Vert / air bag (light) problems

[RETed]

Got to work on a 91 convertible...

Flashing air bag light...
8 blinks - D-sensor bad ground.
All Data procedure only shows to unplug connector under steering column in interior.
You're looking for 1.2k ohms resistance.
I got 1.6M ohms.
All Data says to replace sensors - end of discussion.

I decided to check all 3 D-sensoes in the front bumper...
All 3 came up 1.2k ohms each.
Checked resistance of the harness in between - 1.2M ohms.
Harness looks fucked.
Problem is that the wires are integrated into the dash crossover harness.
Due to liability, we are not going to patch the wiring - all safety equipment electrical needs to be replaced with OEM.

This is sad if it's a common problem.


-Ted

[Pete_89T2]

Originally Posted by RETed

Got to work on a 91 convertible...
<snip>
Checked resistance of the harness in between - 1.2M ohms.
Harness looks fucked.
Problem is that the wires are integrated into the dash crossover harness.
Due to liability, we are not going to patch the wiring - all safety equipment electrical needs to be replaced with OEM.

This is sad if it's a common problem.


-Ted

Agree, if the high resistance is traced down to worn/corroded terminal(s), why not just repair the existing harness terminals? Most of the harness terminals & connectors can be sourced, so a refurb of the OEM harness to OEM standards is possible.

[chibikougan]

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

Agree, if the high resistance is traced down to worn/corroded terminal(s), why not just repair the existing harness terminals? Most of the harness terminals & connectors can be sourced, so a refurb of the OEM harness to OEM standards is possible.

Liability

[Pete_89T2]

Originally Posted by chibikougan

Liability

Got it, but if your repair a harness to OEM standards, you don't have a liability issue.

[RETed]

This is something that I picked up when I was working for an Audi / VW garage...

Yes, it's liability.
If somebody gets hurt or dies in an accident, and they trace it back to a repair to the air bag / SRS systems...guess what, any 2-bita lawyer is going to take the mechanic and the shop for everything.

Sure, how confident are you about your work...?
Do you want to take that chance?
Those are two, really different questions.
It's not worth that headache even though I'm getting paid $30 / hour for it ,and the shop is charging $150 / hour for the labor.
This is why I am not an aircraft mechanic.

-Ted