Showing a trouble code 0d - "Firing circuit, driver airbag, Stage 2". Now what? Am I screwed and have to take it to a BMW dealer, or is there something I can do with it. I've read some things that indicate this is a problem with the passenger seat air bag, and can be repaired by installing a bypass, but why would that be when the code says driver airbag? I love new cars, I hate new cars (new cars being anything with a computer...).
I've heard the issue can occasionally be attributed to a bad slip ring in the steering wheel. Any other weird issues like the horn not working intermittently? Also, didn't you have some other air bag lights coming on because of the seatbelt tensioner(s) not long ago?
I am not familiar with that code. If I get a chance I will call my BMW guy. he used to work for one of the BMW dealers in Detroit. he may have some insight.
Check the wiring under the seat. Make sure all the plugs are properly seated. Then reset the code and see if it comes back.
These cars have touchy seatbelt tensioners. The tensioner is part of the female buckle. Try by checking the plugs first.
Slippery wrote: Check the wiring under the seat. Make sure all the plugs are properly seated. Then reset the code and see if it comes back. These cars have touchy seatbelt tensioners. The tensioner is part of the female buckle. Try by checking the plugs first.
The problem cropped up very shortly after my son used the lever on the side of the drivers seat to tilt the seat forward to gain access to the back seat. Could that be related? And by "plug", what are you referring to, the electrical plug, the seat belt latch, ??? One thing I'm confused about is how can a code for the drivers air bag be caused by a seat belt tensioner, or a plug under the passengers seat? I'm not doubting what anyone is saying, just trying to understand.
The seatbelt tensioners and some of the plugs under the seat are tied into the airbag system because they detect for seat occupancy. So, if one were loose or the tensioner were bad, I could see why it may throw a fault in the system. Unfortuantely, I think the only way to clear the codes is at the dealership, or I think there are some reset tools you can buy yourself that will also do the trick.
In reply to redhookfern:
Thanks. I know all that, but wonder why a fault in the passenger seat, for instance, would cause a "driver's air bag" code? I've borrowed a scan tool that resets the light, but at this point it won't reset.
Ohhhh, got ya. I see what you mean now
i would check the the connector on the front sensor or the sensor itself. the problem is there are three bags that are controled by the driver side circuit a loose plug or corrosion could trip it. the passenger seat only tells the system if someone is sitting there or not. there is plenty on the bimmer forums about this and some very good walk thru threads telling you exactly how to check everything
There should be two plugs under the seat. One is for the occupancy sensor (turns on or off the airbag based on whether someone is seating there or not), and the other one is for the seat belt receptacle. The seatbelt receptacle plug is to activate the explosive charge (just like the airbag) that retracts the buckle. It basically makes it shorter by about 2" or so.
What I am refering to are the electrical plugs. Lift the seat and see if you can make sure they are plugged correctly and making contact.
I am sure when your son tilted the seat, the plug got unsettled.
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