Hey guys, I bumped a curb with my r53 Cooper s which made my passenger airbags deployed. The airbag sensor light is on and I believe it’s preventing the engine from starting. It turns over and almost starts and then gets cut. I’m trying to reset the codes to no avail with my Blue driver. Do I need a better scan tool? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I've bumped the curb plenty in my car, I've never had the airbags deploy. I think you may have some larger issues you need to sort out.

 

It actually takes a stiff hit to deploy bags. I am with Derek on this. There may be a bad sensor. It will need to be changed, before it lets the fuel pump work again.

 

The airbag sensors are in front of the wheels, attached to the frame rails, set fairly far back (about in line with the front of the motor). Merely bumping a curb will not generate enough force to directly engage them.

 

Sensors could be bad and got extra sensitive. Check positive terminal of battery cable. It has a small explosive device that disconnects the bigger positive wire. There are two wires on positive terminal. Big goes to starter. Small goes to fuse box. Bigger one disconnects on impact detected by sensors.

 

This

 

There's a ballistic "cut off" and fuse at the battery box on end of the harness.
Like an airbag, it's a one time use device.
Could be the deployment of the airbag has triggered it...

See parts 1 and 2.

Note: The circled part in diagram only comes when ordering new rear harness item #1, BUT one can replace that single component/section alone from new harness.
Less labor time.....easy quick fix.