OP
OP
HOW TO FIX THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR.
... well, really, you can't - it has to be changed.
Just to have it said. The airbag system is a serious install, and fiddlig is nothing you should do yourself, and is best left with authorized personell. But, if you feel like it, this is the dive...
Symptoms:
1. You have to have a "ding-ding-ding", followed with "Airbag failure - stop engine".
2. This must happen every damn time you start the car, and then to be repeated after appx. 30 seconds. Then you can remove the message with the mode button, but not the red warning light.
3. You have checked every connector whatsoever, even done some soldering, like this:
The image shows a soldered organge connector block (which isn't there anymore). This removes the usual airbag fault, but is very annoying when you have to remove the seat, as it actually can't be removed completely without having to cut them wires again. Luckily the seat can be tilted around the "cockpit". It is very nice to have two doors on the same side, another + for the 5 door massive attack.
Solution:
1. Get a readout by the Examiner or another computer capable of reading the airbag ECU, to find out it is one of the side impact sensors that have an internal failure.
2. Disconnect battery.
3. The connectors or connection blocks for the sensor is impossible to get at without removing the seat, as the plastic trim on the B pillar is pulled towards the middle of the car - and what is in it's way? The seat rails. Seat (with rails) is removed with a hex key size 8. 4 bolts.
4. Unplug all connectors under the seat, and take the seat out... if you haven't soldered anything earlier.
5. Remove trim at both door sill trims: (Notice the flashy sill guards with "Stilo" embossed, or whatever they are called...)
The door sill trims are simply pulled straight up. Be careful with the one at the driver's door so you don't break the bonnet release. This does not apply to the passenger (front) door. It is enough to pull up the clips near the B pillar to gain access to two screws, one at each sides. You will see them pretty easy.
6. The B pillar plastic cover (trim) is pulled straight towards the middle of the car. Remove the rubber weather seal around the area (both doors). Prepare to break some christmas tree clips inside the plastic trim. Nothing to worry about. When off, toss it inside the car.
7. You might now have used enough time to safely fiddle with the airbag elecronics. Disconnect the connector blocks, one under the seatbelt tensioner, and the main connector above - directly attached to the sensor. Spray them with contact cleaner and check the connectors. Now, this might be enough. Reconnect battery, and try clearing the fault code. If the fault is present, proceed to no. 8:
8. Remove battery negative and wait for 30 minutes. Change the sensor. This shows the impact sensor. The green little gremlin at top middle of the picture:
9. Connect your laptop to the airbag ECU (Siemens) and erase the fault code:
10. Fit everything back ofcourse and have a beer. Don't drive for one hour (until your liver's done the job).
... well, really, you can't - it has to be changed.
Just to have it said. The airbag system is a serious install, and fiddlig is nothing you should do yourself, and is best left with authorized personell. But, if you feel like it, this is the dive...
Symptoms:
1. You have to have a "ding-ding-ding", followed with "Airbag failure - stop engine".
2. This must happen every damn time you start the car, and then to be repeated after appx. 30 seconds. Then you can remove the message with the mode button, but not the red warning light.
3. You have checked every connector whatsoever, even done some soldering, like this:
The image shows a soldered organge connector block (which isn't there anymore). This removes the usual airbag fault, but is very annoying when you have to remove the seat, as it actually can't be removed completely without having to cut them wires again. Luckily the seat can be tilted around the "cockpit". It is very nice to have two doors on the same side, another + for the 5 door massive attack.
Solution:
1. Get a readout by the Examiner or another computer capable of reading the airbag ECU, to find out it is one of the side impact sensors that have an internal failure.
2. Disconnect battery.
3. The connectors or connection blocks for the sensor is impossible to get at without removing the seat, as the plastic trim on the B pillar is pulled towards the middle of the car - and what is in it's way? The seat rails. Seat (with rails) is removed with a hex key size 8. 4 bolts.
4. Unplug all connectors under the seat, and take the seat out... if you haven't soldered anything earlier.
5. Remove trim at both door sill trims: (Notice the flashy sill guards with "Stilo" embossed, or whatever they are called...)
The door sill trims are simply pulled straight up. Be careful with the one at the driver's door so you don't break the bonnet release. This does not apply to the passenger (front) door. It is enough to pull up the clips near the B pillar to gain access to two screws, one at each sides. You will see them pretty easy.
6. The B pillar plastic cover (trim) is pulled straight towards the middle of the car. Remove the rubber weather seal around the area (both doors). Prepare to break some christmas tree clips inside the plastic trim. Nothing to worry about. When off, toss it inside the car.
7. You might now have used enough time to safely fiddle with the airbag elecronics. Disconnect the connector blocks, one under the seatbelt tensioner, and the main connector above - directly attached to the sensor. Spray them with contact cleaner and check the connectors. Now, this might be enough. Reconnect battery, and try clearing the fault code. If the fault is present, proceed to no. 8:
8. Remove battery negative and wait for 30 minutes. Change the sensor. This shows the impact sensor. The green little gremlin at top middle of the picture:
9. Connect your laptop to the airbag ECU (Siemens) and erase the fault code:
10. Fit everything back ofcourse and have a beer. Don't drive for one hour (until your liver's done the job).
