Airbag Warning
 

OK all - whos BTDT?

My Airbag warning came on during normal driving and continues to alarm right after turning on the ignition. I've disconnected the battery to give it a nice reset but still does it. I was planning to check the fuses next - haven't yet checked to see what else is on the same line as the airbag, but haven't noticed any other problems.

Assuming this doesn't fix it either are there any other things to check myself before I take it to someone who knows. Last time I had a problem like this I took it to the dealer. They fixed the warning light somehow but said there was no malfunction - its been fine for over a year since then... What did they do? reset it with a bosch hammer? some other form of reset?

Alan

Does your car have a seat pressure sensor for the airbag? Not sure about the GTS, but often times there is a sensor that tells the System that a driver is present, thus arming the airbag.

Just a guess...

Once you have an airbag warning, it remains stored in the computer and can only be erased with the right diagnostic tool - which also reads the error code.

I've had the airbag light come on twice (on two different cars) for grounding errors. It cost about $180 at the Porsche dealer to get it fixed. Nothing you can do yourself.

There is no sensor in the seat.

Randy,
From what I recall from looking at the wiring diagrams before - there isn't a seat occupancy or weight detector. I'll check tonight. I'm pretty sure the airbags are a single stage design too. I think the decceleration (Impact) detector is bolted under the passenger seat though. Anyone know which parts typically create problems from old age or other issues? The airbag itself?, the controller, the sensors? or something else (wiring, grounds, etc)?

I'd really like to have functional airbags again.

Alan

Nicole,
Thanks - you answered it. Bosch hammer it is then. Explains what happened last time - probably just like your experiences. I guess I should worry about poor grounding if a reset seems to fix it. Fortunately I know someone other than the dealer who can look at this.

Alan