Side airbag fault warning.
 

Does anyone know where/how to probe to pin-point the problem?

I'm hoping it's just a loose connection. (edit: it was, and a somewhat common one)

Is there a specific error code in the Airbag control module?

Yep.

Where does that live?

What little I've found out is that there is a TSB 9/04 6963 ...and that perhaps Porsche knows of this problem, and will fix it for free. (haven't checked yet with the local dealer/shop)

There was an update for this fault. the connectors under the seats for the airbags would wiggle and loose connection. the update was to remove the connector and hardwire the remaining wires. have your dealer check if you have an open recall for a W725. otherwise its customer pay.

Thanks. They say that particular open recall maps to a different car/model.

...and that they have no open recalls for my VIN. :-\

Can anyone tell me which connector is typically the culprit for this airbag fault?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1268700219.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1268700236.jpg

close up of above...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1268700247.jpg

neither pic has the culprit. you are looking for a yellow connector on the under side of the seat cushion. it has a blue and a black wire.

island911 you should send the pic showing culprit. of the air bag
i m interested in this tread because i want to know about the emery advice in this

I haven't gotten back to it. Tho' I expect Emory is right.

I had been thinking it was a connector for the upper side curtain, but now suspect it's a problem with the seat side airbag --which would explain why I'm looking for the connector under the seat. ... I'll post pic's when I get to it.

Well, it looks like the connector has been already fixed. (I'll have to check the fix)

Here's what it's looking like... (looking back, on the underside of the seat cushion)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1271276211.jpg


and zoomed in on that...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1271276233.jpg

...unziptied

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1271277240.jpg

That is the one!

You can do one of a couple of things at this point.

1) Cut out those repairs and SOLDER in a new one.

2) Replace the bag in the seat.
Now, interestingly enough, if you get a new bag for the seat- they have the connector, which must be cut off and crimped/soldered/etc.

I would personally try soldering in a new connection, just in case that one is sub-par.

Keep in mind, if you fix the fault, the fault and the light do not self clear.

I crimped the connection and the fault is gone.







....for now. ;)


Yeah, I'll have to get out the solder and shrink-tube. But at least I now know that IS the problem spot.

Thanks for the input.

Solder will raise the resistance in the connection. this has been known to cause problems with that circuit. When the update first came out the factory recomended soldering after crimping. They have since changed that procedure to crimping and covering with tubing.

Thanks again Emery.

But, how do they figure that soldering will raise the resistance? :confused:

...I suppose a bad solder joint would be worse than a good crimp; but clearly, from my above experience, the crimp can be problematic as well. :-/

Flame war commencing in 3.. 2.. 1..

Show me in writing from a respectable source that soldering increases resistance.

Show me in writing where Porsche has stated that we should not solder, and instead crimp: ***because of resistance.***

I simply don't buy that, and I ALWAYS ALWAYS solder any wiring modification I do on any Porsche I work on.

Sorry sir, but you must back up that claim.

Do what you will.

just an update; the soldering worked great, whereas the re-crimping lasted only days.

I think I have the same problem with my 04' Turbo; my question is: what size socket is the 12 point star mounting bolt?

Well this thread was super useful in getting rid of my airbag warning light.
Disconnect battery. Seat off. Remove connector (light yellow one at top left in first photo below). Solder blue & black wires. Clear 1217 Code. Replace seat. Reconnect battery. Job done.
I've added a few pics in case they help anyone else out in future.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1615115481.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1615115481.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1615115481.jpg