Air Bag/Warning Lights on

[Nuts]

My 1999 996 C4 airbag light went on while driving, I stop and turned the engine off and restarted the car. The warning light remained on. Can someone give me an advice before I take it in the dealer. Thanks for any info.

Edited May 21, 2005 by Nuts

[Loren]

In most cases there is a poor connection in one of the seat belt buckles. Porsche issued a TSB on this several years ago. If you car has not had the TSB done then it likely should. Only a dealer or shop with a PST2 (or PIWIS) tester can turn off an air bag light (and read the fault code that turned it on).

[Nuts]

Thanks for the info Loren

[gry]

Interesting.

i just had this happen.

Jim Ellis Porsche (Atlanta) told me that it was not covered in my extended warranty and gave me the options:

1- $100 Diagnostic fee, turn off warning, and with the possibility of an airbag deployment failure if I didn't fix it or

2- $450 Fee to install new seat belt harnesses and deactivate the light (labor free).

Did I just get robbed? They never mentioned that it's a TSB item (they never do as I fell victim to the RMS leak issue and paid out of pocket to correct it).

I bought the extended warranty before the factory warranty expired.

Edited September 5, 2005 by gry

[cab713]

My airbag light is on now. The previous owner had the buckels and wires replaced in 05/03. In the TBS is states, "In case of repeated repair: If vehicle has airbag control module, part number 996.618.219.00, replace with airbag control module, part number 996.618.219.02."

My VIN is within the range where this is recommended.

So if the buckels and wires have been replaced, can I just replace the control module and have the light reset? If so, where is the control module? It's not listed in the steps to complete the TBS.

Thanks,

[Loren]

So if the buckels and wires have been replaced, can I just replace the control module and have the light reset? If so, where is the control module? It's not listed in the steps to complete the TBS.

It would be best to get a readout from a PST2 or PIWIS tester to confirm where the fault is.

There are special precautions when replacing the triggering control box. The key must be removed, the battery disconnected - then wait for at least 1 minute. The service manual says the control box is held in place with "shear-off nuts" and to use Porsche tool 9259 socket wrench insert.

The airbag control box should be at the bottom of the center console (near the telephone prep). The new trigging unit must be "locked" using as PST2 or PIWIS tester once it is installed. For all these reasons you may want a certified Porsche tech to do this.

[cab713]

Thanks Loren!