Airbag Light

[Eric]

Given that:

1. I've got a '98 ti with what I believe to be pyrotechnic (or CO2?) seatbelt
   tensioners (little cylinder attached to inboard seatbelt buckle).
2. My airbag light has been on for about a year and a half.
   
3. It comes right back on after I reset it.
   
4. The code reader says it's a Passenger Side Seatbelt Tensioner fault.
   
5. There is nothing I can see wrong with the under-seat wiring / plugs
   (I haven't removed the seat), and I've never screwed around under there
   (I admit it - I don't even vacuum ).
   
6. There is not a word about ABS in the Bentley Manual (other than, "Don't touch!").
   
7. I do not have the Factory manual(s).
   
8. RealOEM doesn't seem to show ANY pictures or numbers for airbag parts.
   
9. I can't find anything directly relevant by searching here.
10. The tape is beginning to peel off the cluster where it covers the light.

Is there anything I need to know to get this fixed?

It's nothing to do with safety or anything like that at this point - I'm just tired of thinking that car's got the better of me.

I assume that after removing the seat and checking the plugs, I should try replacing the tensioner. Anything else? Any other parts that trick it into throwing that code? Any other tricks or things to avoid?

Thanks - I've gotta let the car know who's boss.

- Eric

[trikzta]

remember to unplug battery around 5mins before disconnecting any cable under there

[dbsiphone]

Probably doesnt help, I'm not sure what airbag code I had (but my lite was on and came right back when i reset it) i was only checking my emissions codes with my little gadget, but when i had it reset by the dealer it stayed off.

[marko]

Originally Posted by Eric

[*]The code reader says it's a Passenger Side Seatbelt Tensioner fault.

Change that & your problem is gone... about $150, including labor.
Pretty common problem...

I got the same thing, but since I have an aftermarket steering wheel & just took the bulb from the dash (since it would be on anyway).

[Eric]

Originally Posted by marko

Change that & your problem is gone... about $150, including labor.
Pretty common problem...

That's the sort of thing I was looking for - if I know the part just goes bad, then I'll feel better about about springing for one, instead of trying to figure out every other possible thing it could be.

Thanks.

[THAT318]

its a real common problem with our cars.

[Eric]

Now, the obvious question: other than trying to get a used one (which I'm trying to do), is there any way to get one new, seeing as how I can't find the part listed anywhere?

Thanks.

[THAT318]

u try the dealer? or call autohaus az. id say try ssf but its a pain to get on their commercial list and they wont sell to just anyone.

[Eric]

Originally Posted by THAT318

u try the dealer? or call autohaus az. id say try ssf but its a pain to get on their commercial list and they wont sell to just anyone.

With the dealer experiences I've had (with a number of different makes), I wouldn't even consider calling the dealer. In most cases I'd sooner dig a part out of a mud puddle in a junkyard than give my money to a $tealer.

Thanks for the recommendation, though - I haven't tried Autohaus, been using mostly Pelican and occasionally BavAuto ('cause they're close).