SRS Light

[rozzy]

I have just received my MGF TF back from having two new gear cables fitted, (it kept jumping out of reverse gear) and the SRS light is now permantely on. I have tried the 'usual trick'. of disconnecting/reconnecting the cable connectors under the seats and disconnecting the battery etc, all to no avail. Apparently the garage had to strip a lot of the interior of the car out, I guess around the gear lever tunnel area. Do the cables that run under the seats, then run through this central section, near to the gear lever? I'm suspecting that the garage may have either inadvertantly damage the cable or disconnected another cable connector and forgot to reconnect it. It may of course have nothing to do with their work, so I thought I would try and find out a bit more info before I chase them up over it. Simply poping the car back, is not an option, as it's a seventy mile round trip.

[Charless]

Just in front of the gear lever is the SRS ECU. I wonder.........

[Rob Bell]

I agree - it certainly is very near by, and one wonders if one of the plug connectors has become loose?

[rozzy]

Excuse my ignorance guys, but what exactly is the ECU and does it have cables connected to it? Your help is much appreciated and thanks for the quick replies already.

[bgunn]

The ECU fires the airbags/pretensioners when a preset impact level (from the front) has been reached. I'll bet the wiring has been disturbed when the gear cables were fitted. I've also found it quite sensitive to impact even when the ignition is switched off, when I was doing a bit of hammering in the area (to bend a piece of tubing), I caused my airbag light to come on. Cured it by disconnecting the wiring loom from the ECU and leaving it for at least 30 mins to fully discharge the capacitors inside and reset it.

[rozzy]

Thanks guys. What do I have to remove to get to the ECU, and is it girl easy?

[Rob Bell]

It's burried under the centre console. Another option which would be easier would be to discharge the ECU by disconnecting the battery of the car. Just ensure that you have all the radio security codes before doing so in case you need to re-enter them!

[rozzy]

Thanks Rob. I've tried disconnecting the battery already, but that didn't work. I think I need to disconnect the leads from the ECU. What's the best way to access it?

[Rob Bell]

It's mounted on a plate ahead of the gear lever, under the centre console. I've never tried accessing it without first stripping down the whole interior. Perhaps Brian can shed some light on this, as I can't imagine that you'd be wanting to remove the entire central trim from your car!

It might be possible to gain acess to the wires if just the centre console trim (the bit that contains the centre switch gear, radio and clocks) - it may then be possible to reach down and undo the loom connector to the SRS ECU. BTW, the wires are very easily identified - the SRS loom is wrapped in bright yellow tape!

[rozzy]

Hi Guys, Hubby has got down under the centre console and fixed it - I'm well impressed!! I was gearing myself up for a major job today but hubby Dave said he would have a quick look. 'A quick look' it only took him about 3 minutes to locate the offending item and reconnect it!!!

For anyone else with the same problem;
1. Remove the side panel of the centre console - it's the one that houses the foot well light and is held in place with two screws.
2. Look inside and you will see the SRS ECU (a metal block, full of electronic wizzardry).
3. At the front of this is a yellow plug in connector - push it in with your thumb.
4. Job Done.

Really grateful for all your help - hope to see you tomorrow at the Stoneleigh Show.

[Rob Bell]

Great result - and thanks for letting us know

[Canalsman]

Which side panel did you remove - driver's side or passenger's side?

(Glad it's sorted ...)

[rozzy]

Driver's side was removed