[Passion8]

I lent my 2014 w/ 8,600miles to a friend and her daughter. Got the car back with the dashboard airbag light glowing red.

MB dealership told me I needed to replace the Air Bag Sensor Module aka Control Unit.

Wondering what the forum's thoughts are on this remedy.

 

[1983JZR3W]

Did you check under the seats to see if the connecter may have been pulled loose from something being shoved under there?

 

[sokoloff]

Still under warranty right? Let them fix it.

Len
2014 EV

 

[Passion8]

Thanks for responding.

Sorry the car is a 2012 (not 2014). The car is no longer under warranty.

I've check under both seats and I've fiddled with the connectors to see if any are loose. There is nothing that I can spot that is amiss under either of these seats.

The report I received from MB was the following:
"For SRS light performed quick test found several fault codes stored in the control unit .. recommended control unit"

I'm thinking of getting Diagnostic Scanner Tool SRS ABS ENGINE iCarsoft MBII i980 to clear the codes, any thoughts?

 

[jimvw57]

If the unit is throwing the codes, you most likely will not be able to reset them until the problem is fixed.

I would check with your state laws on automotive safety devices as I believe they are different than the car's regular warranty. Different in all states

 

[Passion8]

Has anyone replaced a control unit 451-901-35-01

So from the posts, it seems like in need to replace the SRS control unit. I've located a used SRS control unit, part number 451-901-35-01.

I have the time and inclination to replace my old control unit with a used one. (MB says it will take 3 labor hours at $500)

I've downloaded a manual "2008 fortwo tech manual" (I think the 2012 is similar to the 2008). I'm not sure where this SRS control unit is in the car.

Does anyone know how to get to the unit or know of a tutorial ( I've checked evilution.co.uk & this site)?

 

[jwight]

Use at your own risk!

1 Electrical connectors
2 Bolts
N2/7 Restraint systems control unit

Note Step 6

 

[Rustedwrench]

So from the posts, it seems like in need to replace the SRS control unit. I've located a used SRS control unit, part number 451-901-35-01.

I have the time and inclination to replace my old control unit with a used one. (MB says it will take 3 labor hours at $500)

I've downloaded a manual "2008 fortwo tech manual" (I think the 2012 is similar to the 2008). I'm not sure where this SRS control unit is in the car.

Does anyone know how to get to the unit or know of a tutorial ( I've checked evilution.co.uk & this site)?

Don't count on a used unit working. This applies to most European car electronics. Now domestics are getting the same way.

 

[WhiteNBlack08]

Don't count on a used unit working. This applies to most European car electronics. Now domestics are getting the same way.

+1. Most are VIN specific. If it doesn't match, it wont work... Part of the reason they will get you $1000 to change it...

They got you by the short hairs on that one....>

 

[Passion8]

Can I ask MB to sync a used SRS unit to my vehicle

I did not want to hear that. And you were very close on the cost of replacing the unit, it is $1,160 to be exact.

If MB replaces my defective SRS control units and these units are car specific, then there must be a program that is run to sync the new SRS unit to my vehicle.

Assuming I (successfully) replace the defective unit with a used one, would I not be able to ask MB to sync this replacement unit to my car?

 

[jwight]

You can certainly ask.... My guess is since it was not installed by them and it's part of the safety system, they'll refuse. If you can find an independent shop with a STAR computer they may do it...

 

[jzchen]

The instructions specifically state a "new" control unit needs to be initialized. This is a pre-initialized unit. I am hopeful it will work as is. In particular, the bigger, more knowledgeable recyclers would only sell a unit they know will be able to work transplanted into another car....

First thing first, did you try disconnecting the neg battery cable? Worth a shot. Then maybe find the specific codes. It feels like we are going on faith that something isn't dislodged, jolted, nor a sensor impacted/damaged....

Soon to pick up my Frankenmumu....

 

[jzchen]

On the iCarsoft. The manufacturer has to activate the ability to do certain models, so you should verify with them first that it will work with your model year smart, as that is one review that I read. One person bought it only to find out it was not compatible with his/her specific model, and iCarsoft was not planning on developing compatibility soon, or something of that sort....

 

[mildensmart]

Do you know the specific codes the dealer says are being thrown? I have pulled my seats to clean and forgot to hook them up before I powered the car back up and got the airbag light. I plugged in my iCarsoft MB-II unit and reset the light, no issues (the i980 doesn't have all the features of the MBII). Even though you checked, maybe your friend put something under the seat and knocked something loose temporarily. On my Smarts, I have had connectors that were not completely plugged in until I pushed them in to click (a/c fan and fuel injector).

 

[jimvw57]

might try SOS diagnostics..

 

[NedleyC]

Hello:
I just have a quick comment here. I just purchased a icarsoft unit. Hooked things up and found my B-1053 code could not be reset. I checked all resistance reading on the passenger airbag side and they all read OK. But I had an open switch. The seat switch seems to be ok since it goes off when I sit on the seat but this code still won't reset.
and of course the light is still on. All other codes were OK on all other functions with the car but this one. My dealer is about 2.5 hours away, and getting there without any protection of air bag deployment is really unnerving. I'm not sure if ALL other airbags can't deploy with this light on. Some say yes, others no.

I hope someone out there might have some insight.

Ned C

 

[jzchen]

Long shot, but I once pulled the handle to have the passenger seat back shoot forward, engaging the seatbelt in the lock position. This turned on the SRS light, and I was all set to go to the dealer until I just so happen to find the seatbelt locked. Check the seatbelts.

 

[jsenka]

I had a recurring SRS light on my 08 a few years back. First, they diagnosed the battery as being bad because of a number of voltage related codes. Of course, I had to buy a new MB branded battery (which failed less than a year later although they did honor the warranty). A couple days later the SRS light was back. After yet another try, MB Maitland (Orlando) dealer changed the module on the third visit and have had no problems since.
As I recall, maybe around $700.

 

[jsenka]

Maybe worth mentioning:
If a fault turns on the light, the light won't clear itself even after the fault is fixed. It has to be reset, either by the dealer or a suitable code reader, i.e. iCarsoft.
Secondly, if the overhead amber passenger airbag light is disconnected, the red SRS light will illuminate. The red light will extinguish when the overhead light is reconnected.