SL500 airbag warning light

[Orb the Impaler]

FFS! This really pisses me off.
I've just been driving along and suddenly poof! my SRS light has come on. The fact that I had just adjusted the steering column about 2 seconds before may be connected. But probably isn't since the electrics in modern MBs were designed by satan himself.

I've checked the fuses (26 & 42 in engine comp - no problem) and pulled the steering wheel cover off - no dice, of course!

I can't stand crap like this - why does it always happen at the wrong time? Car needs a service, new back tyres and then this. All when I've been out of work 8 months! It's like the bloody thing knows when to kick me when I'm down.

Any clues as to what might be causing the warning light? I personally suspect a duff connection. The OBC says 'no malfunctions'.

[5 wh]

The only problems Ive had with the SRS systems on various mercedes cars Ive sold have been broken passenger seat occupancy sensors-3 in total over the last 3yrs or so.
Older models were prone to electrical connection problems under the front seats if the seats are moved quite often,or someone is clumsy or heavy handed with a vacuum cleaner when cleaning underneath the seats.
Could just be caused by a low battery charge level-this can cause the lamp to illuminate.

[steve_amv8]

5 wh said:

The only problems Ive had with the SRS systems on various mercedes cars Ive sold have been broken passenger seat occupancy sensors-3 in total over the last 3yrs or so.
Older models were prone to electrical connection problems under the front seats if the seats are moved quite often,or someone is clumsy or heavy handed with a vacuum cleaner when cleaning underneath the seats.
Could just be caused by a low battery charge level-this can cause the lamp to illuminate.

I had the SRS light come on in my '03 CL as a result of a damaged wiring loom in the steering wheel which was replaced under warranty ....

[Orb the Impaler]

Thanks chaps - I'll check the seat (we were away last week and the seat was backwards and forwards a lot to get my case in) as well as the seatbelt releases.

Since it did it when after I moved the steering wheel I fear it may be in there. Which is a pain since I cannot figure how to get the column shroud off.

[Orb the Impaler]

I can't find anything - I also disconnected then reconnected the batteries to no avail.

I fear that even if there is now no fault that I'm going to still have the light - I suspect that once it's on it's on until MB (or someone with a tool) resets it.

[vincenz]

Worth a trip to you local independent to have it turned off?

I took the bulb out of my C-Class when it did it! After checking the occupancy sensor about 5 times

[Orb the Impaler]

Well, the problem is "fixed" - I took it to a mates garage and hooked it up to his diagnostic computer (I didn't know it could do Mercs, so that's useful to know) and reset the SRS light. Evidently these things can simply trip and come on for no apparent reason - they see it a lot on BMWs when the seat has been moved.

Seems ok at the moment, and all for a cost of zero pence.

I also found that I really do have a problem with my right-rear suspension being low. Bum!