1996 Miata, 140k miles.
Airbag light came on last night while driving. After a quick search, it does not look like it will be an easy fix. Light is on, and solid. I didn't see any blown fuses.
I'm looking at two options: Fix it (how though?) or replace the steering wheel with an aftermarket one and get the light to turn off.
Any thoughts as to which one is easier, and cheaper?
Cheapest and easiest is unplug the airbags and use the resistor packs. That said an steering wheel airbag isn't that hard to replace.
Stampie wrote: Cheapest and easiest is unplug the airbags and use the resistor packs. That said an steering wheel airbag isn't that hard to replace.
How likely is it that that is the issue though?
Solid light means SAS unit failure or failure to connect. The manual says to remove the passenger airbag and check the connector on the SAS unit. If it's well connected, replace the SAS unit. If it's not well connected, then plug it in :)
Replacing the bag with a resistor won't do anything in this case.
Keith Tanner wrote: Solid light means SAS unit failure or failure to connect. The manual says to remove the passenger airbag and check the connector on the SAS unit. If it's well connected, replace the SAS unit. If it's not well connected, then plug it in :) Replacing the bag with a resistor won't do anything in this case.
How hard is it to remove the passenger airbag? (Without blowing it up)
Not too difficult. It's designed to be removed. Just unplug it first 
Page T-138 in the factory manual.
Cars without the passenger airbag (some Canadian cars) have to pull the glovebox instead. You could try that. It's just a few screws on the hinges.
Solid light means dead airbag computer. Same issue on my '96 right now. Been looking for a replacement.
Light is very easy to fix. I'd rather keep the bag if you drive it on the street.
You'll need to log in to post.
