Last night, my airbag sensor light came on while I was driving. Now when I start MINI up, the light goes off for a second and then comes back on and stays on. According to the manual, the airbags may not be working properly. Has this happened to anyone else????

Thanks

 

Yes. This is apparently a known problem...several threads here, and I've had it happen to me! It seems that there are several possible causes for this problem. All relate to the seat airbags. All of which need to be addressed by the dealer.

First, it could be a problem with the sensor that's in the seat belt latch (the part of the belt that doesn't move). Second, it could be a loose wire under one of the seats. This loose wire is the result of too short a cable being used during manuf. and then it eventually pulls loose when you move the seats enough. Third -- and this may be related to the second -- there's a physical connection problem between some components of the seat airbag system.

I supposedly had #3, and my dealer simply "cleaned the connection" and reattached. The light went out for good after that, and they said that this "usually" solved the problem. But just to be safe, they also ordered a new seat airbag unit. They said that sometimes the light comes back on, and then they want to replace the whole thing. They offered to go ahead and replace it once the part came in, and I think I'll take them up on this (the unit just came in last week). I've heard that the new units come with better plated connectors to help address this problem, but I can't confirm this. One thing that I am wary of is that in order to install the new module, they need to take apart the seat (mine is the driver side)...and I'm worried that this may cause a host of seat-related problems that I've not yet had.

But DO get this examined. It's not just a computer reset of the idiot light. You actually do not have some or possibly all airbag functionality while this light is lit. Not something that I want to take too casually. Good luck, and let us know what your service dept. says.

 

Thanks jsun for your prompt and knowledgeable reply. I will try to bring him in today. I'll keep everyone updated.