P38A srs airbag fault

Hi, recently put the battery back on after several months off the vehicle and during the 'holiday' I now have airbag fault in the display.
I really don't want to pull the battery connection again!!! Can i simply pull the fuse instead? Unless I'm mistaken there's just a single fuse, or will I still run the risk of something going bang when i start pulling connectors?

SRS can come up after low/disconnected battery supply. Only way I know of resetting it is diagnostic to clear the code. Sometimes unplugging/reconnecting connectors on front sensors (dependant on MY) or ones on A-pillar if it flags back up will sort it but you still need nanocom or similar to reset. There’s two red bulbs in there make it sort of twinkle, if one goes I think other is on constant also.

I sympathise as I have constant SRS on dash, not sure if it is hard/soft fault as I did bump it. Nothing exploded except the windows it’s my biggest concern for MOT but I don’t have any diagnosis or SRS experience. Did find a yellow cable behind binnacle that looks cut so I may have a big issue, you should be okay.

Mine is a 2000, it cleared itself previously when I had a problem with the under seat connector, I just don't want to go messing and set it off

kermit_rr said:

I just don't want to go messing and set it off

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+1

Datatek would know

MY 1999 on system checks with each ignition cycle and clears fault if removed

I've been thinking, correct me if I'm wrong, Disconnecting the battery is over kill, on the basis air bags only fire when the vehicle is in motion which is why they don't go off when you have a dodgy connection and adjust your seat? Assuming you don't adjust while driving?
Or is that complete rubbish?

Probably a stupid question but what does RAVE say? I'm guessing disconnect battery and wait 30 seconds to let capacitors discharge.

not actually lookedBut assumed it would be over cautious

kermit_rr said:

not actually lookedBut assumed it would be over cautious

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With an explosive charge?!

They do burn

U know what I’m like with fearless idiotic ideas.

I ain’t touched them!

Grrrrrr said:

Probably a stupid question but what does RAVE say? I'm guessing disconnect battery and wait 30 seconds to let capacitors discharge.

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Thirty minutes would be more appropriate. Basic rule of thumb with SRS is NEVER unplug or plug in any SRS plug whilst battery power is present.

I've done the 30 min wait previously, but are we saying there is an unfused supply to the srs systems? Kind of makes sense with it being a fail safe device, but a niggle says it's not a good idea to be unfused unless it's fused internally somewhere

kermit_rr said:

I've done the 30 min wait previously, but are we saying there is an unfused supply to the srs systems? Kind of makes sense with it being a fail safe device, but a niggle says it's not a good idea to be unfused unless it's fused internally somewhere

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No unfused supply fuse 23 10 amp does it all. Problem are the capacitors that actually provide the power to fire the bags. Playing with it with those charged is not a good idea. You can possibly unplug and reconnect many times with no problem. The first problem maybe the last one you ever get.

Yea airbags are definitely not toys and go with a fair bang! I've had a steering wheel one go of in anger, really not fun!
Does sound like i can pull the fuse and wait 30 mins though, if that cuts all the power completely. Having gone thru the pain of battery disconnection a couple of times, i really don't want to make the third time a charm!!

kermit_rr said:

Yea airbags are definitely not toys and go with a fair bang! I've had a steering wheel one go of in anger, really not fun!
Does sound like i can pull the fuse and wait 30 mins though, if that cuts all the power completely. Having gone thru the pain of battery disconnection a couple of times, i really don't want to make the third time a charm!!

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Remove and reconnect the battery properly and you will have no problems. Slacken negative terminal but do not remove. Switch ignition on. Switch ignition off. Disconnect battery within 17 seconds. (Before alarm arms). Refit battery positive connection first and tighten. Refit negative terminal and tighten. Drivers door open and keys in your pocket to be on safe side.

wammers said:

Thirty minutes would be more appropriate. Basic rule of thumb with SRS is NEVER unplug or plug in any SRS plug whilst battery power is present.

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The side airbag connectors connect and disconnect all on their own without causing an airbag to explode. Still not a good idea to play unless the correct procedure is followed.

kermit_rr said:

Having gone thru the pain of battery disconnection a couple of times, i really don't want to make the third time a charm!!

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Beep beep beep...




Window not set.

RangeRoller dt said:

Beep beep beep...




Window not set.

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don't I'm having sleepless nights as it is!! also in the process of developing a nervous <beep>

When I first had my P38 it would drive me mad!!! Do not rip your EAS out if you don’t like the beeps all day long

I know where the beeper is hidden to disconnect it but I chose the hard method of getting it working, as it beeps for good reason on times

You know it’s bad when you wake up and your wife asks you who Max is and why is he only going 35mph