Air bag light issue

[joachimf]

Dear @all,

we do have a nice vacation lying behind us. But we also experienced an air bag warning light issue on our '07 EB that was a bit strange:

Two weeks away I was parking in front of a fruit market. I was sitting on the drivers seat. My wife entered the truck onto the passenger seat and buckled up. Then I started the engine, the orange air bag warning light came on and stayed on.

I stopped the truck, shut down the engine and asked my wife to leave the truck. I started the engine and after this she climbed in and buckled up on the passenger seat. Air bag warning light cam one and went off as normal.

What could that be?

 

[steve6534]

Dear @all,

we do have a nice vacation lying behind us. But we also experienced an air bag warning light issue on our '07 EB that was a bit strange:

Two weeks away I was parking in front of a fruit market. My wife entered the truck and buckled up. Then I started the engine, the orange air bag warning light came on and stayed on.

I stopped the truck, shut down the engine and asked my wife to leave the truck. I started the engine and the she climbed in and buckled up. Ari bag warning light cam one and went off as normal.

What could that be?

I experienced this when my battery was on the way out. I would check the engine off and engine running voltage to try and gauge the condition of the battery.

 

[waskly]

was anything in the passenger seat?

 

[joachimf]

@waskly,

well, yes, I was in the driver seat and my wife entered the passenger seat, let me edit my text....

 

[waskly]

weak batteries have a tenacity of an air bag light since they dont properly power the rcm up on start up, check the battery out.

 

[PEAR0119]

I had the same issue last winter. The battery was very weak and the airbag light stayed on the entire drive to work. Got to work shut it down and started it right back up after and the light came on then off as normal.

It happened a couple more times when the battery was weak. I replaced it and never had another issue again.

 

[Lukas2009]

Did also have to change the battery of my 2007 Explorer last year.
Airbag light also showed up in my case.

 

[Old As Dirt]

Yep.. It's most likely the battery.

 

[joachimf]

Morning @everybody,

well, checked the battery coupla minutes ago and Voltage readings are 12.6V engine off and 14.4V engine running. That seems pretty healthy.

If you read my description at the top I feel the iisue is more related to the co driver seat. I will check out the connector under the seat later. Keep you informed.

 

[joachimf]

Dear @all,

like to let you know a 'weak nattery' is kinda false alarm. Battery is all right.

Had disconnected the ground and checked the wiring under the passenger seat. Disconnected the seat and connected it, clamped on the ground and now the problem is gone. Seems the socket/plug under the passenger seat may have caused this.

 

[pjw73nh]

I will add my experience. Not to say it is definitively the issue. Just what I have experienced with regard to the airbag light.

I use my 08 Ltd mainly for towing a travel trailer during the good weather months. I try and use it at least once a week in the off season.

It is now Feb 2012. I last used the vehicle Jan 16th. (Winter weather here in New England) It had been sitting for a few weeks. Back in January, when I started the car, the airbag light came on and stayed on. I drove to the post office and back. About 3 miles. I shut the engine off, restarted it and the light came on as it should and then went out (as it should).

I used the vehicle this morning 25 deg F outside. Vehicle has been sitting since Jan 16th. Again, when I started the car, the airbag light came on and stayed on. I drove approx 1/2 mile to the first stop sign. I shut the engine off, restarted it and the light came on as it should and then went out (as it should).

I am subscribing to the low voltage explanation. Not necessary a bad or on-the-way-out battery. It was cold, the car had been sitting, I am certain the battery was low. Esp after cranking the starter over. I am not taking any further action unless the condition persists, the symptoms change, or the issue continues into warmer Wx.

Just my $.02. YMMV

P.../NH