SRS airbag light

[Yurick]

I've got the SRS airbag light flashing for about 5 or 10 minutes and then staying on constantly on my 1990 325iC. I do not think that you could use a reset tool on it.
Any ideas?
Thanks.

[Bear]

Any independent Tech with a scan tool can reset the light (dealer also) and maybe at Auto Zone (do not know if they do BMWs) for free. You need to know what caused the light to come on, did you do any work where you should have disconnected the negative battery cable. Most often the trouble is a bad clock spring (yes clock spring) in the Airbag Module.

[jase007]

Yurick:

Most often the trouble is a bad clock spring (yes clock spring) in the Airbag Module.

new one to me as well.

Also, the "slip ring" on the steering column fails with wear.

I had mine reset recently but .... had to track down the right BMW indy shop with the right scanners [looked more like colored flashlights] to read and reset. My regular BMW indy had computers scanners [tablet shaped laptop lookin thing] that only work on E36 and newer ....

Poor old E30 is getting left in the cold ... at least those with early SRS.

FWIW

Jase

[Bear]

Interesting on the scanner. I have a 1988 750il (E32) and my Indy Tech's hand held scanner can reset the SRS light. What you call the slip ring may be the clock spring (sits behind the SRS module and as the steering wheel turns the clock spring turns (winds and unwinds)keeping constant contact electrically for SRS and in some cars the turn signal switch). If clock spring or air bag module is bad a reset is only temporary. On my 750 I had to get a used air bag module (ZIONSVILLE) as well as a new clock spring. For used or salvage parts, I use Vines, Zionsville or Bavarian (in Sacramento, CA).

[jase007]

#2 in this pic.



Jase