Technical SRS Issues, strange pretensioner circuit resistance high

[SL the KJ]

Hello! Since my first post -- and once the weather turned warm -- I've done some maintenance on my 2012 Fiat 500 1.4 16V MultiAir, the US model, to get it past inspection. This included replacing spark plugs and ignition coils, air filter, oil filter, and replacing a bent wheel. But I'm having an issue with the SRS that I can't seem to pinpoint: B0107-1B - Passenger pretensioner resistance - Circuit resistance to high/above threshold

According to MES, the circuit's running at around 9 Ohms. I checked the pretensioner itself (using a method similar to this) and found its resistance to be at 2.3 Ohms, perfectly normal. I used contact cleaner and dielectric grease, and it lowered the resistance to about 5 Ohms. Better, but not enough! I shorted the contact, expecting the resistance to be 0 Ohms, but it was sitting at 3 Ohms! I also cleaned the battery terminals just in case, but no change.

So, my question is why would the pretensioner circuit have resistance, even when shorted? Any insight would be greatly appreciated before i start removing the dash to inspect the circuit fully --- a real pain to do.

Thanks for reading.

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

Inspect the whole length of the cable, perhaps it has been damaged at some point. Check for sharp bends, broken insulation, etc.

Remember that you've mesured the resistance of the pretensionner only and MES mesures it at the terminals of the airbag ECU, so with the loom.

 

[SL the KJ]

ah, well i was hoping to avoid that but it seems like i've got my work cut out for me.
i appreciate the feedback, thank you!