pjg

Why would I get an an airbag malfunction warning on the dash ? Its an 89 and does not have an airbag.

mickster

Well it's definitely not working!

GlenL

I see your problem right here...


I'd go over the wiring diagram.

mickster

It is interesting that the 1991 WSM specifically calls out the new alarm system and processor controlled system. I am wondering if the 1989 & 1990 systems are, in fact, the same but the change came in 1991 (no question Porsche was preparing for SRS requirements in the late 80's). Pure speculation. Others here know far better.

mickster

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...cb-v-long.html

FLYVMO

Paul,
If I understand it correctly, the airbag warning is triggered by the airbag control unit. So if you are getting an airbag warning (on an '89 without airbags) there is either a circuit board issue in the cluster or you actually have a airbag controller installed (underneath center console towards the front...big orange box) that is not hooked up to any airbags, but connected to the digital cluster...or someone connected something to the instrument cluster connection for the airbag warning system.

I think it is plug #3, pin #11 on the back of the cluster....according to the wiring diagram it is not connected to anything on the '89. Curious to see if you have something hooked up there.

Cheers!
Carl
90GT Project

borland

The cluster warning light/bulb mask is the same for '89+ cars with digital cluster. There is also a slot for PSD warning lamp and check engine light. Someone installed a bulb in the Airbag warning light slot, so just remove the light bulb.

DanielD

You have a ground wire in that lamp circuit shorted?

NoVector

Looking at that light would drive me nuts. I would pull the bulb and convert the remaining bulbs to LEDs. Ed's (awesome) guide found here will make it a snap: http://www.ed.scherer.name/Porsche_9...0to%20LEDs.pdf

Mrmerlin

what was the last thing you fixed

Tom in Austin

Sounds logical that the new dig dash cluster design would include provision for coming changes (airbag, PSD, etc.) that weren't going to be in the '89 models.

And that Porsche would then have just not installed bulbs in those positions on the '89 cars.

pjg

Its not a bulb its on the display where the odometer is, I can get it to go away if I scroll through the settings for MPG, outside temp, trip odo, etc.

mickster

Icon means-man with very bad breath.

borland

Try disconnecting the battery to reset the instrument cluster's microprocessor. If that doesn't help, then you will likely need to replace the instrument cluster's main circuit board.

Likely cheaper to buy a used digital instrument cluster to cannibalize for replacement parts.

dprantl

Could it be that this car's instrument cluster was at one time replaced with one from a '90+ car?

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft