2000 BMW E46 airbag warning light reset help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: poot36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 05:04:40 am
content: I am trying to help my dad reset or view the airbag warning light codes on a year 2000 BMW E46. We are using the INPA software along with a INPA compatible OBD II / K line USB dongle (16 Pin) that is connected to a 20 Pin adapter for the under hood diagnostics port. We can communicate with all of the other modules on the car except for the airbag/SRS one. The INPA software keeps giving us a IFH-0009 no response from control unit when I select the airbag option in the INPA software. Do we need a different USB dongle or is there something wrong with the airbag module in the car itself? Mods if this question should be in another location on the forum please move it.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 07:17:11 am
content: isnt the airbag module dead itself and cannot answer to OBD ?you should try on another same car model to see if you can reach the same module or not.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 07:26:53 am
content: Surely you have already checked this,... any fuse blown?Any other devices complaining the ABS is not on the bus?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 09:49:15 am
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on February 17, 2017, 07:17:11 amAs the saying goes, "there's your problem!" Dead airbag module would certainly cause the warning light to come on.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 11:43:52 am
content: this light can appear for a temporary malfunction. I had the same problem on this same car ( I don't have anymore)the light came on, I went to the garage it was still under warranty, they reset the light saying it was quite common error.it never appeared again after that.

author: poot36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 02:36:21 pm
content: I think that we have checked the fuse but I will double check it. What sort of current should an airbag module draw? The ABS system works fine and there are no other faults reported by other systems. The car has had a recall on the passagers airbag done but this was well before the error light came on. This model of car is known for the seat occupancy sensors to go bad and the airbag module would show this.

author: Dr. Frank
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 03:05:21 pm
content: The airbag signal is connected to all crash safety devices, like the airbag(s) explosive charge, the airbag controller, seat occupancy sensor on both front seats, and the seat-belt-tensioner (located inside the seat-belt lock.)Latter sensors probably have connectors right under both seats. These connectors often corrode over the years, so the controller may detect erroneously a malfunction of the tensioner, or the seat occupancy sensor .So try to unplug / plug these connectors several times, ignition off, please, or use Deoxit spray.FrankPS: Just scanned through several German BMW forums, this seems to be a typical problem of the E36 and E46.Either caused by the occupancy sensor of the co-drivers seat (can be temporarily cleared in error memory), or the connector is bad.

author: poot36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2017, 04:19:29 am
content: We will try disconnecting and reconnecting the seat occupancy sensors and the seat-belt-tensioners. Although a fault in these should not prevent us from reading the error codes stored in the airbag module right?

author: Armadillo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2017, 05:36:30 am
content: I read that the OBD is for emission related diagnostics and airbag light don't "GENERALLY" fall into that category hence some OBD cannot read it. But some specialize tools can reset the airbag light. I watch the youtube video pinpointed to the poor connection under the seat.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Airbag-SRS-Reset-Scanner-B800-for-BMW-Cars-OBD-20pin-Diagnostic-Tool-/262684899492?hash=item3d293d78a4:g:xkkAAOSwA3dYCk7s&item=262684899492&vxp=mtr