Technical airbag light on in red permanently on dashboard

[Pinguina]

I live in Italy and I have a 2007 Fiat Grande Punto, just brought it into the workshop for its 100,000 kms check, changed the distribution chain, the oil filter and everything is ok, except the red airbag light stays on permanently. The technician tried to erase it, it will not erase.

The technician says there was a slight riccc ricc noise in the steering wheel and column, took it apart and says there is a small piece that holds in place the airbag that has broken and I have to change the steering wheel. Any idea if it's absolutely necessary I get this done at a Fiat Authorized dealer, my mechanic seemed to think that if I didn't get it done at an authorized dealer and I possibly have an accident, the insurance company would not pay for damages incurred. Any thoughts on this ?

Any idea on the costs and how soon I should get this done? I am currently using this car only to drive about 30 kms a day.

Thank you and cheers!

 

[portland_bill]

I only have experience of the Panda steering wheel, but on that the airbag locates on three lugs. These are metal, and part of the wheel, and unlikely to break. I would expect the Punto to be similar.

When the airbag is removed, there are of course connectors to this, plus any others for any radio control buttons. To take the signal to these controls is a wound spring, like a clock spring, and is often called that. That part is usually part of the indicator and wiper switch assembly.

The parts listings do not show this in any detail, so I'm unable to provide any pictures.

From your description I would expect the problem to be with an electrical connector rather than the wheel itself. To properly understand what is needed, the airbag has to come off again to have a look. Don't do this yourself unless you are sure what you are doing. If it goes off while handling it, it can cause injury.

In its current state, it is safe to drive. The airbag will be disabled, so if you have a collision, you will not have the protection of the airbag. So don't crash. If it needs a new indicator switch assembly, these are usually available on Ebay at better prices than form a dealer. You may be able to source one from a broken car.

 

[Pinguina]

Hello Portland_Bill,

The mechanic told me it's a piece that keeps the airbag in place, I believe your description of a clock spring makes sense. I am not able to take it apart myself, so I will take it to an authorized Fiat workshop and get an estimate of costs on the work and then see if they confirm that if I have the work done by my (less expensive) technician the insurance won't pay if I have a car accident. My mechanic seems to think I need to change the whole steering wheel with the airbag which I know if it's new is quite expensive!

Thanks for replying, I appreciate it!

Have a good day!

 

[cmosfxx]

Hello Portland_Bill,

The mechanic told me it's a piece that keeps the airbag in place, I believe your description of a clock spring makes sense. I am not able to take it apart myself, so I will take it to an authorized Fiat workshop and get an estimate of costs on the work and then see if they confirm that if I have the work done by my (less expensive) technician the insurance won't pay if I have a car accident. My mechanic seems to think I need to change the whole steering wheel with the airbag which I know if it's new is quite expensive!

Thanks for replying, I appreciate it!

Have a good day!

IF the problem is the clock spring (stalk unit) then you don't have to replace anything else than that.

 

[portland_bill]

Hello Portland_Bill,

The mechanic told me it's a piece that keeps the airbag in place, I believe your description of a clock spring makes sense. I am not able to take it apart myself, so I will take it to an authorized Fiat workshop and get an estimate of costs on the work and then see if they confirm that if I have the work done by my (less expensive) technician the insurance won't pay if I have a car accident. My mechanic seems to think I need to change the whole steering wheel with the airbag which I know if it's new is quite expensive!

Thanks for replying, I appreciate it!

Have a good day!

Firstly, you do not need to go to an expensive Fiat authorized garage, but your current mechanic seems to be wishing to replace more than necessary.
On the Panda, the three lugs on the steering wheel seem difficult to break, and will not break unless broken by someone carelessly removing the airbag.
Again, on the Panda, the airbag has three spring clips. If one of these break, then a replacement airbag would be needed. I cannot see any reason why you'd need both.

Was the light on before you had the service work done? Or have the garage somehow broken it whilst doing the service work?

You need someone to remove the airbag and show you the broken part. Get photos to post on here. Don't spend any more than that until we've seen the pics.

 

[Pinguina]

Hi Panda Alessi, The airbag light was on the GRANDE PUNTO before I took the car to the mechanic for the 100.000 kms maintenance, so he didn't break it. I didn't hear the noise the steering wheel makes cause I always drive with my radio full blast,

Ok I will see if I can get pics and post them, but my mechanic didn't take any.

Thanks for your help!

Pinguina