Airbag Warning Light

[dlister]

My Airbag Warning Light came on. Has anyone else had this happen on their MINI? The dealership says it is common on BMW's but they hadn't had it happen yet on a MINI. I am taking it in to read the codes tomorrow but it would be nice to give them a place to start.

Thanks,
Darren

[chiph]

It isn't as common as it used to be (do a search on airbag light). It's been caused (primarily) by a wiring harness under the seats that is too short, and when you slide the seat all the way back it disconnects the cable for the seat (side) airbags, causing the light to go on.

Your dealer should have known about this (unless they're a new dealer in Texas?). There's a longer cable available that solves this problem -- It's in the MINI parts system.

Of course, you might already have the longer cable, in which case it's something else. The dealer's computer will tell them what the problem is.

Chip H.

[monsta]

Mines been on twice since I've owned it, fixed quickly and easy.

[TV175]

I've had this problem a couple of times. Both times I have had to have the wiring replaced, however the service department did say that sometimes they only have to reset it on their diagnostic computer and it is cured.

[dlister]

Thanks...I'll let the dealer know.

[hapaboy]

its the 2nd time for me for the stupid airbag light. i've got an appointment in a couple of weeks. they are also replacing the steering column due to the click sound.

[cordial]

I had the airbag light and the tyre deflation light come on simultaneously the other day. I immediately stopped, switched the engine off and got out to check the tyres, which were fine. When I re-started the car, the lights did not come back on....

[X2Board]

I knew I could count on this board for information on this, my airbag light came on last night, I will take a look under the seat to see if the cable is diconnected, I move them a lot to get the kids in and out of their car seats.

X2

[here2help]

Quote:

It isn't as common as it used to be (do a search on airbag light). It's been caused (primarily) by a wiring harness under the seats that is too short, and when you slide the seat all the way back it disconnects the cable for the seat (side) airbags, causing the light to go on.

I think you will find that at least on UK cars there is alot of wiring harness under the seats??? The problem is primarly down to high resistance on the contact pins of the airbag control unit..thats all..I have done LOADS and have NEVER seen one yet that as come apart/disconnected as a direct result of the loom being to tight.
Cheers

U.S cars could be different for some reason so dont shoot me on this one....

[chiph]

Quote:

Originally posted by here2help


I think you will find that at least on UK cars there is alot of wiring harness under the seats??? The problem is primarly down to high resistance on the contact pins of the airbag control unit..thats all..I have done LOADS and have NEVER seen one yet that as come apart/disconnected as a direct result of the loom being to tight.
Cheers

U.S cars could be different for some reason so dont shoot me on this one....

My information might be a little out of date - I recall the first few times I read about it, it was a too-short cable. More than likely when they replaced the cable they added the contact-enhancer goo as well.

Thanks for the update.

Chip H.

[AussieMini]

My Cooper is heading in this Friday for its second reset of the airbag light. Admittedly I have moved the seats back fully while I was vacuuming them on the weekend, but let's face it, it shouldn't happen at all.

If it keeps coming on, keep taking it back, they'll soon get sick of it and rectify it once and for all.

[kuper]

mine's currently in the dealer, this is the second time already the airbag light came on.

on another note, i've got a loaner, another cooper (BRG), with only 1000 kms on the clock! and as expected, the newer built has less rattles and smaller buzzing noise on the steering...

anyone else has experienced the diff with newer built coopers?