Permanent Air bag light

Ghila36 · Post by **Ghila36** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 8:59 pm

I have a Z4 E85 2.2, 2005 with the air bag light permanently showing on the dash. Tried all of the regular suspect areas without success.
I have had auto electric engineers try two different diagnostic tools, each time the same result the module does not correspond and cannot be detected.
While working on it last night, i noticed that the symbol appears on the dash as soon as the key is turned to position 1, to me this is the auxiliary position, this is the only image shown at this time, turn to position 2 and all normal ignition images appear and switch of upon the engine starting, leaving the air bag image on.
Question is should it be on in ignition switch position 1.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ghila

bigwinn · Post by **bigwinn** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:05 pm

Where you based bud

Would be worth hooking it up to inpa for a proper look at the issue

Ghila36 · Post by **Ghila36** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:15 pm

Hi bigwinn,
i'm near Newcastle in the frozen North.
Excuse my ignorance but what is "inpa". I'm sure that I will pick up the jargon eventually, but new to using the forum even tho i have been a long time member. This is my first Z4.

bigwinn · Post by **bigwinn** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:27 pm

It’s specific bmw software

I’m sure there is someone up your way who will have that or similar

Street

what have you got?

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:32 pm

The 2.0i I'm breaking had a similar issue.
Thought I'd fixed it a few times but it got more persistent.
Eventually discovered that vape fluid had been spilt in the coin holder behind the handbrake.
Directly below that is the main airbag module.
It was full of sticky gunk with signs of arcing on the circuit board.

Ghila36 · Post by **Ghila36** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:43 pm

Thanks fellas, actually "Street" has had a look also, and at the moment it has him baffled as well.
enuff_zed, I have had a look into the hole you mentioned and can see the module which looks clean. As I am mechanical and not electrical in any way. I didn't want to interfere with the module or the wiring.
Can either of you remember if the light should be on with the switch in position 1.

bigwinn · Post by **bigwinn** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:53 pm

If you are ever down Lincoln way we can have a look

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:56 pm

Ghila36 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:43 pm Thanks fellas, actually "Street" has had a look also, and at the moment it has him baffled as well.
enuff_zed, I have had a look into the hole you mentioned and can see the module which looks clean. As I am mechanical and not electrical in any way. I didn't want to interfere with the module or the wiring.
Can either of you remember if the light should be on with the switch in position 1.

Can't remember without going back out to the car and it's pishing down!

I am a mechanical type myself too, but I managed to access the unit to remove it and then it was simply unbolting the panel underneath to see in.
However, it's a big mining job to get down to it, so I'd not make that my first port of call.

Ghila36 · Post by **Ghila36** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 10:15 pm

Thanks guys, I will keep on looking and let you know.

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 10:28 pm

enuff_zed wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:56 pm it's pishing down!

Can tell the nationality of who you live with

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Fri Oct 21, 2022 7:35 am

Argyll Andy wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 10:28 pm
enuff_zed wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:56 pm it's pishing down!
Can tell the nationality of who you live with

Had to remove a few of the more descriptive additions first.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Fri Oct 21, 2022 7:46 am

Ghila36, good morning.
I have just checked and yes, the airbag red light does come on with the key in the first position too.

Ghila36 · Post by **Ghila36** » Fri Oct 21, 2022 9:06 am

Thanks for checking, this helps with eliminating possible faults in the system.

colb · Post by **colb** » Fri Oct 21, 2022 5:34 pm

Sound like the module has died with an internal fault if its not connecting with diagnostics but best try INPA or BMW Scanner 1.4 or a handheld scanner like a Creator 310+ which I know connects to the airbag module and can clear codes if they have been set.
If the module is dead then you will need to check the part number in Realoem and expand on the part number applicable to your actual car, you do this by entering the last 7 letters and digits of your Vin number on the Start page.
Once you click on the part number it will display details of your module and those others that are exchangable retrospectively with your module. Once you know what can be fitted then search out for a replacement on ebay, can be a bit of a lottery as some may have come from a crashed car and they will be locked up and require a specialist company to clear them. Any replacement module fitted will require coding to your car using NCS Expert, another piece of software that usually comes with the INPA package that is sold on ebay by BCables.

Ghila36 · Post by **Ghila36** » Sat Oct 29, 2022 9:03 pm

Thanks for your help Colb.
Sorry for late reply, I have the car booked into a diagnostic garage locally 7th November. Apparently never been beaten, hopefully they live up to their name.

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