I have just replaced the steering column stalk switches on my Mk2 Punto as the indicators and lights were not switching properly at low temperatures. This seems to be a common problem. It's a pain to do as both stalks are incorporated in one unit, so the steering wheel has to come off.

I disconnected the battery before starting the job and waited 10 mins before disconnecting the driver's airbag, as per manual. However as the new switch unit was secondhand I thought I'd test it in situ before I put the steering wheel back on. ! MISTAKE ! As the airbag was not connected the airbag ECU records a fault and subsequently my airbag light has been on for a few days.

From searching previous threads it appears that the Punto will not extinguish the light. Stilos, for example, will reset the light if the fault does not re-occur, but it seems that I'm stuck with the light on.

I will have to get the ECU reset at some point, and certainly before my next MOT or accident !! Does anybody know how to reset the ECU without any special equipment?

fiat examiner i'm afraid

it will not fail MOT just because airbag light is on as there are no checks on air bags as part of the MOT
yours gb

but it does mean your airbag system is disabled.

For crying out loud take it to a dealer and get it reset, you know what the fault is and you know it just needs resetting.

So are you going to gamble with your life for £45?

The purpose of my post was

a) to inform members so they did not repeat my mistake - (done)

b) to hopefully get confirmation of my diagnosis ( Thanks T14086 & geoff b)

In the friendly atmosphere of the Fiat Forum I consider NumanR's comments a bit OTT !!!

Richard, almost every person on this forum knows how strongly I feel about airbag safety, it amazes me how many people prefer to have £45 in there bank account and put their friends and family into a car with a defective safety system. I make no apology for how strongly I make that point. An airbag system has the capability to save your life, or at least reduce injury substantially. If my comments over the years have spurred one person to have a system fixed and its later saved their lives then all my moaning is worthwhile. On a good day I even do free airbag diagnosis:bang:
OTT maybe, but how would your friends feel if you weren't around anymore? How would you feel if your friend wasnt around anymore? I know you will get it fixed, but others dont.

My local MOT station reset the airbag light F.O.C. with the annual MOT last year (2007)
Ring around a few garages and ask them if the can reset the airbag light, the going rate in the West Mids is £15.

In some cases (such as this one appears to be) a reset is all that is required but its no excuse for when the system has a fault and must be investigated.

£15 is cheap but I would include a full report/printout and liasion with the customer and check over the system for around £20-30 depending on vehicle/good customer etc. Like numanR stated I would check out the system for nothing if need be, no tech wants it on their consience if something was to go wrong.