Why this resistor?

N

Nellybauer

Member
 Guildford
When trying to diagnose my parasitic power draw issue I noticed this connector in the boot was taped up. Upon undoing the tape a resistor fell out, what purpose would someone have pushing a resistor into some of these pins next to the brown cables?

I do think someone previously removed the factory amp and CD changer from the car, but this connector seems to relate to a safety module & nothing to do with the amp/cd changer.

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Looks like the plug that signals the positive terminal pyro connector to operate in the event of a crash.
It often gives resistance errors, most commonly to the right side airbag control module (assuming prefacelift?). This then puts the airbag light on.
Looks like someone has tried a bodge to get the airbag light out.
Plug it back together without the resistor and see if the airbag light comes on. Assuming it hasn’t been taped over of course.
 
ah ok interesting. Yes pre-facelift. I've reconnected it without the resistor & started the car for 10mins or so & airbag light is still off.
 
Nellybauer said:
ah ok interesting. Yes pre-facelift. I've reconnected it without the resistor & started the car for 10mins or so & airbag light is still off.
Click to expand...
I assume the airbag does initially light when the ignition is switched on? If not then it’s been blanked
 
hmm, just put theignition on & no I dont see any airbag light. Doesn't look like there's tape over the light though from what I can see. Strange
 
If I should likely have an airbag light on, should this be generating a fault code?

I have a vgate icar pro 2s bluetooth obd2 scanner, with phone apps like Car Scanner & OBD Mary. Appears to find no codes but doesnt appear to be able to read barely any modules. Is that expected for this type of scanner?

See you often suggest Autophix 5900, presumably that would be better
 
Sounds like it has been blanked. You can remove the instrument cluster, just single screw in the top edge. Then take it apart and peel the centre cover off. May find something wedged in the hole over the airbag light.
The two satellite modules send info via the centre one (SIM85). If you cannot see any airbag modules then it may be the centre one that has the issue.
The Autophix 5900 or slightly better 7910 both do a good job. I usually use mine first to diagnose faults before delving into the more fancy software stuff.
 
I did this on my old Z, for odd airbag reasons:

ryushe

Thread 'Sudden airbag light in console (error 000020)'

Evening,

As of today I suddenly have an airbag warning light on my dashboard. Checked the wires underneath the seats, and they seem fine, along with the connectors. Checked the door wiring loom as well, and that seems fine too.

So, what might have prompted this?
Well, while I was changing out my spark plugs this morning, I noticed the bonnet didn't want to fully close correctly. Checked the latches and catch for the bonnet, and everything seemed fine, so tried again with some force to be honest. Bonnet finally closed and seated correctly.
Right after, I noticed the airbag warning light...
 
Thanks that's useful to know the reason for the resistor & ecvidence others have also done it!
Interesting as looks like you fully disconnected the connector & replaced it with the resistor whereas mine was still connected but seemed like someone had tried to stuff the resistor into the connector alongside it still being connected.
 
More information I just found:
inkey$

Thread 'Airbag light: Battery Firing Circuit'

Just back from an Inspection 2 and investigation to the airbag light I have on my 3.0se. The code it is throwing is as follows:

SBSR: satellite B-pillar right - 98F Resistance, firing circuit, safety battery terminal (E85), or belt tensioner, rear right (E6x), too high

My go-to indy reckons its a fault with the battery positive firing circuit, which is a ball-ache in terms of both cost and effort - £200+ from BMW plus labour in deconstructing the interior to replace.

Anyone know if it can just be coded out from the M54 ECU?

Also found this on this forum, from a guy with what sounds like issues which are very similar to your own base issue of parasitic power drain:
L

Thread 'E85 LONG RUNNING BATTERY DRAIN - NEED HELP IN FINDING A COMPANY WHO CAN IDENTIFY PROBLEM'

Can anyone recommend a company in the area around north Kent (SE England) who have expertise/experience in solving BMW electrical issues please?

I have a mysterious, and what appears to be intermittent, long-running battery drain issue on my 2005 E85 3.0 litre Z4. An auto electrician has investigated and tested the car thoroughly 3 hrs plus) and concluded the problem appears to lie with either the climate control/heater unit located in the dashboard, or possibly the heater blower resistor (or ‘Hedgehog’) located I understand behind the glove box. I note from the Forum other owners have...
 
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