'95 Mk1 airbag light
Discussion
Hi, new owner here 
The airbag warning light has come on in my '95 Mk1 1.8. It's going into Mazda tomorrow morning, for a diagnostic to see if it's just a fault code that can be erased.
What I'm wondering is, are there any DIY ways of sorting this out in an MOT-friendly way, that won't cost as much as Mazda probably will? The light isn't flashing, it's constantly on. I've asked on Nutz, and got no help.
So far, I've checked all the loom connections under the steering column and they've been fine, disconnected the battery, left it for 30 mins and reconnected in an attempt to reset the computer, and that hasn't worked. I've also had a look under the seats for any connections, I cannot see any to check if any connections are loose.
Thanks in advance
The airbag warning light has come on in my '95 Mk1 1.8. It's going into Mazda tomorrow morning, for a diagnostic to see if it's just a fault code that can be erased.
What I'm wondering is, are there any DIY ways of sorting this out in an MOT-friendly way, that won't cost as much as Mazda probably will? The light isn't flashing, it's constantly on. I've asked on Nutz, and got no help.
So far, I've checked all the loom connections under the steering column and they've been fine, disconnected the battery, left it for 30 mins and reconnected in an attempt to reset the computer, and that hasn't worked. I've also had a look under the seats for any connections, I cannot see any to check if any connections are loose.
Thanks in advance
Definitely airbag? (Not many Mk1's had airbags, thats all).
If its lit, thats a fail under the new MOT regs. Theres a little haziness on whether testers are actually running to the new guidelines yet as it kept being set back I think.
If you know your tester, I'd suggest asking them upfront whether they'll pass it or not, before hand.
As for a way to fix it, not sure what plugging it in at Mazda will tell you that you can't work out for yourself using the onboard diagnostics - this is presuming that a 95 car isnt OBD (I dont think there were any OBD Mk1s in the UK or Japan anyway, only american cars).
Finally, I'd never suggest this on most modern cars, but seeing as most Mk'1s dont have it anyway, and as such an MOT tester is not likely to be suprised not to see one...
I'd take the plastic airbag wheel off, fit yourself a nice Momo or Nardi and take the bulb out the back of the clocks. At your own peril, etc etc...
If its lit, thats a fail under the new MOT regs. Theres a little haziness on whether testers are actually running to the new guidelines yet as it kept being set back I think.
If you know your tester, I'd suggest asking them upfront whether they'll pass it or not, before hand.
As for a way to fix it, not sure what plugging it in at Mazda will tell you that you can't work out for yourself using the onboard diagnostics - this is presuming that a 95 car isnt OBD (I dont think there were any OBD Mk1s in the UK or Japan anyway, only american cars).
Finally, I'd never suggest this on most modern cars, but seeing as most Mk'1s dont have it anyway, and as such an MOT tester is not likely to be suprised not to see one...
I'd take the plastic airbag wheel off, fit yourself a nice Momo or Nardi and take the bulb out the back of the clocks. At your own peril, etc etc...
Yep, it's definitely got an airbag.
That's the problem I've got, the fact that it won't pass an MOT like this.
Took it to Mazda today, they haven't got the correct diagnostic software to talk to the car. They're ordering in the older software, should be with them Wednesday/Thursday I'm told.
If it's at all possible I'd like to keep the airbag, just in case something does happen (I'm only 18 and never had a RWD car before, so I'd like a bit of extra safety net in case!).
It should be going to a specialist in Bicester to have a new hood relatively soon, will ask him to take a look.
Thank you for your replies so far, much appreciated.
That's the problem I've got, the fact that it won't pass an MOT like this.
Took it to Mazda today, they haven't got the correct diagnostic software to talk to the car. They're ordering in the older software, should be with them Wednesday/Thursday I'm told.
If it's at all possible I'd like to keep the airbag, just in case something does happen (I'm only 18 and never had a RWD car before, so I'd like a bit of extra safety net in case!).
It should be going to a specialist in Bicester to have a new hood relatively soon, will ask him to take a look.
Thank you for your replies so far, much appreciated.
TheVole said:
I'm only 18 and never had a RWD car before, so I'd like a bit of extra safety net in case!
If you have a RWD mishap, odds are you'd need side air bag, not a steering wheel one. You could follow one of the guides for tricking the car into thinking the airbag is fine, when a non-airbag wheel is fitted. It involves sticking a resistor in somewhere IIRC. It should let you know if the problem is the wheel, or somewhere else on the car.
Craikeybaby said:
The Ford dealer that I used to work at. Not that anyone had theirs changed, but that is what OEMs recommended.
Thats BS to cover themselves and convince people to buy new cars. The actual bag part is fine for years. If the electrics go faulty, thats what the light is for.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff