Airbag module replacement

[Cornelius]

I have the dreaded airbag warning light which is permanently illuminated. I had some diagnostics done and was told that there was no communication with the airbag module ECU. The module has subsequently been tested and had a non-repairable memory fault. So, I have now replaced the module but the light is still on. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, that is, do I need to hook up to the diagnostics again to set the system? Or is it likely that I have a fault elsewhere?

Just to be clear, on turning the ignition the light goes off after about 8 to 10 seconds but then comes back on 1 or 2 seconds later and then stays on.

[Jonco]

Method varies with year - on mine (1998) if you hook up to OBDII( with ignition on) - select air bag options and clear error codes it will either stay out or tell you what the latest fault is that is causing the problem. Looking at your profile you appear to have the same vintage as Robert T - I'm sure he will be along later to advise.

[Robert T]

Yes, you will probably need to clear the codes in the new module. If any errors are present, the light latches on.

You may also need to code the new module. How many airbags do you actually have? It may well log an error for passenger airbag, if like me you don't have one fitted. I've not tried any coding, but some of the other software on the disc that came with my cable is supposed to be able to do it.

Cheers R.

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[Cornelius]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks for the response. I have booked the car in with my local BMW dealer. Charge is £50/hour +VAT for diagnostics/resetting which I thought was reasonable, and hopefully they should be best placed for resolving the problem.

I will let you know how things go.

Regards,
Corny

[Robert T]

I'm not sure what a dealer will make of it if you replaced the module yourself, but they will certainly be able to read and clear errors. I misread your post and was thinking you had done the diagnostics yourself. You could buy both cable and software for £50, or ask a local member with one and I'm sure they'd have done it for the price of a beer or two. Of course if it needs coding, we might have come unstuck, but we could probably have checked why the light was on.

Where did you get the replacement module from? Is it a genuine part?

Cheers R.

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[BladeRunner919]

[quote="Robert T" Of course if it needs coding, we might have come unstuck, [/quote]

Coding's very easy - I've done it with DIS.

[BladeRunner919]

Of course if it needs coding, we might have come unstuck,

Coding's very easy - I've done it with DIS

[Cornelius]

Here is my update on the airbag fault light. Pleased to report that all is now resolved.
From the beginning: The airbag light had been on for some time. When I had the car serviced at a local garage they reported that they could not communicate with the airbag ECU, but as they did not specialise in electronics they recommended I tried Auto Electrics in Redditch (AER). I never paid for the original diagnosis so happily booked into AER thinking the problem would be easily resolved. I then duly paid AER £55 to be told that there was no communication with the airbag ECU module! They concluded that the module was corrupted.
To save around £200 labour I bought a new ECU and replaced the module myself. This was relatively easy once I sussed how to remove the centre console; the ECU is behind the instruments just in front of the gear stick.
The list price of the module was £400.84 but I got a small discount and paid £370.74 at the main dealer. The part was available the same day as ordering. Part number of the original module was 65.77-8386192. The replacement module number is 65.77-6908896.
I had thought that the ECU would work out of the box, but this is not the case. So I took the car to BMW Sytner at Solihull who quoted a very reasonable £50/hour +VAT to programme and diagnose the module. I was actually charged £119.84 as they carried out diagnostics followed by programming/set-up of the ECU to work with the car followed by diagnostic testing to check all was good. It is debatable whether or not this took two hours, but frankly I was not bothered as the fault light is no longer illuminated, and besides I had anticipated paying for repairs to the seat wiring.

[Robert T]

I think that's a pretty good outcome, as I could see many dealers washing their hands of something that you had fitted yourself. I'd be interested to know what they had to code - my suspicion is that the module will have to be told what airbags and pre-tensioners the car is fitted with - but there may be more to it than that. Expensive module, but what price do you put on your life. Just glad you have got it resolved and you can now get on with the serious business of enjoying your zed.

Cheers R.