Getting around to tackling this issue. After the build and a week or so with no issue the Airbag light came on. The codes indicate it's the drivers side.

I tried to clear it with the Schwaben Scanner but couldn't. It's reported this scanner will clear the code unless there is actually an issue.
To be honest I'm not sure that I'm trying to clear the code in the correct manner, or if I really have an issue. I'm going to try to clear it again.

I checked the connections under the seat and they seem connected and in the correct positions. Wires look undisturbed from their factory positions.
Normally I would separate and plug back in a few times in the event it was a connection issue but I read somewhere you can only plug and un-plug [3 times???] before the code will never clear.
Is this true?

What should my next step be?
I also read where someone found a connection inside the wheel was separated so I think removing the wheel and checking that will be my next step if the attempt to clear the code with the scanner doesn't work.

Any other ideas?
Thanks,
rob

 

if I remember right the 1st gen's had a recall for defective seat sensor, not sure if it's still what they say extended warranty but it's worth a check. Mine went bad on passenger side R56 but nothing on recall for me so I bought a bypass kit on Ebay for people who change to aftermarket seats.

 

Not sure about the three times deal, but it sounds bogus to me. Disconnect the battery, and it won’t matter either way.

Seat sensor recall is passenger side only.

 

Do you know where the fault is? The code should tell you

use inpa to find the code / fault

 

SS,
I'm a pretty good mechanic but I'm such a novice where this stuff is concerned I don't even know what questions to ask, including what inpa is.

I ran a scan and this is what showed up. [here's how dumb I am] Are these the codes and if so, how do you figure out what they mean?
Again I apologize for my ignorance.

rob




And this.



Obviously this is telling me something. How do I figure out what?

Thanks so much for any assistance,
rob

 

Grey,
This is where I saw this;
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-light.htmlYou have to take it back to the dealer to have it reset.

All new cars are this way if any of the airbags or sensors are disturbed. And that is what you did. You disconnected the seat airbags when you took the seat out.

Oh and BTW I would suggest not doing it again. If you do it three times you will have to replace the "Air Bag Control Module" there is a three (3) error limit built into it that can not be reset.

Anyone ever heard of this?

robj

 

You can disconnect the airbag as many times as you want.I guess your issue is the airbag spiral cable,which for various reasons is interrupted.

 

[QUOTE=adriancl;4527679] You can disconnect the airbag as many times as you want.I guess your issue is the airbag spiral cable, which for various reasons is interrupted.

Adrianci,
Thank you for clearing that up. Sometimes it's difficult to separate the rumor from the fact. These are complicated little beasts. Not so much mechanically, but electrically for certain!
My 2005 was manufactured in 2004 and I've read here and there that the wires to the clock spring on some of these was too short resulting in the plug becoming disconnected. [I'm assuming by "spiral cable" you mean the "clock spring" which I think is what is pictured.]

That would be a really easy fix so I'm hoping that's it.

Next step is to pull the steering wheel. but before I do that I'm going to un-plug and re-plug the connectors under the seat, just in case it's a connection there. [in view of my recent experience with the mirror not seeing the key]
I've also read when doing this, disconnect the neg. on the battery and any plug-in accessories and wait 10 minutes to avoid accidental discharge.

Any other precautions?
Thank you very much for your response!

robj

 

No need other precautions.If intend to disconnect and reconnect the connectors under the seat, please use a contact cleaning spray on sockets.

 

Thanks, Again.
I had one can of contact cleaner that probably lasted me 20 years. Since taking on this project I bought a second can as "backup".
robj

 

yes sir. Not familiar with that scanner. Many times there is a number code very specific to the cause. The documentation on the scanner might be a good first check. I wish I could help more with that.

inpa is the bmw diagnostic scanning software. Runs on a windows laptop and uses an obd cable to the USB port. if you manage to get it installed it will be worth your time...you’re doing a lot of work with this car...

the airbags can be disconnected if the battery is disconnected and no airbag light will be triggered. If the batt. is connected you will get a light and have to reset...with inpa or other capable scanner.

id want to know where the fault was before chasing this...and it’s a bit strange to get many failures at ones, no? Unless it’s the module or a common component...

Spraying the connections with elec. cleaner before reseating...seems to work with others from what I’ve read

 

Forgot to say. I have a post here titled “inpa”. All the details...

 

There is a recall on the passenger side airbag seat sensor. I had mine done. I don't remember the specifics but the Stealership wanted to charge me for something else related to the sensor, some type of switch/sensor that was in the door, I didn't have them do it. I had them just replace what was mandated by the recall. My light went off, but the Fault was still registering on my Schwaben Scanner, I just ignore it.....

 

Schwaben tool will find it till its cleared manually the tool. If its fixed, and you clear it for that fault it should not appear again. When I had my R58 JCW used from the dealer i could see all the old data until i cleared with the tool. My guess is the dealer did not fully clear the codes when they checked it in MINI.

 

Thanks.
My codes seem to indicate drivers side. I've read where on some models the wire to the clock spring is too short allowing it to become disconnected although with the way the connectors all are I''m not sure how that can happen.

Is there a method to test the clock spring once it's removed?

Thanks,
rob

 

Rob did you manage to get to the bottom of this?

I had my R53 in to the dealer last week to fix the open recall on pax side seat sensor. The guy did me a solid and did an inspection while he was at it. He said his diagnostics indicated the driver's door impact sensor was bad. So the recall was completed, but the light stays on. I'll be getting the door sensor replaced next and see where I end up. I'm curious how yours is shaping up.

 

42,
Yes, I did. Posted it on the build thread but forgot to add a link here.
It was the clock spring which was damaged from allowing the wheel to spin free when disconnected from the steering rack when the sub-frame was removed. Best to center the wheel and leave it locked. Live and learn.
When I replaced the clock spring the airbag light didn't go out right away but after driving for a day or so it went out. Later learned the computer doesn't believe it's fixed until it's started and stopped a few times and it doesn't see a fault. Then it believes you actually fixed it.
[photos etc.. of clock spring replacement on my Bargain $500 Mini thread]

So, all is good and Blue Car sailed through Md.State Inspection.

robj