My son has an 02 1.8 Stilo the airbag warning light came on, we tried cleaning the connectors with switch cleaner but no better, the warning light was still on

I have an 03 Stilo estate that I have kept for spares for my 06 1.9, I charged the battery started it, no airbag light, disconnected each side in turn and the airbag warning came on connected again and all ok

Loose fitted the seats into my sons car connected up and expected the problem to disappear but the airbag warning light was still on

I would be very grateful if anyone had an idea of the next place for us to look

Inside the boot, there are connectors near the rear light clusters. These connectors (orange plugs, yellow cables) are for the curtain airbags in the roof side rails.

I've found that cleaning those connectors has effected a solution on several FIATs and Alfas (including the Stilo) but I always use software (such as MultiECUScan) to read the fault codes from the ECU first. You'll need a cable (either KKL or ELM327) with an adaptor to connect pin 3 to pin 7 - have a look on eBay for cables modified to suit FIAT/Alfa or purchase adapters from Gendan.co.uk.

-Alex

Thanks for this information, just looked on e bay and it seems there are many to choose from it also seems that some diagnostics tools have faults can you recommend
a, the software you would use and b, who would you think would be best for the diagnostic tool?

Would this software and diagnostic tool work on my 1.9 diesel as well as my sons 1.8 do you think

Many thanks Dennis

dennis bibby said:

Thanks for this information, just looked on e bay and it seems there are many to choose from it also seems that some diagnostics tools have faults can you recommend
a, the software you would use and b, who would you think would be best for the diagnostic tool?

Would this software and diagnostic tool work on my 1.9 diesel as well as my sons 1.8 do you think

Many thanks Dennis

Click to expand...

I just wrote something similar on another thread - please see https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/330622-stilo-cam-belt-change.html?p=3292857

(a) The software (MultiECUScan) is an obvious choice, and yes, it will connect to diesel models. See http://www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx

It is true that some ELM327 cables are better than others. Some will have problems connecting to the CAN bus modules such as the Stilo body computer.

(b) If you want to play it safe, you could go with the all-inclusive bundle from Gendan that includes registered MultiECUScan (usually 50EUR), good-quality ELM327 interface as well as a K-line (KKL) interface (for older cars/other systems) and the coloured adapters including the one for airbag ECU connection: http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FESPKG.html
There is one possible further adapter to buy - the 3-pin adapter for pre-1996 cars - but otherwise, that bundle is complete.

So, that's the luxurious option, but if you're trying to save funds, you can buy a much cheaper KKL cable such as http://www.ebay.com/itm/VAG-COM-KKL..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item41755d5e75&vxp=mtr , solder a wire between pin 7 and pin 3 (of the diagnostic plug of the cable), and download the free (unregistered) MultiECUScan.

One option is £114 and the other option about £5, but be aware that you'll also need an ELM327 cable to do other things, such as service interval resets and proxy alignments. I feel that you can strike a nice balance by buying a cheap KKL cable and a cheap ELM327 cable off eBay, and the coloured adapters from Gendan (to save having to do any soldering). That setup will cost under £40 plus another EUR50 if you decide to get the registered MultiECUScan separately.

Compared to 'scan tools' and other diagnostic package subscriptions, the £114 option is a bargain anyway.

Hope that's cleared it up?

-Alex

That is fantastic info many thanks

One last question! he is getting the cam belt done this week but it occurred to me that should I make sure that the airbag light can be fixed before he gets the belt done?

Are there instances where the fault will never go away or by using the diagnostics etc can you always find the answer?

Anyway now following your advice and sourcing the diagnostic kit I will post the findings

Many thanks Dennis

Hi

I have ordered the kit from gendan which will cover both cars. I will post results

dennis bibby said:

Are there instances where the fault will never go away or by using the diagnostics etc can you always find the answer?

Click to expand...

You can always find the answer, but sometimes you might well have to replace a faulty (and expensive) part to effect a cure. Such as, the Occupant Classification Sensor mat in the passenger's seat. If you do a search for 'OCS' in this forum, you'll find lots of discussion, including the use of simulator boxes to trick the system.

-Alex