Technical Airbag lights, fuel cut off, flashing odometer

[JPLR]

Afternoon,

I have read previous threads on this, on this forum, but cannot seem to find the thread now I’ve joined the forum.

I just wanted some direction as to where I should be putting my money first with this,

1.2 Pop 500 64 plate, 33k.

Had trouble starting a couple of weeks back, seemed to be a one off, not repeated since. It’s used primarily for a school run/learner driver and when kids are back from uni.

Out of the blue, 2 airbag warning lights on all the time, seatbelt warning light on, yellow triangle, odometer flashing and fuel cut off unavailable when ign switched on.
Car starts fine. Makes no difference when indicators used. I don’t have any Fiat test kit but I am familiar with taking things apart.

I’ve read about airbag ecu’s and batteries on this forum but ended up getting mega confused because the threads ran into several pages.

I believe this may be a commonish fault. Can someone point me to the likely culprit and what you would consider/try first.

Thanks in advance. JP

 

[jrkitching]

Check the wiring loom where it enters the rear hatch; this is a common failure point and often gives these exact symptoms; a short at this point can fry the airbag ECU.

If you've not owned the car from new, it could have been repaired before; we're seeing a lot of second and even third failures following substandard repairs.

 

[JPLR]

Check the wiring loom where it enters the rear hatch; this is a common failure point and often gives these exact symptoms; a short at this point can fry the airbag ECU.

If you've not owned the car from new, it could have been repaired before; we're seeing a lot of second and even third failures following substandard repairs.

The hatch wiring, as in the wiring that connects the tailgate to the roof/c pillar at the rear top left?

 

[JPLR]

It’s encased in a rubber tubing, no signs of damage from the exterior, I can only pull the tubing up so much to inspect the wires but there’s nothing obvious, all looks very clean and neat, very ‘factory’

 

[jrkitching]

It’s encased in a rubber tubing, no signs of damage from the exterior

That's normally what you'll find. The grommet looks pristine; peel it away to reveal the wiring inside and it's anything but!

Mine failed on the hatchback side, not the bodyshell side.

 

[JPLR]

These look pretty clean and tidy. No obvious breaks

 

[jrkitching]

These look pretty clean and tidy. No obvious breaks

Agreed, that's where I'd expect to see a problem if there were one.

 

[JPLR]

Agreed, that's where I'd expect to see a problem if there were one.

So if you experienced the faults and the wiring was the initial cause that then affected the airbags? If I’ve read that right.
Then presumably an earthing issue? What else is airbag linked at the rear tailgate aside from a common earth? Does the 500 have crash sensors linked to the front airbags at the rear? Thanks

 

[Derbyfella]

Sorry…but have you looked at main earth strap?

 

[JPLR]

Sorry…but have you looked at main earth strap?

Nope, is this another common fail point? Where is the strap in question? Engine to body? Thanks

 

[JPLR]

If I decide to go down the self test route and get Multiscan, can anyone direct me to the correct package I would need plus relevant cables?
It’s a 64 plate 1.2 Pop with stop start, no a/c
Genuinely appreciate the help with this.

 

[Derbyfella]

earth strap is under the battery tray.
re ecuscan there may be people near you - have a look n the directory