SRS - MIL ON, Codes 16/17 or 24/25 Set

GROUP 72
Safety Restraint Systems

Bulletin Number
72 04 96

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
June 2000
Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 72 04 96 dated November 1997.

SUBJECT:
Seat Belt Buckle Switch, SRS Fault Codes 16/17 or 24/2

MODEL:
3 Series (E36), 5 Series (E39), 7 Series (E38) produced up to 09/97 SITUATION The SRS airbag warning light stays illuminated, and the following fault codes are stored in the SRS Airbag Control Module fault memory:

On vehicles equipped with ZAE system,

-- "24 - Driver's seat belt buckle switch", or

-- "25 - Passenger's seat belt buckle switch"

On vehicles equipped with MRS system,

-- "16 - Driver's seat belt buckle switch", or

-- "17 - Passenger's seat belt buckle switch".

Important:
These faults have no effect on the airbag deployment function.

CAUSE:
Defective printed circuit board or contacts of the seat buckle switch, are causing resistance values to fluctuate under mechanical load.

Correction:
Perform diagnosis with DIS/MoDiC tester utilizing the corresponding test modules. On a customer complaint basis only, and if Fault Codes 16/17 or 24/25 are logged in fault memory of the control unit, replace the respective seat safety buckle assembly with the improved part. The appropriate part number can be located in the BMW Electronic Parts Catalog (also, refer to the Parts Information Table shown). Clear the fault memory of the airbag control module.

The safety belt latch with the improvements to the mechanical microswitch can be identified by the date 01.09.1997 or higher, stamped on the receptacle housing. Furthermore, since September of 1997 a Hall Effect sensor replaced the mechanical switch in the seat latch assembly.





Part manufactured after 01.09.1997

For details on replacing the front left or right safety belt buckle, refer to repair instruction RA 72 11 030.

Observe all relevant safety information when performing repairs to the Airbag System. Always follow the "Safety Regulation for Handling Components of the Airbag System" (TIS 32 34...).





Important:
Since March of '97 production, all E36 models are fitted with the pyrotechnical tensioner units, which replaced the mechanical type. In case of replacement, only the safety belt buckle with pyrotechnical tensioner must be used on those vehicles (P/N 72 11 8 221 013, and 72 11 8 221 014).





Parts Information:





Warranty Information: