve this problem without going to the dealer. Is there some sort of DIY fix for this. Thanks Aaron

[Loren]

Unless you own a Porsche system tester or a Bosch compatible tester - no.

Chances are your car need the seat belt buckle TSB done. The Porsche system tester can verify this as the trouble area that triggered the light.

[Tool Pants]

This is a known problem on the early cars. There have been several fixes over the years. My 1997 had 2 fixes and the second was 4 years ago and no light since then.

Someone needs to get the fault codes. Most common is a bad control unit or buckles. But there is no way to tell without the codes.

Since you have a 1999 I assume you are out of warranty. Prior to July 2003 Porsche would do the latest fix for free. Some local owners who have recently had a fix done had to pay for the labor and Porsche paid for the parts.

[scherb]

My car has the buckles codes from the OBDII. What should my approach be with Porsche? This fix had been done on my car in the past. I have the dealer notes form it.

Does the airbag system work when the Airbag light is on? I was told it does not... Anyone have confirmation? (hopefully not a crash experience but more of documentation?) Thanks.

[98Boxster98]

I recently had trouble after a child seat deactivation bar was installed with the airbag light with the OBDII saying consistently that it was the driver side airbag . The Porsche service center assured me that the airbag would function correctly (on when no child seat, off when child seat present) even if the light was on. The wiring underneath the seat was a mess after the deactivation bar install and the dealer agreed to clean it up. I paid for a new buckle and the dealer paid for the labor ($80 for the buckle, $100 for labor.) I haven't had a problem since (crossed fingers.) It seems that it is worth discussing with the service center. I brought with me some copies of threads here discussing the problem and any TSBs that seem to address the issue.

[flightleaderk4]

I have the airbag warning light on...  I have done a search and is there another way to solve this problem without going to the dealer. Is there some sort of DIY fix for this.  Thanks Aaron

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Aaron,

I own a 2000 Boxter S and had the same problem.

I had to take my car back to the dealer 4 times wherin the mechanic changed the switch in the seat belt connector.

The first 3 visits and switch exchanges did not solve the problem.

On the 4th visit, the mechanic called Porsche Corp. and was told that there has been a problem with the switches and ordered a recall and a TSB.

The final solution was a switch with GOLD PLATED connectors. It was ordered and subsequently, installed in my Boxter.

The fix was right on! I have had no problems with the airbag light since then.

Sincerely,

FlightleaderK4.

[AaronHurd]

I have the airbag warning light on...  I have done a search and is there another way to solve this problem without going to the dealer. Is there some sort of DIY fix for this.  Thanks Aaron

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Aaron,

I own a 2000 Boxter S and had the same problem.

I had to take my car back to the dealer 4 times wherin the mechanic changed the switch in the seat belt connector.

The first 3 visits and switch exchanges did not solve the problem.

On the 4th visit, the mechanic called Porsche Corp. and was told that there has been a problem with the switches and ordered a recall and a TSB.

The final solution was a switch with GOLD PLATED connectors. It was ordered and subsequently, installed in my Boxter.

The fix was right on! I have had no problems with the airbag light since then.

Sincerely,

FlightleaderK4.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Look like a trip to the dealer for some GOLD...Bling Bling in the seat belts...thanks for everones input!!

Aaron

[Richie_007_1968]

Order 2 buckles from the dealer for $71 each, install them yourself in an hour. Then take the car to an independent Porsche shop and ask them the reset the computer. They may charge you 1/2 hour or come equipped with a case of cold beer on a Friday afternoon.... LOL If the light comes on again, then you need to order an under seat wiring harness modification. I do not have the part # for the harness nor have any idea how difficult it is to install but I have researched this issue from multiple sources and all agree.

I was fortunate enough to replace the buckles and reset the code. The light has not been back since. Mine is early 99 non-S. Good luck!

[magcuda]

The Baum Tools scanner with the Porsche software will read the engine tiptronic, airbag and abs brakes

[bwillis]

Order 2 buckles from the dealer for $71 each, install them yourself in an hour. Then take the car to an independent Porsche shop and ask them the reset the computer. They may charge you 1/2 hour or come equipped with a case of cold beer on a Friday afternoon.... LOL If the light comes on again, then you need to order an under seat wiring harness modification. I do not have the part # for the harness nor have any idea how difficult it is to install but I have researched this issue from multiple sources and all agree.

I was fortunate enough to replace the buckles and reset the code. The light has not been back since. Mine is early 99 non-S. Good luck!

Hi,

I have a 98 boxster with the child seat activation bar installed. My airbag light is on, using durametric I get code 45 (driver's side). Can you tell me what is involved with replacing the buckles? Just wondering how big a job this is.

[Loren]

You might want to check out this post before you but new buckles...

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10368

[bwillis]

Yup - worked.

See post http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10368

[Eddie Jarrell]

I recently replaced the turn signal module in my 1998 Porsche Boxster, when I re-attached the battery the airbag warning stays on. Any ideas?

[Loren]

I recently replaced the turn signal module in my 1998 Porsche Boxster, when I re-attached the battery the airbag warning stays on. Any ideas?

 

You need to read the fault code(s) - I suspect that you had the steering wheel off to replace the turn signal part.

If you do that without disconnecting the battery you will interrupt the airbag circuit and cause a fault. Or worse the airbag trigger (clockspring) is damaged and will need to be replaced.

You will need Durametric software, a Porsche PST2, or Porsche PIWIS tester to read the fault and reset it. It will not reset (for long) if there is damage to one of the airbag triggering circuits.

 

So... step one is if you do not own Durametric software and cable find someone that does and verify it is the steering wheel airbag circuit.

[Ahsai]

Did you reconnect the airbag and the clock spring and made sure all electrical connections are tight? Once tripped, you would need something like Durametric to reset it anyway so may as well read the error codes and see what it's complaining about.

[CJVogt]

HELP!! Just picked up a 99 986 and have an airbag light on. Purchased a Foxwell NT 510 Elite to read and clear codes and got a shock when I plugged it in. Following codes and descriptions appeared:

3: Firing Circuit Belt Tensioner, driver side, supply voltage low
48: Internal electronic control module (ECM) Fault
45: LH Primary crash sensor not mounted properly LH Radiator primary crash sensor not mounted to vehicle properly #45 airbag code repair order
195: No explanation
100: No explanation
102: No explanation
21: Diagnostic Monitor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly Pressure sensor, driverRestraint System - Air Bag Status (Passenger Front Air Bag Circuit Failure) Safing Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle ProperlySatellite right sensor side airbag Open Circuit
46: LH Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly #46 Airbag Code Repair order

This seems like a completely terminal airbag system at first glance. I have no idea where to start troubleshooting these codes and the Foxwell will not clear them presumably because they have not been addressed. Can it even be feasible this many things are screwed up, or is this symptomatic of a bad Airbag Control Module? Any Help greatly appreciated!!

 

[JFP in PA]

Welcome to RennTech

 

I'm sorry, but over the years I have learned not to necessarily trust "global" OBD II scanners on these vehicles, and would get it rescanned with a Porsche specific tool.

 

That said, there does appear to be multiple air bag system faults, including the seat belt tensioner, the crash sensor,  and the driver's side diagnostic monitor. Yes, it is feasible that this many things may have problems, and the only way to know if the airbag controller is involved is the Porsche specific scan tool.

[CJVogt]

Thanks JFP, good advice before I empty the wallet. Does this involve paying the ransom for a certified Porsche Mechanic or will the PST2 or PIWIS accommodate it?

[JFP in PA]

1 minute ago, CJVogt said:

Thanks JFP, good advice before I empty the wallet. Does this involve paying the ransom for a certified Porsche Mechanic or will the PST2 or PIWIS accommodate it?

 

PST II, PIWIS, or even the Durametric system.

[Lola Racing]

My light went on and the only fault that my diagnostic tool came up with is "01 Airbag light is on". using a iCarsoft POR V2 with Porsche diagnostic.

I have changed out the drivers side belt buckle and reset but it still comes back on. What do you think the issue is?

2002 982 s

[mikefocke]

Lola, the typical issue has been grounding. https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/airbagwarninglighttsb

 

My '01 went to the dealer three times before they got it right. The last two were on them.