Passenger seat occupancy sensor SRS light? No more!!!!
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 373
Likes: 63
From: Charlotte, NC
Old seat mats just don't work
The problem is that old seat mats are bad and that is why you are having problems. If you buy one off of eBay it may work or may not. But it is not a long term solution.
Solution one is to buy the seat mat from Mini (my price was $2,000).
Solution two is to reprogram the control to do away with the seat mat control. The two negatives are it is no easy thing to do and you must have the OBDII connector referenced above. Others just don't work.
Reprogramming also makes the airbags fire in a collision even if nobody is sitting in the right seat (the reason the mat is there in the first place).
I reprogrammed mine. BTW, you can reprogram other things while you're at it, such as one touch sunroof).
Solution one is to buy the seat mat from Mini (my price was $2,000).
Solution two is to reprogram the control to do away with the seat mat control. The two negatives are it is no easy thing to do and you must have the OBDII connector referenced above. Others just don't work.
Reprogramming also makes the airbags fire in a collision even if nobody is sitting in the right seat (the reason the mat is there in the first place).
I reprogrammed mine. BTW, you can reprogram other things while you're at it, such as one touch sunroof).
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
The problem is that old seat mats are bad and that is why you are having problems. If you buy one off of eBay it may work or may not. But it is not a long term solution.
Solution one is to buy the seat mat from Mini (my price was $2,000).
Solution two is to reprogram the control to do away with the seat mat control. The two negatives are it is no easy thing to do and you must have the OBDII connector referenced above. Others just don't work.
Reprogramming also makes the airbags fire in a collision even if nobody is sitting in the right seat (the reason the mat is there in the first place).
I reprogrammed mine. BTW, you can reprogram other things while you're at it, such as one touch sunroof).
Solution one is to buy the seat mat from Mini (my price was $2,000).
Solution two is to reprogram the control to do away with the seat mat control. The two negatives are it is no easy thing to do and you must have the OBDII connector referenced above. Others just don't work.
Reprogramming also makes the airbags fire in a collision even if nobody is sitting in the right seat (the reason the mat is there in the first place).
I reprogrammed mine. BTW, you can reprogram other things while you're at it, such as one touch sunroof).
Airbag systems are not trivial to program and one should always verify the effects of programming (determining whether bags are active/not active) to ensure safety.
Hope this helps..
best,
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
Interested in this as well.
Edit, here's the R50/53 one. Would love to hear more feedback before I buy one.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Bypass-Mini-C...item258dc5f898
Edit, here's the R50/53 one. Would love to hear more feedback before I buy one.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Bypass-Mini-C...item258dc5f898
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Is anyone remotely near Western Mass who has the software and skills to recode my Mini?
I JUST bought it last week...guy casually mentioned, as I was driving away, that the "passenger airbag light sometimes flickers". I got 50 miles before it came on....and it's stayed on.
Now, of course, I can't get it inspected. It doesn't qualify for any Lemon Laws (2005, too old), and I have called the guy to threaten small claims and he has avoided my calls. Three hours away or I'd go sit on his doorstep. I don't have $1500 right now to get the seat replaced.
I bought the C110 scanner, and it will read the code as "71 - Seat Occupancy Detector". It was supposed to be able to clear it as well, but doesn't, even trying several times in a row.
I'll try the bypass as well, but not convinced it will solve my issue and the shipping is going to take several weeks.
I JUST bought it last week...guy casually mentioned, as I was driving away, that the "passenger airbag light sometimes flickers". I got 50 miles before it came on....and it's stayed on.
Now, of course, I can't get it inspected. It doesn't qualify for any Lemon Laws (2005, too old), and I have called the guy to threaten small claims and he has avoided my calls. Three hours away or I'd go sit on his doorstep. I don't have $1500 right now to get the seat replaced.
I bought the C110 scanner, and it will read the code as "71 - Seat Occupancy Detector". It was supposed to be able to clear it as well, but doesn't, even trying several times in a row.
I'll try the bypass as well, but not convinced it will solve my issue and the shipping is going to take several weeks.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Is anyone remotely near Western Mass who has the software and skills to recode my Mini?
I JUST bought it last week...guy casually mentioned, as I was driving away, that the "passenger airbag light sometimes flickers". I got 50 miles before it came on....and it's stayed on.
Now, of course, I can't get it inspected. It doesn't qualify for any Lemon Laws (2005, too old), and I have called the guy to threaten small claims and he has avoided my calls. Three hours away or I'd go sit on his doorstep. I don't have $1500 right now to get the seat replaced.
I bought the C110 scanner, and it will read the code as "71 - Seat Occupancy Detector". It was supposed to be able to clear it as well, but doesn't, even trying several times in a row.
I'll try the bypass as well, but not convinced it will solve my issue and the shipping is going to take several weeks.
I JUST bought it last week...guy casually mentioned, as I was driving away, that the "passenger airbag light sometimes flickers". I got 50 miles before it came on....and it's stayed on.
Now, of course, I can't get it inspected. It doesn't qualify for any Lemon Laws (2005, too old), and I have called the guy to threaten small claims and he has avoided my calls. Three hours away or I'd go sit on his doorstep. I don't have $1500 right now to get the seat replaced.
I bought the C110 scanner, and it will read the code as "71 - Seat Occupancy Detector". It was supposed to be able to clear it as well, but doesn't, even trying several times in a row.
I'll try the bypass as well, but not convinced it will solve my issue and the shipping is going to take several weeks.
The hardest part is finding a seat on eBay or from a junk yard with a working mat.
FWIW, both of the mats failed were made in France, the working and seemingly revised mat was made in Germany.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 3
From: Bronx,NY
It might be quicker for someone to recode it just to pass inspection (btw you might be able to get a temporary waiver or extension), but replacing the mat isn't as awful as it sounds. The hardest part is finding a seat on eBay or from a junk yard with a working mat. FWIW, both of the mats failed were made in France, the working and seemingly revised mat was made in Germany.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
I assume there would be a -01 as well.
Something changed, but I have no idea what.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 3
From: Bronx,NY
I PM the OP with the info of the person that coded mine off hopefully he can get someone in MA to help the OP
You wouldn't have the step by step guide for the coding do you? I had a print out that I gave to my guy when he did mine and it was of great help. Thanks
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
interesting thanks for the great info
I PM the OP with the info of the person that coded mine off hopefully he can get someone in MA to help the OP
You wouldn't have the step by step guide for the coding do you? I had a print out that I gave to my guy when he did mine and it was of great help. Thanks
I PM the OP with the info of the person that coded mine off hopefully he can get someone in MA to help the OP
You wouldn't have the step by step guide for the coding do you? I had a print out that I gave to my guy when he did mine and it was of great help. Thanks
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
It might be quicker for someone to recode it just to pass inspection (btw you might be able to get a temporary waiver or extension), but replacing the mat isn't as awful as it sounds.
The hardest part is finding a seat on eBay or from a junk yard with a working mat.
FWIW, both of the mats failed were made in France, the working and seemingly revised mat was made in Germany.
The hardest part is finding a seat on eBay or from a junk yard with a working mat.
FWIW, both of the mats failed were made in France, the working and seemingly revised mat was made in Germany.
Minibx emailed me with his connection, so I'm going to get in touch.
Plan for this weekend is to just strip down the speedo and either pull the bulb, or paint/tape over it! :D Desperate times, desperate measures and all that..
MINI replaced my seat sensor matt in 2010 with the 65.77 6989299-03. Light stayed off for three years, but came back on a little over a year ago. Recently replaced with a used matt (didn't check the number) and the light came back on after three weeks.
MINI needs to rectify this problem once and for all.
MINI needs to rectify this problem once and for all.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Has anyone been able to purchase the eBay bypass and then use the computer/coding stuff (which I'm clueless about) to verify if the airbag is actually still operational as if someone occupied the seat all the time? I want to do this but am worried about a passenger if the airbag is disabled...
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Or how about these:
http://new.minimania.com/part/NMI870...2-53-Cooper--S
I wonder if they carry any sort of warranty...anyone bought one of these? How difficult is it to simply swap the seat bottom?
http://new.minimania.com/part/NMI870...2-53-Cooper--S
I wonder if they carry any sort of warranty...anyone bought one of these? How difficult is it to simply swap the seat bottom?
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 127
From: San Francisco
The whole point of this thread is to avoid buying the expensive, new OEM replacement part.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I got quoted at $888 from an indy shop for a replacement of the seat cushion to fix the broken sensor. I figured they were getting the part for like $600 and the rest was labor. While it sucks, I could stand to pay $650 and do the replacement myself as I'm fairly handy.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 127
From: San Francisco
An official NHTSA safety recall has been issued. Shame on MINI/BMW for delaying years on a known safety issue.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...tsa_ids=15V205
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...tsa_ids=15V205
Report Receipt Date: APR 06, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 91,800
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MINI COOPER 2005-2006
MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2005-2008
MINI COOPER S 2005-2006
MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 2005-2008
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
CONSEQUENCE:
An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
REMEDY:
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 91,800
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MINI COOPER 2005-2006
MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2005-2008
MINI COOPER S 2005-2006
MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 2005-2008
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
CONSEQUENCE:
An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
REMEDY:
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Per the bulletin: "The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525."