General AIRBAG warning Light

[joes]

I own a FIAT Marea 125 2.4TD HLX (1997 reg) and I've been having a problem with the airbag warning light.
Have taken it to FIATs a few times, first time was told the fault was on the ECU for the airbag as it has an option for a passengers airbag(the car does not have a passengers airbag) and this accidently tripped , they reprogrammed and it cleared the fault for about a month, took it back and they reprogrammed it again.
After a year the fault re-appeared, this time they told me that it needs a new ECU for the air bag and cable, total cost £400.
Has anyone experienced the same problem?

 

[polecat]

Hi joes and welcome to the forum

I have not come across that fault before, and judging by the number of replies, no one else has.

Airbag warning lights can be set by a momentary loss of power on the circuit. I would check out all the wiring and connectors before going for a replacement ECU.

Did they reset the fault this time? £400 is a lot to spend on a problem if it only occurs once a year.

Let us know how you get on.

<h5><font color="black">Dave.
Marea HLX 2.0 20v</h5><h6>Airbox with attitude[8D] Now only getting 21.4mpg
Blue Momo Tomahawk Gear Knob, Momo Alu H/brake, Blue stuff
Ecotek fitted, removed and waiting for warm weather.
So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!! </h6></font id="black">

 

[FiatExpert]

I have heard of this problem a number of times. The airbag loom is designed for passenger and drivers. If does not have a passenger a resistor is put in place, this can come loose and cause your problems.For interest its behind the glovebox. If the ecu if faulty - As they say, Then i think the new ecu goes to the later part number, and you require the later loom and bridging loom to the clock spring.

 

[joes]

Thanks for the advice, I will give it a go and let you know.

 

[timuth]

I have the same problem, I have taken it to Fiat who reset it and said all the above mentioned! they really couldn't be bothered to look for the fault. So why should I bother to get it fixed!

Ive got a good mind to remove it as I can't be asked with an airbag really! to much hassle.

Timuth

 

[polecat]

Originally posted by timuth


Ive got a good mind to remove it as I can't be asked with an airbag really! to much hassle.

Timuth

Apart from the obvious fact that it may save your life sometime...
Deliberately disabling a safety device may invalidate your insurance.

Try giving the wiring a quick once over or try a local auto electrics shop.

Good luck

 

[timuth]

Maybe!

But don't have airbag in integrale thats why not really bothered!
Cheers for your thoughts thou!

Timuth

 

[FamilyGuy]

I have experienced a similar problem.

1st time I took it to FIAT and they cleared the fault of the ECu no probs...

Now the ECU is playing up with the turbo and co-incidently the airbag light has come on again.
This time FIAT said the fault wouldn't clear and they want another £60 to investigate further...

I'll try looking for that resistor too and see if that helps...

Keep you informed

 

[ChezShells.com]

heard of this problem myself, after a light accident and replaced seatbelts I had the airbag ecu reset and several other things needed resetting and was told (not by fiat) that this was common and just needed resetting, he reset this and all is okay