My airbag light is currently on and won't go off. I got used to it (I'm somewhat lazy), but it's bad on dates, especially the way I drive. So I bought this $40 OBD2 reader/resetter, to see if a generic device would help out. It didn't. According to it, there were no error codes anywhere in my computer system.

I know I have no choice but to go to the dealer to make the light goes out (it'll be my second trip). They must be using a tool to access some sort of memory; what is it called? Any idea where I can get it from, or how much it costs? Or, at the very least, does anyone know what the protocol going through the OBD2 port? And where is this memory? In the ECU? Pardon me if I ramble.
-Cor.

 

Do you think there could be a problem with your air bags?

 

Was there any work done on your seats recently? The connector under the seat could be loose.

 

I don't blame you for trying to avoid going to a MINI dealer but I think it would be irresponsible not to have this checked out ASAP.

 

Yeah, I took my seats out to vacuum under then, and then started the car while they were out. The first time, I didn't know it would happen; when I took it to the dealer, they said the connector under the driver's seat was bad. So this time, when I took out the seats, it was a test to observe the behavior. I don't think my connectors were ever bad. I'm going to take it into the dealer this week, and this is fine while its under warrantee, but I do NOT want to have to pay a dealer 50 bucks (or whatever) just to send a reset code to the airbag system.

 

Don't do what you did and you should be fine, unless there really is an Airbag problem. The behavior of the light as you describe has been well documented on this board as well as others -- most people find out the hard way when they're installing new stereo equipment or replacement seats. Anytime the airbag system detects a "fault" in the system, like a missing airbag (i.e. disconnected) it will light the light which evidently requires diagnosis and reset by the dealer. I too have an OBD2 interface (scantool.net) and it doesn't interact with the airbag controller.

 

>>Don't do what you did and you should be fine, unless there really is an Airbag problem. The behavior of the light as you describe has been well documented on this board as well as others -- most people find out the hard way when they're installing new stereo equipment or replacement seats. Anytime the airbag system detects a "fault" in the system, like a missing airbag (i.e. disconnected) it will light the light which evidently requires diagnosis and reset by the dealer. I too have an OBD2 interface (scantool.net) and it doesn't interact with the airbag controller.

Trust me, I won't. As I've generally worked on older cars, all these electronic sensors all over the place are somewhat intimidating. Do you know if there are any other "gotchas" like this waiting for me? I'd hate to do something simple like removing my dash and suddenly the car won't start. I haven't read about anything else like this, but you never know...
-Cor.

 

>>>>
>>
>>Trust me, I won't. As I've generally worked on older cars, all these electronic sensors all over the place are somewhat intimidating. Do you know if there are any other "gotchas" like this waiting for me? I'd hate to do something simple like removing my dash and suddenly the car won't start. I haven't read about anything else like this, but you never know...
>>-Cor.

A good rule of thumb when disconnecting any connectors related to engine management and Air bag system, this includes any seat belts, unhook all connectors while key is in the off position. re-connect with key in off position and you should be fine.
The way I do it when I am working on Minis is take the key out of the ignition and lay the key on top of the dash.

 

Buttons up or down
pointing what way
does the key fob matter

 

Thanks all. I love the car, but I hate the fact that there's so much maintenance I can't do because Mini won't sell me their electronic/computer tools...
-Cor.

 

PM Me your email address and Ill send you the computer reset codes..