SRS - Warning Light ON/Multiple Fault Codes Set: Overview

SI B61 20 00
General Electrical Systems

December 2003
Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B72 03 00 dated July 2001.

This revision contains changes to the repair procedures - see attachments 1 through 5.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Repair Instructions for Seat Belt Tensioner Ignition Circuit

MODEL
E36 (3 Series)
E36/7 (Z3)
E38 (7 Series) to 1/02 Production
E39 (5 Series) to 3/03 Production
E46 (3 Series) to 4/02 Production
E53 (X5) to 4/02 Production

SITUATION
Airbag warning light is illuminated, and one or more of the following fault codes may be stored in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag control module fault memory:

E36, Z3, E38, E39 - manufactured prior to March 1999, with Central Airbag "Trigger" Module (ZAE), Multiple Restraint System (MRS), or MRS II;

E46 Sedan - manufactured prior to September 1999 with MRS II

^ "05 - Ignition circuit of driver's belt tensioner"

^ "06 - Ignition circuit of passenger's belt tensioner"

Z3, E38, E39 - manufactured from March 1999 with MRS III;

E46 Coupe - manufactured from June 1999 with MRS III;

E46 Sedan - manufactured from September 1999 with MRS III;

E53 (X5) - from start of production:

^ "02 - Ignition circuit of driver's belt tensioner"

^ "03 - Ignition circuit of passenger's belt tensioner"

^ "ID - Coupling in firing circuit, driver's belt tensioner"

^ "IE - Coupling in firing circuit, passenger belt tensioner"

CAUSE

Damaged or defective lines and br interruption in the connections at the ignition circuit of the seat belt tensioner.

Note:
Analysis on returned parts has shown that the belt tensioner is rarely the cause of these faults.

CORRECTION

On a customer complaint basis only, and when the above mentioned SRS faults are set in the airbag control module, replace individual lines/connectors in the driver or passenger seat belt tensioner ignition circuit with the improved harness kit.

[NEW] PROCEDURE

Caution!
When performing diagnosis or repairs to the airbag system, always follow the "Safety Regulations for Handling Components of the Airbag System" (TIS 32 34..). Comply with airbag safety precautions! Incorrect handling can activate airbag or safety belt tensioner and result in injury. Disconnect the vehicle's battery before commencing any repairs.

The following tools (found in the Electrical Repair Kit IV, P/N 61 9 020) are to be used for conducting all repairs in the ignition circuit of the belt tensioner:

^ Crimping tool (P/N 61 9 041)

^ Die for crimping tool (P/N 61 9 042) with holder for 0.35 mm2 to 0.50 mm2 butt connectors

^ Insulation striper/wire cutter (P/N 61 9 043).

^ Hot air blower

Refer to the attachments to this Service Information for repair instructions.








[NEW] PARTS INFORMATION














[NEW] WARRANTY INFORMATION