Airbag warning light does not come on anymore for test
 

Hi there,

I experience a strange issue with my airbag warning light:

It does not come on anymore when you turn the ignition key before starting the car, normally it should come on as test like all other lights do.

I heard of at least 2 cases where the MY 2005 cockpit modules are supposed to have a software bug - whenever you later on code an extra function into the cockpit (like e.g. cruise control in my case was retrofitted), the airbag warning light does not work anymore.

Most shops are not aware of that issue, but at least one seems to be.

There seems to be a fix known to the factory installing a later or different firmware to the cockpit ECU so that the airbag light comes back as normal.

Has anybody come across that issue?
Any known specific fixes? Could your Porsche dealer help you?
Most important - I did not find a TSB on it... :-((( - any help and hint appreciated..

My dealer seemed not to be informed, I hope they will manage to get a fix, with factory help...

It should effect only early 987 (and 997) models, 2005, maybe 2006.

Pls only comment on fixes - I know most folks would not care as the cockpit would throw eror messages anyway.., but in Germany it's required to be street legal.

Have you at least pulled the instrument cluster and checked to make sure it's not just a burned out bulb?

Sure, done that yesterday to ensure it's not a connectivity problem with the plug.

These clusters don' have bulbs anymore, only built- in LEDs which normally don't burn...

I know of 2 similar cases after coding a 2005 model cluster, one got fixed by the dealership, the other didn't, so I start getting nervous. New cluster is 2k Euro..

Negative. The bulbs do burn out. And, occassionally they don't seat properly, causing an "open" in the connection. Those are the two things I'd check first. That the bulb isn't physically burned out. And that the bulb is seated into the cluster firmly.

There are two/three sizes. I don't know which size fits in the airbag location. What color is the base of the bulb you checked? Green, tan, or black?

Negative. The 987's dont use bulbs as Ray mentioned. Not for the warning bulbs. Become more educated before you shut him down. At the dealer I've seen clusters fail where the led stops functioning, but I've never heard of a software issue personally. If you do find literature explaining this phenomenon, please share!

I missed the 987 part, and I didn't shut anyone down. Just reaffirming the fact that a basic electronics continuity check was done first before jumping to the more expensive route.

Appears you were offended by my response? No worries. Nothing personal taken. :)

There are shops that will repair these clusters. I can't find my bookmark but I had my 986 cluster repaired from a company based in the UK with a branch in the US. I suggest doing a broad search like Porsche Instrument repair or Mercedes Instrument repair as most places seem to fix both.

Worse case see if you can buy a used cluster from a wrecked car.

Will keep you guys posted on how it will work out and what I did.

I know two cases where a software error (only on 2005 models) was confirmed, one was fixed, one was not.

I gave my dealer a heads up so they can research. Will have an appointment there next week.

If they fail - I'd get a used cluster, costs a fraction of a new one. Then have my old cluster fixed at a specialized shop and re-sell either one.

There are no bulbs anymore but built-in LEDs, you cannot check them by any way, I pulled the cluster an made sure.

Sorry Bar, you've been pm'ed.
Ray, as far as repairs are concerned, I've seen instrument clusters repaired from North Hollywood Speedometer. Not personally for this issue, but I've seen them correct the unfixable (and also recalibrate for a higher speedo!)
The dealer should be able to activate the led through the cluster and the airbag control unit. Thats how I'd eliminate the airbag control unit or programming as a possibility before looking into cluster repair.

Thanks

I will hit the dealer coming week and are also hoping on them to be able to illuminate and test the LED before any other measures.

I will need to have a shop in Germany to fix it if it is broken, but still hope on the known software issue for the 2005 models snce 2 independent folks confirmed that bug to me, will keep updates next weeks as this might be of value to other 2005 987 and 997 owners...

Very~worn~944, like I said, nothing personal taken. Gotta have thick skin on the internet. Sometimes, folks have bad days. And an anonymous username is all it takes for them to vent their frustrations on others.

..like I expected - the dealer did not help at all and "of course" is not aware of any software bugs with the 2005 clusters.

Only charged 150 bucks to diagnose a defect cluster.. well. great!

Just baught as used one on ebay for 250 bucks instead of the 2000 the dealer wants for a new one, keep my fingers crossed it works. If not I can return it..

Hi,

Has anyone got an update to the above problem? I have the same spec car, 2006 Cayman S, manual 6 speed with the same issue. Had cruise retrofitted when purchased.

The car has been with my local specialist Porsche centre for over a month. They've tested, diagnosed everything but no faults and no airbag light. Apparently they can force the light on through the diagnostic tool but can't make it work as it should.

I have even supplied a second hand instrument cluster that did originally work but typically when I went to collect the vehicle the light wouldn't come on again.

The light has never come on for as long as I've owned the car. This is so frustrating and I'm hoping that someone has found the fix.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Regards,

Nigel

You sure it never comes on? It is the first light to go out after you turn the key, and it goes pretty much in a flash. Also, on my car it doesn't come on at all as far as I can see if the car has been shut off and started quickly again.

Try turning the key and keeping a good eye on the warning lights as you do it. You may see it come on and then immediately go out. According to my indie that's the way it is supposed to work..

Anker

Hi,

Thanks for replying.

When the replacement instrument cluster was installed it worked, I have a video of it, now it doesn't. It's just like the original one now, nothing, not even a flicker!

I didn't even know I had a light there until it was pointed out to me.

Regards,

Nigel

It's been a while but in the meantime I stepped across another, easy fix:

Just re-code your cluster with a Piwis 2 and the issue will be gone. No need for expensive repairs - only need to find a Piwis2 buddy and here you go.

Hence, no flashing need - just standard coding of stock settings ...

Thought I'll drop it here since I was pinged w/ a PN