Airbag light issues
10-06-2009, 10:34 PM
#1
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Airbag light issues
My Airbag light was on, so I scanned with Durametric and turned it off.
Code is: 21 Ignition Circuit driver
Possible cause of fault: (Thanks to Loran on Renntech)
- Short circuit to B+/ground or open circuit in the wiring between the driver's airbag unit and the airbag triggering unit
- Driver's airbag unit faulty
- Triggering unit for airbag faulty
The light stayed off for a day or so and than came back on, I reset and it came back again a little later.
I think I hear a slight grinding when I turn the steering wheel.
Could it be wiring or something called a clock-spring trigger, whatever that is?
Thanks!
Code is: 21 Ignition Circuit driver
Possible cause of fault: (Thanks to Loran on Renntech)
- Short circuit to B+/ground or open circuit in the wiring between the driver's airbag unit and the airbag triggering unit
- Driver's airbag unit faulty
- Triggering unit for airbag faulty
The light stayed off for a day or so and than came back on, I reset and it came back again a little later.
I think I hear a slight grinding when I turn the steering wheel.
Could it be wiring or something called a clock-spring trigger, whatever that is?
Thanks!
10-07-2009, 10:09 AM
#4
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IIRC its slang for the piece behind the airbag (have not taken mine apart, so not sure where) where the electronings pass thru from the stationary column to the rotation area of the steering wheel (shown here) - I think 
Last edited by ivangene; 11-07-2010 at 11:37 AM.
10-07-2009, 10:40 AM
#5
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My airbag light came on again when I was moving the seat around. Kinda annoying but good news is that I have 1 1/2 years before addressing it for inspection again.
10-15-2009, 12:39 PM
#7
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Marc,
Be certain you disconnect the battery before you go in there. 996 Companion makes a big deal about that specific first step. They also recommend that the dealer be the one to remove the airbag assembly so you don't get a facefull. Last year when I changed out my steering wheel from a 4-spoke to a 3-spoke (and thus an airbag assembly to match), I looked everywhere for directions and the only directions I got were to the dealership.
That being said, it is actually a simple task. You might want to go ahead and get the horn ring collar that wears out and replace that while you are in there (kind of like doing the IMS anyway when doing a clutch job).
Be certain you disconnect the battery before you go in there. 996 Companion makes a big deal about that specific first step. They also recommend that the dealer be the one to remove the airbag assembly so you don't get a facefull. Last year when I changed out my steering wheel from a 4-spoke to a 3-spoke (and thus an airbag assembly to match), I looked everywhere for directions and the only directions I got were to the dealership.
That being said, it is actually a simple task. You might want to go ahead and get the horn ring collar that wears out and replace that while you are in there (kind of like doing the IMS anyway when doing a clutch job).
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10-15-2009, 12:45 PM
#8
efin german electronics...... isnt the seabelts related to the airbag lights. Clock spring... wtf is it searched.
10-15-2009, 01:58 PM
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Ohh... this is gonna ba a fun job... maybe I better order some parts so I dont have to do this twice.
Not my week for cars, also have to pull the console out of the Saab because it looks like the ignition switch is crapping out.
10-17-2009, 02:12 AM
#10
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Marc,
Are you sure it is not the seat belt switch? The clock spring is not a spring. Depending on how many Accessory controls are on your wheel it is a coil of flat wires/wire that winds up or unwinds to allow the wheel to turn without tearing the wire(s). The whole thing will probably be in a plastic holder that has external connections on both sides. One side turns with the wheel the other side stays put. If you disconnect the battery for about twenty minutes the air bag should be discharged so that it does not activate. Don't wear your wool skirt with nylons while you work on it or the static generated could set it off. Not to mention the static you will get from the forum if anyone sees you it that getup.
Are you sure it is not the seat belt switch? The clock spring is not a spring. Depending on how many Accessory controls are on your wheel it is a coil of flat wires/wire that winds up or unwinds to allow the wheel to turn without tearing the wire(s). The whole thing will probably be in a plastic holder that has external connections on both sides. One side turns with the wheel the other side stays put. If you disconnect the battery for about twenty minutes the air bag should be discharged so that it does not activate. Don't wear your wool skirt with nylons while you work on it or the static generated could set it off. Not to mention the static you will get from the forum if anyone sees you it that getup.
10-17-2009, 04:20 AM
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Possible seat belt latch "sensor thingy". My 98 Boxster airbag light came on back when I had it a few years back. My Indy said it could be some sensor inside the seat belt housing. It was. Can't even remember how much. The parts were maybe like...$30 I guess? Worth a try...
10-17-2009, 10:43 AM
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Marc, you car is trying to tell you that it wants a short shifter installed in it. It is calling you an "air bag" for buying one and not installing it! 
Seriously, the most common issue seems to be the seat belt sensor that Jugger911 mentioned ^.
Seriously, the most common issue seems to be the seat belt sensor that Jugger911 mentioned ^.
10-17-2009, 11:19 AM
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Frank & Evil Tim,
The Durametric tells me the issue is in the drivers airbag.
I thought it would be the seat belts as well, I even have all the parts to fix the belts but Durametric tells me otherwise.
I also hear a little scraping noise when I turn the wheel so that leads me to believe the clock spring is at fault.
The Durametric tells me the issue is in the drivers airbag.
I thought it would be the seat belts as well, I even have all the parts to fix the belts but Durametric tells me otherwise.
I also hear a little scraping noise when I turn the wheel so that leads me to believe the clock spring is at fault.
10-17-2009, 11:31 AM
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Frank & Evil Tim,
The Durametric tells me the issue is in the drivers airbag.
I thought it would be the seat belts as well, I even have all the parts to fix the belts but Durametric tells me otherwise.
I also hear a little scraping noise when I turn the wheel so that leads me to believe the clock spring is at fault.
The Durametric tells me the issue is in the drivers airbag.
I thought it would be the seat belts as well, I even have all the parts to fix the belts but Durametric tells me otherwise.
I also hear a little scraping noise when I turn the wheel so that leads me to believe the clock spring is at fault.
Replacement cost of the clock spring assembly up here was 220$ and was kept instock by the dealer (so probably around 120-140$ us) so it's good to avoid an easily avoidable mistake.
