My airbag light came on after I changed the driver's side door regulator. Yup, I fully disconnected the battery and waited a good 30 mins before taking the airbag off. Seems fishy to me that the controller would fail over my doing that. I'm seeing some replacement controllers on eBay for around $30. My BMW mechanic friend suggested I get a used one to replace my original. Think that's the way I'll go for now. What sort of shops reset airbag controllers? Maybe I'll have my original reset in event the junkyard one craps out.
Hi John, it is very strange indeed that the light came on after you followed the correct procedure and disconnected the battery and gave it plenty of time. I would recommend you scan for faults and check what faults you have. If you have only 1 fault for a specific airbag for the driver's side, then try to erase the fault code but NOTE that not every scanner can clear BMW airbag faults. I use the dealer lever diagnostic software called ISTA+ (this is installed on my laptop and is what BMW use in their garages). I also have a cheap BMW handheld scanner that I keep in my car all the time. I can recommend this scanner ebay.to/3fdEunh It is not the best scanner ,but at this price it is a bargain. I can confirm I have used this on my E38 740i, E39 535i and E39 530i and can reset airbag light NOTE if there is no problem with the airbag control module. If you get a control module fault like the one I have in my video or similar for no communication with the airbag module you will most likely need to go down with the 3 options I mention in my video. In some cases a second hand airbag module may need to be coded/programmed hence I went with the 3rd option in my case as I didn't want to take any chances and waste time. Most private technicians that specialize in programming and module repairs should be able to do this for you fairly cheaply as it is an older car. As I said above try to clear the fault 1st with a BMW scanner and if it doesn't work, check fault types and make sure all wiring is good and plugged in :) Only replace the control module if there is no communication and can't clear the faults at all. Hope this helps. Let me know how you get on with the junkyard module anyway. PS: A good method of testing the module is for example you have 1 fault that you can't clear (with BMW scanner that you know it can clear AIRBAG srs faults) then try to disconnect another airbag (for example seat airbag -plug under car seat) and see if you can clear the second fault code or both. If you can't clear then you have most likely a faulty airbag module. In order to create these fault you will have to have the battery on, but please do this carefully as it is a dangerous system to work on.
@@TheKeenMechanic Thanks for your detailed reply. I finally got around to putting in a known good junkyard module. The clearance on my console after taking the screws out was a LOT less then your car. Maybe the fact that mine is a 5 speed or an American model makes that console a bit different than yours. I'm going to try and get my original unit reset and reinstall that.
@@johngaffigan9568 My pkeasure John. Did you scan for faults first before the replacement? Just to be sure it is not something simpler. Having said that, these modules tend to fail a lot. Best of luck and let me know how you get on🤝
I disconnected battery but did not wait at all. I didn't know that was required...I was able to pull codes with cheap b800 and believe the control module is bad. Also I took airbag and wheel apart because lcm was bad (car sat 8 years from previous owner...its a 2k 528i with 100k miles and in this time it's impossible to find used cars) but thought was turn stalk and that's when I believe I caused this fault. However I have read that it's possible as well that it's stored and not tripped until a component gets messed with like taking airbag out of wheel. Is this possible? I can read codes but they won't delete and they are all internal error or fault codes
The rattle from the sensor on your PCB board . From device position I suppose this is a Gyroscope like sensor , but its not like airplane's one for controlling balance, but it just notify the controller to switch on & open some airbags under some situations, for example : if your car are sloping left side to a limited dangerous level, this sensor will tell controller to switch open your left side airbags to protect you from rolling to the left side. You ask the choice to change one or fix it , it's total depend on what's can you do with it , if you are able to fix it or you are keen on learning something , so why not try it , but if you don't know about it ,so you have to buy a new one . I watched it again and notice that this box can be easy opened , you may do something with it !
Thank you for your reply, I was thinking the same myself as if the sensor rattles/moves it will be something to do in a situation of a crash as a confirmation to deploy the airbags. What I did as I explained in the video I gave it to a specialist who cleared the crash data and restored the unit to default factory condition and worked after this without any issues and no more lights on the dash. Before it was fixed it could not be communicated with but not the diagnostic tool can communicate with the unit and there is no more internal control unit fault 0000F0 or any other SRS Air bag faults. I am lucky that the specialist is a good friend of mine as he didn't charge me anything, so it was fixed for free :)
Good video, but im a newbie and my problem is, that my left rear doors dont have cable for airbag, and my question is, where i should connect it? I mean that I connect cable do airbag but where next? To The module?
@@TheKeenMechanic thank you for replay, Yes it helped, because i had No idea where should i connect the airbag, i left car at lokal mechanic for a month a he did nothing and at the end he wanted aroud 700 $ so i took car and try to do it by myself, thank you so much :D
@@emanuelszajbel9605 If you turn ignition on with air bag disconnected you will have an air bag fault on the dash after you start the engine. You need to clear it with a diagnostic tool. If you can't clear fault and diagnostic tool can't communicate with module then your air bag module is faulty like in the video🤝
@@TheKeenMechanic yep I have that indicator and i think that it is caused by missing rear door airbag cable, i Just bought the car and airbag indicator was on, so i found that rear airbag is not connected to module, so i want to connect the airbag via cable to module then clear fault codes with Ancel device, previous srs modul was faulty and I replaced it with working one, so only option for me that is causing inidicator to light on, is missing airbag, thank you for help
This is a Print circuits board unit ( PCB board). On this PCB there is a Microcontroller on it ( square one) & other chips, components. The Rattle from that small box in the middle of the PCB is a sensor. All this PCB is assembled by Robots inside the manufactory . These Microcontrollers was programmed by the maker who are the only know the code inside the controller, and more, these controllers are tailor designed & made for their car's needs, and the programmer must match with that controller on the PCB. So I don't think it's a good idea to fix the PCB at all,too much troubles. You've done the best all these steps until now .
Hi Jie Zhao, this is very interesting information you have shared. Thank you. Very interesting to know how these units are manufactured and I always wondered what the rattle was inside the box. I assumed it was some sort of sensor that moves in a situation of a crash as the unit is mounted flat. In your opinion what is the best way to fix the problem? Would you buy a new one or used module? Thanks for taking the time to write this interesting comment
I got the car as it is; other modules can be reached by INPA but not the Airbag. Some mechanic said I need a new module of course. So I'm expecting to have to check if the power supply is fine. These units are placed in the most secure place of the car so how is it possible to fail like this? More likely is it the wiring, right?
@@TheKeenMechanic thanks bro for the feedback. quite incredible such a well protected place it still just blows up. tried replacing the fuse, kept blowing at 5amps only stable with 10amps. and even then it is simply impossible to connect to it. I got another module on the way but it's not the same number of airbags. anyway I need to code it so let's try this!
Hello I have a problem with airbag. 4 faults MRS belt tensioner driver MRS power supply MRS internal Control unit fault MRS seat occupancy recogniction SBE1 Everything looks ok under the seat. What do you think? .
Looks like mine. Stored crash data in airbag module. Find a specialist to reset or replace with used or new module. I went with the option to clear the crash data🤝
Hi, you will have to find someone in your country/area that specializes in SRS airbag modules. This is a specialist job and you need specific equipment and software which is kept in secret by the technicians for a few reasons. 1st reason is that they can get into trouble for showing this to people in case of any injuries as this could be very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and 2nd they want to keep the knowledge as it makes them a lot of money. I removed mine and brought it to a local specialist which is why you have to remove it and they do their work on the bench. I am sorry I can't help more. I would love to be able to do it myself, but I can't find enough information about it.
Thank you. I am sorry for the late reply but for some strange reason I am not receiving notifications when people are commenting. I go through every video when I get a chance to see if I have any comment to reply to. Thanks for watching and thanks for the encouraging comment
Hello. I have a question. I hope you can help me I have the problem with the airbag light. But if i want to connect the computer in the OBD to read the failures, it has absoulutly no communication with the airbag. I cant even read the failures because it has no communication. We have tried with 5 others computers to get in to read the failures but no chance. It doesnt found. What can this be? Can it be the airbag modul? I saw in other videos even if the airbag ECU modul is defect, you would can connect it with the computer to read the failure. Pls help
I got a specialist guy to do it for me as it requires special hardware and software to do this. The dealership wouldn't have this specialist equipment. If you go someone who specialises in car module repairs they will be able to help you. The manufactuter who makes the modules is called TEMIC. Hope this helps🤝🏻
I was just told last night my DME and SRS modules are "corrupted" I had a sunroof leak which corroded the power distribution fuse box and the little green airbag sensor underneath the passenger seat/carpet Ive fixed the sunroof pdfb and airbag sensor but since i couldnt seem to get rid of the rough idle or airbag light I had it scanned at a local shop Any recommendations on a place to fix the "corruption"?
USA Just saw your post about being in the UK A few peeps on bimmerforums.com are trying to convince me the local shop is lying about the modules having been corrupted Not sure who to believe
I can't know for sure but in my case I had crash data recorded in the module and it would not communicate with it. I would say that it is possible that the module is corrupted and it may need reset. I can't tell you how to do it as mine was reset by a local specialist in front of me so I know that it could be reset to factory settings. After this I haven't had any issues. You can try second hand unit but you will have to code it. Note that the reset was performed with Temic(module manufacturer) tool that even the main dealer doesn't have. Main dealers just want to sell you a new one which cost an arm and a leg. Best is to remove it and bring to local specialist that can bench test and reset if needed. Hope this helps
Hi, I believe some E39s have more and some less depending on what the person who bought the car 1st ordered. I found this when searching for some information: 2 normal front airbags 2 in front door cards 2 in front pillars 2 in rear door cards 2 in rear pillars =10 They don't all have them in the rear pillars
@@TheKeenMechanic Thank you, I have plan to buy this in Indonesia but seems that rear pillar is optional. I hope got the 10. Thank you for your information.
No problem. I always try to help as much as I can. Keep looking and you will find one. I have 1 x E38 and 3 x E39s, but this is something I have never thought of counting :)
No sorry. You need to bring the module to a specialist to clear the crash data and reset the module or buy a new module. You won't be able to clear the fault by shaking the unit unfortunately. Only if it was that easy🤭
I am based in the UK buddy, I could have tried to help you out if you were here, but you are across the Atlantic. Try someone local who specializes in modules programming, coding, and repairing airbag modules repairs and crash data clearing. Hope this helps
Just remove it & clear code & Voila!! What a nightmare I fetch from Junkyard, from another E39 🤦♀️. To my surprise WHITE CONNECTOR Seriously"" Fk-Me!! All of this gone wrong AC duct lines got clogged & running AC turned into the Niagara falls through my rear AC Vent. My BMW Guru wouldn't believe me, other than SUNROOF & or Rear door/window being E39 Classical rear water issues.
My airbag light came on after I changed the driver's side door regulator. Yup, I fully disconnected the battery and waited a good 30 mins before taking the airbag off. Seems fishy to me that the controller would fail over my doing that. I'm seeing some replacement controllers on eBay for around $30. My BMW mechanic friend suggested I get a used one to replace my original. Think that's the way I'll go for now. What sort of shops reset airbag controllers? Maybe I'll have my original reset in event the junkyard one craps out.
Hi John, it is very strange indeed that the light came on after you followed the correct procedure and disconnected the battery and gave it plenty of time. I would recommend you scan for faults and check what faults you have. If you have only 1 fault for a specific airbag for the driver's side, then try to erase the fault code but NOTE that not every scanner can clear BMW airbag faults. I use the dealer lever diagnostic software called ISTA+ (this is installed on my laptop and is what BMW use in their garages). I also have a cheap BMW handheld scanner that I keep in my car all the time. I can recommend this scanner ebay.to/3fdEunh
It is not the best scanner ,but at this price it is a bargain. I can confirm I have used this on my E38 740i, E39 535i and E39 530i and can reset airbag light NOTE if there is no problem with the airbag control module.
If you get a control module fault like the one I have in my video or similar for no communication with the airbag module you will most likely need to go down with the 3 options I mention in my video.
In some cases a second hand airbag module may need to be coded/programmed hence I went with the 3rd option in my case as I didn't want to take any chances and waste time. Most private technicians that specialize in programming and module repairs should be able to do this for you fairly cheaply as it is an older car. As I said above try to clear the fault 1st with a BMW scanner and if it doesn't work, check fault types and make sure all wiring is good and plugged in :) Only replace the control module if there is no communication and can't clear the faults at all. Hope this helps. Let me know how you get on with the junkyard module anyway.
PS:
A good method of testing the module is for example you have 1 fault that you can't clear (with BMW scanner that you know it can clear AIRBAG srs faults) then try to disconnect another airbag (for example seat airbag -plug under car seat) and see if you can clear the second fault code or both. If you can't clear then you have most likely a faulty airbag module. In order to create these fault you will have to have the battery on, but please do this carefully as it is a dangerous system to work on.
@@TheKeenMechanic Thanks for your detailed reply. I finally got around to putting in a known good junkyard module. The clearance on my console after taking the screws out was a LOT less then your car. Maybe the fact that mine is a 5 speed or an American model makes that console a bit different than yours. I'm going to try and get my original unit reset and reinstall that.
@@johngaffigan9568 My pkeasure John. Did you scan for faults first before the replacement? Just to be sure it is not something simpler. Having said that, these modules tend to fail a lot. Best of luck and let me know how you get on🤝
I disconnected battery but did not wait at all. I didn't know that was required...I was able to pull codes with cheap b800 and believe the control module is bad. Also I took airbag and wheel apart because lcm was bad (car sat 8 years from previous owner...its a 2k 528i with 100k miles and in this time it's impossible to find used cars) but thought was turn stalk and that's when I believe I caused this fault. However I have read that it's possible as well that it's stored and not tripped until a component gets messed with like taking airbag out of wheel. Is this possible? I can read codes but they won't delete and they are all internal error or fault codes
Your works are professional .
Thank you for the nice comment. I am glad you like my content Arin. Plenty more to come on the E38 and E39 platforms
The rattle from the sensor on your PCB board . From device position I suppose this is a Gyroscope like sensor , but its not like airplane's one for controlling balance, but it just notify the controller to switch on & open some airbags under some situations, for example : if your car are sloping left side to a limited dangerous level, this sensor will tell controller to switch open your left side airbags to protect you from rolling to the left side. You ask the choice to change one or fix it , it's total depend on what's can you do with it , if you are able to fix it or you are keen on learning something , so why not try it , but if you don't know about it ,so you have to buy a new one . I watched it again and notice that this box can be easy opened , you may do something with it !
Thank you for your reply, I was thinking the same myself as if the sensor rattles/moves it will be something to do in a situation of a crash as a confirmation to deploy the airbags. What I did as I explained in the video I gave it to a specialist who cleared the crash data and restored the unit to default factory condition and worked after this without any issues and no more lights on the dash. Before it was fixed it could not be communicated with but not the diagnostic tool can communicate with the unit and there is no more internal control unit fault 0000F0 or any other SRS Air bag faults. I am lucky that the specialist is a good friend of mine as he didn't charge me anything, so it was fixed for free :)
Very helpful video,bro. Thank you and keep filming!
I am glad you like it and thank you for watching🤝
Good video, but im a newbie and my problem is, that my left rear doors dont have cable for airbag, and my question is, where i should connect it? I mean that I connect cable do airbag but where next? To The module?
Hi
You just connect the air bag to the cable, the cable goes to module.
Hope this helps
@@TheKeenMechanic thank you for replay, Yes it helped, because i had No idea where should i connect the airbag, i left car at lokal mechanic for a month a he did nothing and at the end he wanted aroud 700 $ so i took car and try to do it by myself, thank you so much :D
@@emanuelszajbel9605 If you turn ignition on with air bag disconnected you will have an air bag fault on the dash after you start the engine. You need to clear it with a diagnostic tool. If you can't clear fault and diagnostic tool can't communicate with module then your air bag module is faulty like in the video🤝
@@TheKeenMechanic yep I have that indicator and i think that it is caused by missing rear door airbag cable, i Just bought the car and airbag indicator was on, so i found that rear airbag is not connected to module, so i want to connect the airbag via cable to module then clear fault codes with Ancel device, previous srs modul was faulty and I replaced it with working one, so only option for me that is causing inidicator to light on, is missing airbag, thank you for help
@@emanuelszajbel9605 Sounds like a good plan, try it and see what happens🤝
This is a Print circuits board unit ( PCB board). On this PCB there is a Microcontroller on it ( square one) & other chips, components. The Rattle from that small box in the middle of the PCB is a sensor. All this PCB is assembled by Robots inside the manufactory . These Microcontrollers was programmed by the maker who are the only know the code inside the controller, and more, these controllers are tailor designed & made for their car's needs, and the programmer must match with that controller on the PCB. So I don't think it's a good idea to fix the PCB at all,too much troubles. You've done the best all these steps until now .
Hi Jie Zhao, this is very interesting information you have shared. Thank you. Very interesting to know how these units are manufactured and I always wondered what the rattle was inside the box. I assumed it was some sort of sensor that moves in a situation of a crash as the unit is mounted flat. In your opinion what is the best way to fix the problem? Would you buy a new one or used module? Thanks for taking the time to write this interesting comment
I got the car as it is; other modules can be reached by INPA but not the Airbag. Some mechanic said I need a new module of course. So I'm expecting to have to check if the power supply is fine. These units are placed in the most secure place of the car so how is it possible to fail like this? More likely is it the wiring, right?
It is very common for these to fail. Replace it with another module.🤝
@@TheKeenMechanic thanks bro for the feedback. quite incredible such a well protected place it still just blows up.
tried replacing the fuse, kept blowing at 5amps only stable with 10amps. and even then it is simply impossible to connect to it.
I got another module on the way but it's not the same number of airbags. anyway I need to code it so let's try this!
@@captainLoknar Just be careful with these modules as they can deploy the air bags. Make sure your battery is disconnected🤝🏻
THANKS A LOT, I LIKE IT A LOT.
I'm glad you found it helpful. Much appreciated
Hello
I have a problem with airbag. 4 faults MRS belt tensioner driver
MRS power supply
MRS internal Control unit fault
MRS seat occupancy recogniction SBE1
Everything looks ok under the seat. What do you think? .
Looks like mine. Stored crash data in airbag module. Find a specialist to reset or replace with used or new module. I went with the option to clear the crash data🤝
How do you clear the module? I also have an airbag light in my e38 and would love to see options on this.
Hi, you will have to find someone in your country/area that specializes in SRS airbag modules. This is a specialist job and you need specific equipment and software which is kept in secret by the technicians for a few reasons. 1st reason is that they can get into trouble for showing this to people in case of any injuries as this could be very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and 2nd they want to keep the knowledge as it makes them a lot of money. I removed mine and brought it to a local specialist which is why you have to remove it and they do their work on the bench. I am sorry I can't help more. I would love to be able to do it myself, but I can't find enough information about it.
Thank you very much, your very detailed keep up the good work.
Thank you. I am sorry for the late reply but for some strange reason I am not receiving notifications when people are commenting. I go through every video when I get a chance to see if I have any comment to reply to. Thanks for watching and thanks for the encouraging comment
Hello. I have a question. I hope you can help me
I have the problem with the airbag light. But if i want to connect the computer in the OBD to read the failures, it has absoulutly no communication with the airbag. I cant even read the failures because it has no communication. We have tried with 5 others computers to get in to read the failures but no chance. It doesnt found. What can this be? Can it be the airbag modul? I saw in other videos even if the airbag ECU modul is defect, you would can connect it with the computer to read the failure. Pls help
Hi. Yes, this is very unusual not to be able to communicate with the car at all. Must be an issue with the obd port. Seek help from a specialist🤝🏻
What year is yours? If it's a pre-2001 E39, you need to connect to the round 20 pin OBD port under the hood to read all of the data.
How did you deleted crash data?
I got a specialist guy to do it for me as it requires special hardware and software to do this. The dealership wouldn't have this specialist equipment. If you go someone who specialises in car module repairs they will be able to help you. The manufactuter who makes the modules is called TEMIC. Hope this helps🤝🏻
@@TheKeenMechanic thanks
I was just told last night my DME and SRS modules are "corrupted"
I had a sunroof leak which corroded the power distribution fuse box and the little green airbag sensor underneath the passenger seat/carpet
Ive fixed the sunroof pdfb and airbag sensor but since i couldnt seem to get rid of the rough idle or airbag light
I had it scanned at a local shop
Any recommendations on a place to fix the "corruption"?
Hi
Where are you based?
USA
Just saw your post about being in the UK
A few peeps on bimmerforums.com are trying to convince me the local shop is lying about the modules having been corrupted
Not sure who to believe
I can't know for sure but in my case I had crash data recorded in the module and it would not communicate with it. I would say that it is possible that the module is corrupted and it may need reset. I can't tell you how to do it as mine was reset by a local specialist in front of me so I know that it could be reset to factory settings. After this I haven't had any issues. You can try second hand unit but you will have to code it. Note that the reset was performed with Temic(module manufacturer) tool that even the main dealer doesn't have. Main dealers just want to sell you a new one which cost an arm and a leg. Best is to remove it and bring to local specialist that can bench test and reset if needed. Hope this helps
Awsome video bro.
Thanks Matthew. Good to hear from you. Hope you are well
@@TheKeenMechanic yeah I'm all good mate taking it easy.
@@matthewbarnes1561 Glad to hear bro. The whole world has gone mad with this virus. Good opportunity to do some work on our cars. Chat soon
My e39 530i
My code has 2 errors 50 power supply and 04 airbag passenger , stage 1 //// solution is mrs box correct or not?
Thx sir.
Replace module or get someone to clear crash data. Best of luck
One question,
Do you know how many airbag for e39 530i? is it 10?
and is it including also on the rear seat?
Hi, I believe some E39s have more and some less depending on what the person who bought the car 1st ordered.
I found this when searching for some information:
2 normal front airbags
2 in front door cards
2 in front pillars
2 in rear door cards
2 in rear pillars
=10
They don't all have them in the rear pillars
@@TheKeenMechanic Thank you, I have plan to buy this in Indonesia but seems that rear pillar is optional. I hope got the 10.
Thank you for your information.
No problem. I always try to help as much as I can. Keep looking and you will find one. I have 1 x E38 and 3 x E39s, but this is something I have never thought of counting :)
Hi
I got same issue with my E46 , can you please tell where I can find my control unit?
Hi
It should be in the same location as my E39. Hope this helps
This module is under the Centre console at the handbrake lever on E46
so by just disconecting the wires and shaking it clears it ? can you explain
No sorry. You need to bring the module to a specialist to clear the crash data and reset the module or buy a new module. You won't be able to clear the fault by shaking the unit unfortunately. Only if it was that easy🤭
Is there someone I can send the airbag module to, to get it reset to factory settings?
Hi Jonny
Where are you based?
The Keen Mechanic Milwaukee area
I am based in the UK buddy, I could have tried to help you out if you were here, but you are across the Atlantic.
Try someone local who specializes in modules programming, coding, and repairing airbag modules repairs and crash data clearing. Hope this helps
Ah, thank you anyways
No problem. I hope you manage to find tomeone local. Let me know how you get on. Thanks
option 3 lol thank you
I would say most people with common sense will chose option 2 or 3
Just remove it & clear code & Voila!!
What a nightmare I fetch from Junkyard, from another E39 🤦♀️. To my surprise WHITE CONNECTOR Seriously"" Fk-Me!! All of this gone wrong AC duct lines got clogged & running AC turned into the Niagara falls through my rear AC Vent. My BMW Guru wouldn't believe me, other than SUNROOF & or Rear door/window being E39 Classical rear water issues.
Sounds like very bad luck buddy. I feel for you🤝🏻