985E

Kazuo

Member
Hi all,

I have managed to eradicate all the dash lights on my 2004 E85 3.0i Sterling Grey bar one. It was sat for over a year on the previous owner’s driveway, but had a solid service history prior to that.

This is the last dash light I’m trying to get rid of, and by the sounds of it, a common one. Have searched the code and found one thread, but hasn’t really clarified so looking for advice.

Would these codes indicate the belt pre-tensioner is causing the control module fault code, or could it be the control module as well? Is there anything worth trying before I replace the belt pre-tensioner assembly, and if so will it need coding?

Cheers!
 

Attachments

  • 94c7b896-a880-4f8f-834d-efe80edd6beb.jpeg
    94c7b896-a880-4f8f-834d-efe80edd6beb.jpeg
    102.1 KB · Views: 367
A faulty pre-tensioner would just throw a pre-tensioner code. In this case I would assume that the pre-tensioner is fine and the output circuit of the module is duff, ie the pre-tensioner monitoring circuit can't see the pre-tensioner because of an internal short circuit to positive. Generally the only fault an airbag or tensioner will throw is a short circuit to ground (unit has failed) or open circuit (break in wiring or unit failed.) To get a short to positive would involve actively chaffing the firing line with a 12v connection which would be far more unlikely.

I suspect this is the SIM module water ingress problem I've read about.
 
There's several people on here who break cars and have serviceable SIM modules up for grabs ([ref]Bigwinn[/ref] and [ref]enuff_zed[/ref] to name but two) who will also help with coding info (damn things have to have the VIN programmed into them.) They might also chip in with more info as they've done this more times than me (the E85 setup is way more complex than the E46 which I'm more famiilar with.)
 
smorris_12 said:
There's several people on here who break cars and have serviceable SIM modules up for grabs ([ref]Bigwinn[/ref] and [ref]enuff_zed[/ref] to name but two) who will also help with coding info (damn things have to have the VIN programmed into them.) They might also chip in with more info as they've done this more times than me (the E85 setup is way more complex than the E46 which I'm more famiilar with.)
I appreciate the heads up Scott.
I must admit though that although I have the software I have not coded one of these yet.
Stuart (bigwinn) has, and Chris (street) is a guru at it.
I will go and have a look to see if I have a module though.
 
enuff_zed said:
Nope, not got one, sorry.

No worries, I’ll start digging. Is it the one under the centre console I’m looking for?

Is it worth me throwing a bit of contact cleaner on some of the connections, or would I be wasting my time?
 
Kazuo said:
enuff_zed said:
Nope, not got one, sorry.

No worries, I’ll start digging. Is it the one under the centre console I’m looking for?

Is it worth me throwing a bit of contact cleaner on some of the connections, or would I be wasting my time?
[ref]colb[/ref] should be able to advise, but it looks like the left module, behind the outer rear edge of the passenger seat, under the carpet.
I think usually, once they are wet or failed, that's it.
So many options on part numbers, so I'd start by getting a photo of the label on it, cross-referring it on Realoem to see which others would be compatible, then put a Wanted ad on here.
 
Most likely the left satellite module gone duff, usually through water getting in it as stated earlier and not able to communicate with the belt pre tensioner hence the code for that. Module is behind the trim at the rear of the B post low down just behind the passenger seat.
Replace with module of same part number or a compatable one as listed in Oem parts site which gives a list of exchangable modules part numbers that will be compatable with your car. It will need coding to your car, using software like NCS Expert or DIS, upmarket tablet scanner coding tools like Launch and Autel can code modules which is far simpler than the NCS Expert and DIS way of doing it.
I have yet to succesfully code one of these with my Launch Tablet because the replacement modules supplied have always had faults themselves, some locked up having been taken from crashed cars, its a lottery gettting them from breakers. Coding is required as the modules all register themselves with the vehicles |Vin number so they can communicate with each other. The module that lives in the centre console behind the handbrake is the main module and needs communication between both satellite modules hence the need for all modules to contain the correct Vin number in them. Airbag lights will not reset unless everything is correct. If the module has the wrong Vin number it will set a code for incorrect Vin number and the light will stay on. Once it is recoded with the correct Vin, codes should be cleared with your scanner and the light should go out. Cycle the ignition and check the airbag light extinguishes when it completes its check of the system.
 
Amazing, cheers all of you for the help and colb for the detailed explanation and advice.

It’s this one right? Sounds like a bit of a ball-ache.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1296.jpeg
    IMG_1296.jpeg
    95.3 KB · Views: 217
Back
Top Bottom