Author Topic: SRS light (Read 5296 times)

oldtimer · « **on:** April 27, 2007, 09:49:47 PM »

After finishing the rack and pinion installation went for a test drive. The SRS light kept blinking and then steady. What could I have touch of disconnected during the rack and pinion installation that would cost the light to show up? When installing the steering rod to the universal joint, the steering rod is able to be pushed towards the fire wall. Is there any wiring in it's path as I push in?

Ben

ak96ss · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2007, 05:41:26 AM »

You didn't happen to remove the steering wheel in this process, did you?

oldtimer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2007, 06:51:36 AM »

No. I did not touch any major component inside the car, aside from making sure the steering wheel was straight prior to hooking up the rod to the universal joint that connects the rack and pinion together.

Ben

m44power · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2007, 02:12:30 PM »

you probably turn your steering wheel too much and you cut the wire loom (im talking about big black plastic rotor with wires) behind the wheel

bimma_318iS · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2007, 03:44:09 AM »

Quote from: m44power;24710

you probably turn your steering wheel too much and you cut the wire loom (im talking about big black plastic rotor with wires) behind the wheel

I would have to agree with you. Sounds like what happened with my uncle's 2005 Escalade. Expensivish it is, not as much for the e30 though.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2007, 06:02:44 AM »

Is the light up by the mirror? I've never had a srs light come on in my car .I don't know where it is . Maybe my air bag won't even work . It would be nice to know that it works before I really need it :eek:
puzzling

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2007, 08:14:25 AM »

Yes, it is up in the panel by the mirror. Mine is on as well, and I have heard that it can be caused by having a worn horn slip ring as well. Is this true? It would really be nice to know that there is a reason for having that great big wheel instead of an mtech or something

oldtimer · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2007, 07:50:47 PM »

Yes. Mine is up above my rear view mirror. As far as turning it too far and catching something behind the dash or in the immediate area you might be correct. After I centered the wheel and to start the bleeding the initial turn I felt like I caught something and then gave way. So I will open up covers to investigate. Thanks for the inputs. By the way I received my 101 project book. Has anyone installed the supercharger on their 318 specifically the "is" model.

Ben

Alpine003 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2007, 12:33:19 AM »

FYI,

I recommend everyone check and pull their check panel cover and make sure the bulb is both present and working. A lot of times, past owners or dealers will take out the bulb or disconnect the bulb wiring harness because they are too lazy to troubleshoot blinking SRS problems.

DipStick · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2007, 04:57:07 AM »

I have a little bit of recent experience in this subject...
When I pulled the wheel and cluseter out of my newly aquired '91 'is I discovered that the harness leading up to, as well as the connecter on the airbag slipring had been CUT OUT of the car! My only guess is that someone didnt know what they were doing when they pulled the wheel, and just got out the pliers...

Anyways, I also found my check panel by the mirror unplugged (didnt even know there were lights in the thing) and I have the harness ($30) on order from BMW. I found a used slip ring (the thing that it sounds like oldtimer broke) from an outfit that can be found at http://www.eurodepot.com. I am still waiting for the package, but they gurantee their parts, and they are inexpensive...I got my slipring for $20 (compared to BMW's $150ish). Joel at EuroDepot was incredibly helpful and owns an e30 himself, so he was really able to answer my questions. They might be worth a look. You will have to give 'em a call, as their new website is still in work, and the old one has a lot of broken links.

I am also told (primarily by folks in this forum) that I will need to find a mechanic or dealer that can reset the airbag light once I have all my SRS components correctly hooked up. It is BELIEVED that average joe cannot reset this one with a jumper wire. The dealer quoted me a huge sum of money, but I was able to find a local BMW-only shop that will do it for $50 and will tell me what codes come up if it wont reset - something BMW wanted extra for. Hope this helps!

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2007, 06:45:27 AM »

Another tidbit, apparently there is a way to rearm the airbag after removing your wheel. I haven't figured out how yet, but I am looking. I heard that the process is outlined in the '89-'98 Chiltons. I'll post it if/when I find it.

DipStick · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2007, 01:16:38 PM »

Any luck with the Chiltons? I am most interested.

oldtimer · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2007, 01:20:44 PM »

I discovered somthing today while I was changing the transmission fluid. There was a sticker close the rack and pinion it was covered with dirt so I didn't notice it while I was down there during the rack and pinion installation. Anway the sticker was stating something about a a "centering ring". After reading it I think I might have disrupted it some how, how I don't know yet but I am going to find out once I figure out this hight temp situation I am paced with. The sticker in under the drivers side on the frame itself.

Ben

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 02, 2007, 07:28:53 AM »

the centering ring wouldn't make sense though :S I'm not sure how maany of you have had the wheel off, but the airbag is hardwired. Turns out it isn't connected to the slipring at all. It has a type of spring that those little wind-up cars use that allows the wheel to turn while still being hardwired. I guess BMW doesn't trust the slip ring to work in case of an accident. Also, there is a plug under a little pop-off panel on the bottom of the steering column which covers another plug for the airbag and allows it to be completely removed. It is an easy thing to check, and mine was unplugged when I got the car. Wish I knew why...

I found a Chilton's at the library. I'll try to post tonight when I get home from school.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2007, 07:29:45 AM »

OK, finally got around to reading, but it was a bit of a letdown. It literally said "to re-arm the air bag, connect the plugs unter the snap-off panel under the steering column and reconnect the battery."

God help you if you didn't know that the battery had to be connected to get the airbag to work