156 airbag warning light

[mike9009]

Hi


Over the last week I have had an airbag warning light on the dash. Is this a common fault - or is it likely to be a PITA to get fixed?

When I first bought the car (18 months ago) this light was on and it was simply that the passenger airbag was disabled. Not the case this time though!

PS car is a 2.4JTD Sportwagon 2001MY.

Thanks

Mike

[waynedear]

It could be something as simple as moving the seat with the ignition on, that can set the airbag warning lights off

[KANEIT]

Common I believe from what I've read, a result of dodgy connections in the sensor wiring beneath the seat. I think the connection can be easily remedied but the light has to be reset by someone with the right software. People say that the wiring shouldn't be fiddled with when the ignition is on as it risks setting off the airbag?!

[crostonian]

Any garage with a generic diagnostic reader will be able to reset this.

[swindorski]

I had this fault with my 156 GTA a while back - it was down to the connector under the drivers seat, apparently they aren't the best and can get a slight corrosion on them. It's all fine until you move the seat and then the contact points on the connection are different and you get the warning light.

Try moving the seat forward and back to see if the light goes out/flickers at all.

I disconnected the battery, waited 30 minutes (not sure I needed to do this but someone told me to and I thought it better safe than sorry!), disconnected the obvious socket under the seat, sprayed it with WD40, reconnected it and all was well with the world.

I reckon that's worth a punt before taking it to a garage!

[RichV6]

Happens quite often with my passenger air bag. Has always reset by disconnecting
and reconnecting ignition off then leaving the car 15 or 20 minutes before turning
the ignition on. Mines a 2003 face lift interior version.

[mike9009]

Thanks all - will give all the suggestions a whirl. Will let you know what the results are, for any future problems people may experience.

(It might be a while with the short days at the moment - will need some daylight on matters!)

Mike

[V6Alfisti]

On the mid facelift cars, it can also be the yellow connector on the o/s rear passenger overhead airbag. Often just banging near the speaker in the parcel shelf and around that wheel arch will disengage