Since I found very little info regarding the SRS/ACSM (Advanced Crash Safety Module) that resides under our center consoles, under the E-brake, I went down a deep, dark rabbit hole to figure out my repair issue/fix. That very, very long thread can be found here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-trouble.html

So much of that thread is unrelated to the actual ACSM, so I wanted to cull out and share what I discovered about the ACSM itself (which was never my original problem, as the above thread shows in great detail).

For the record, in the beginning of this process, I purchased a new Foxwell NT510 Elite scanner/reader. So when I speak of any coding or clearing of codes, this is the scanner I'm using. It works great, by the way.

My issue was an intermittent(?) short/detachment in the wiring for the passenger side "belt-force limiter" (the seat belt spool, hidden behind the inner side panel), wires which run to and plug into the ACSM itself. When the code popped up, I could often clear it immediately using the Foxwell and looking at fault codes for the ACSM. The code always returned within around ten minutes.

So it seems very likely that upon start up, the ACSM sends out signals to all of the SRS-related components. If it doesn't hear from a component within ten minutes or so, it throws a code and an icon appears on the dash. This had nothing whatsoever to do with the seat itself and if/or the seat occupancy mat was working properly; nor did it matter whether or not the passenger-side airbag was turned off.

I bought a used ACSM online (the exact same part number as my OEM module), installed it, coded it with my Foxwell, this didn't fix my problem. Same with the seat belt spool; replaced it, coded it, not the fix.

I ultimately took the Mini to the local dealership service, where they insisted on me buying a brand new ACSM (third one's a charm?). This didn't fix the problem, either.

Once the Mini service department ran a jumper wire from the seat belt spool to the ACSM, the problem was solved. Once I got home, I pulled out the brand new ACSM and replaced it with my OEM module to prove a point: after clearing the initial code/icon, it worked perfectly; it was never the problem. On a whim, I removed my OEM ACSM and reinstalled my used/online ACSM; cleared the code, works flawlessly.

All of this is to say that no matter what Mini tells you, you can buy a used ACSM, code it to your Mini, and have it work properly. Yes, the ACSM will hold in memory any error codes, but once cleared (as long as the error is fixed) it will work fine. I was fortunate enough to find a replacement that was my exact year/mode/part number, so that may have been a factor in my success.

As always, YMMV.

 

My 09 had a fault for the air bag module: The DTC indicated there was an internal fault in the module; I got a used one with the same part number from Ebay for $45.00; it worked perfectly, no programming required.

 

This is encouraging. It may have been your post that I read about not needing programming/coding.