2005 BMW X3 airbag warning light

COLM BARRY

MEMBER
2005 BMW X3
2.0L
TURBO
MANUAL
75,000 MILES

The airbag warning light is staying on when the engine is running. This is the first time it has happened. The airbag light is red and it should go off when engine is started however it remains on. Could you have the solution of the problem please

Friday, January 10th, 2014 AT 12:54 AM

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,863 POSTS

The Air Bag Computer continually runs tests on all parts of the system. It detected a problem, set a diagnostic fault code, turned the system off, and turned the warning light on to tell you. Your mechanic will connect a scanner to read that code. It's important to understand that fault codes never say to replace parts or that they're defective. They only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis.

This is strictly a guess, but the most common problem on most cars is a broken clock spring. That is a wound-up ribbon cable in a plastic housing under the steering wheel. As that cable continues to break, anything else on the steering wheel will stop working. That typically includes the horn and cruise control. Clock springs cost around $125.00 to $150.00 and take about an hour to replace, not including diagnostic time, which isn't too substantial.

It's very possible you will have to visit the dealer for this. BMW is one of the least customer-friendly manufacturers. They do not release service information to independent repair shops and they don't release paint codes to body shops. They want all service and repairs done by their dealers.

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Friday, January 10th, 2014 AT 1:40 AM

NDESAI

MEMBER
1 POST
2006 BMW X3
3.0L
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
74,000 MILES

Hello,

I am having "air bag" light on my dashboard for a while, I had that light reset few times but no luck, after driving around seven hundred miles it keeps coming back. By scanning the I get "01 Drive Side Stage 1" error code.

After researching few forums, it seems that one possibility could be bad "clock spring" (slip ring), but my multi functional Wheel is working without any issue, horn/heated seat/radio/CD control all working fine.

If clock spring was bad shouldn't it will give Stage one and Stage two error along with some of the function on wheel not working? Is it possible that one of the connector is loose?

Also, do not think it might be related, but my passenger side mirror cannot be control via driver side control unit

Anyone experienced similar issue?

Any suggestion will be appreciated.

Thanks,

N.D.

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Monday, March 6th, 2017 AT 11:05 AM (Merged)

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Hey ND,

Sorry for the delay, Yes the clock spring could be causing the issue. If just one of the wires is broken it will cause the airbag light to come on and the clock spring have a high failure. Here is a guide done on a similar car to get you an idea on what you are in for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-clock-spring-removal

It also could be the airbag itself.

Here is a wiring diagram to help you do some continuity testing.

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken

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