I posted the question in a existing thread but got no reply. Likely not close enough to the topic of that thread.
The air bag warning light in my car comes on then after a period of time will turn off. Once it resets (turns off), the warning light tends to stay that way for a long time. When reset it works normally (weight in the seat and no seatbelt warning light comes on, during startup lamp/circuit check on briefly then off for normal ops). Currently the light is back on indicating a problem. It will go off briefly on bumpy roads but comes back on after a short period of time.
Now the questions:
1. Are there electrical connections I can check before taking the car to the dealership?
2. Are there sensors for both seats on one sensor for the two seats?
3. On my 03 MC the problem was a harness. It was replaced with an improved harness. Is this still a harness issue?
Thanks in advance for your time considering the questions and even more thanks for any answers.
John

 

Might want to check this thread. Sensor is only on the passenger seat as it's pretty much assumed the drivers side is occupied by an adult when the car is operational. Is your MINI still an 03? If so, did you get a longer harness installed after the Tech Service Bulletin for 05? Otherwise, of course it could be something else. Sorry, I can't be of more assistance with out more details.

 

Thanks for the reply. The o3 was covered by the TSB. Much later traded the o3 for an o6. The o6 is having the problem.

The problem seems to be an "open" in a curcuit. Currently the light is on all the time so I think what ever was starting to ware is finally gone. The sad part is I almost never have a passenger in the car. I will not be going the bypass rout though. When I do have a passenger it is my wife, daughter or a good friend. I want the airbag to work as advertised.

 

Replace the damaged pressure matt/ribbon through a dealer. Lowest I've read about 800+ and up to 1,400.
Replace it yourself. High labor job. parts < 200.
Purchase and install a used seat from an 05/06. Do not go with any other years. The matt is different and may cause error codes due to electrical differences.
Oh and please complain to the NHTSA about it so we can get an investigation and potential cost coverage by MINI. Here is info on the investigation.

 

Are '02 model years affected? (maybe the '03's caught it from the 'o2's and are infected...)

Anyway, my '02 airbag light is constantly on.
J

 

Another thought. Could I switch seat positions and transfer the problem, and, if I did that, would it give an additional light if there were a new problem with the drivers side as well as the passenger side (having transferred the problem seat to the other position that is)?

 

I think the o2's were covered by the TSB that my o3 was covered by. I would contact the dealership. I have not seen the 06 covered by the TSB.

 

The "sensor" that someone mentioned than can fail is a weight sensor that determines how fast to inflate the airbags on late gen1 mini's...produced after dec 2004 (not model year, production year).
The cable/plug that many folks are having an issue with was covered with a free extented warrenty on most mini's ... 10 years I think...call 1800 askmini, and see if you are still covered. If the issue is the cable/wire/plug, the fix may be free.

 

PS if you fix the issue, you need a special tool to reset the light...once the light is lit, it will stay on till reset.

 

Thanks for your help!
I'll call the "ask mini' hotline today.
J

 

What is the special tool called? I removed my seats to wire my a new stereo and i was turning the car on and off without seats in and now the light is permanently on and I want it off. It makes my passengers (and mother ) nervous.

Thanks in advance,
Austin

 

my 02 justa has had the airbag light on for months. keep meaning to bring it in but i cant afford to drop more money into my car right now. that clutch job killed me