15 replies to this topic

[RedMPICooper]

I need some help, as I'm not sure where to start.

 

I had a very unfortunate incident (funny looking back, not at the time!) on Monday. I had a large 10L glass jug of water on the right rear seat. I went around a corner a bit quickly, and it shattered after hitting something! I eneded up having the full 10 litres of water (and glass shards!) slosh through the seat and into the carpeting. Within a minute or so, the SRS light came on.

I managed to vacuum out all of the glass and most of the water within 20 mins. Within an hour, I had the full interior stripped and the floor bare. I dried it all out and re-installed yesterday. The SRS light is still on.

 

I suppose it got wet, and didn't like it, since the water was right above it.

 

What are your thoughts? Do I need a new module? can I test this one somehow? I doubt it is just going to solve itself.

 

 

Oh...and don't tell me it was a dumb idea to carry that bottle...I know that now....

 

Edit: 1997 Mpi I had in the UK and brought back this spring to Toronto, in case anyone was wondering. Its definitely the only MPI around here.

Edited by RedMPICooper, 27 June 2013 - 03:16 PM.

[Gremlin]

A glass jug with no lid and 10 litres of water in thats not strapped down

Well thats a new one!

[Bungle]

would a code reader reset this ?

 

i don't know much about modern cars

[Gremlin]

would a code reader reset this ?
 
i don't know much about modern cars

Thats a good point, might as well give it a go?

[RedMPICooper]

Pehaps I should clarify regarding the jug, it looked like the below, with a lid.

 

In terms of the code reader, unfortunately I don't have one, and since Rover vehicles were never available in Canada, there aren't any to borrow around here either. 

 

I can't imagine I ruined any grounding or connections with a bit of water. I must have simply killed the module, right?

Edited by RedMPICooper, 27 June 2013 - 03:49 PM.

[L400RAS]

I reckon most SRS faults are due to the module sensing incorrect resistances in the circuit - either high resistance (open circuit) or low resistance (short circuit).  I think the water would have "bridged" two connections and shorted it and the fault is then stored.  There is a chance that the (now dry) module and wiring is ok, but a code reader will be required to reset the fault - i doubt it will reset itself even if all is ok.

[nev_payne]

A code reader may do - the SRS is linked into the diagnostic socket, more likely the old Rover diagnostic kits if it doesn't show up as a standard error.

If you haven't done so already, disconnect the srs cable and dry out the port and cable, make sure the area around the SRS  module is free of any water.

9/10 times this light comes on becuase the cable has pulled away - simply refitting it will resolve the problem. One would hope this is the case here except with water involved.

Edited by nev_payne, 27 June 2013 - 03:55 PM.

[RedMPICooper]

Nev_payne, thanks. I did all the drying and cleaning out, so that part isn't the source of the issue anymore.

By the sounds of it, since i don't have access to a code reader, my best bet is just to replace the whole module. Anybody have a functional spare?

[Captain Mainwaring]

Nev_payne, thanks. I did all the drying and cleaning out, so that part isn't the source of the issue anymore.

By the sounds of it, since i don't have access to a code reader, my best bet is just to replace the whole module. Anybody have a functional spare?

 

 

I don't know much about mini SRS systems, but I can tell you with merc that you can't go replacing modules (well ya can, but they won't work). Merc realised that  there was much money to be made by enforcing use of it's own licensed software (STAR) and keeping it up to date and in continuous licensing by forcing all new modules to be "coded" - meaning that a hardware descriptor based upon the part number and the serial number have to be downloaded to STAR and uploaded to the module.

 

Long story short - I'd leave it alone before you create more havoc - take the old unit out with the battery disconnected and leave it in the sun for a couple of days - you've nothing to lose by getting someone to to try and reset the light.

 

Alternatively....you could try....

http://www.bimmerfes...d.php?p=6620688

[zerobelow]

Might ask on minimania forums if someone near you has a code reader. I've seen some people there discussing that recently, and it seems that they are not as rare as you expect.

[R210WOM]

you can reset the ecu setting which would include the srs module by disconnecting the battery for 30 min then reconnecting it this is what I had to do when my srs light kept staying on info from my auto eletrition friend had no problems since hope it helps

[Captain Mainwaring]

you can reset the ecu setting which would include the srs module by disconnecting the battery for 30 min then reconnecting it this is what I had to do when my srs light kept staying on info from my auto eletrition friend had no problems since hope it helps

 

 

I'd be very surprised if you could. Moreover the mini SRS system has a 3 strikes and out system where you need to replace the controller if it "trips" three times.

SRS systems are:-

 

1)Designed not to be meddled with by owners

2)To require dedicated equipment to reset, making money for dealers

 

I don't see paperclips or disconnecting batteries being a possibility with SRS if it really has gone in to fault.

Edited by Captain Mainwaring, 29 June 2013 - 04:38 AM.

[RedMPICooper]

I've been offered an SRS module, which I'll hopefully receive in the mail soon enough. Fingers crossed replacing it will solve this problem.

 

Otherwise the car appears to be functionally fine. There is the light on the dash (and I assume the airbag is therefore disabled) but everything else works.

[Ethel]

Wouldn't the fault be stored in the ECU's memory? Changing the sensor may just be seen as another circuit continuity fault. I think removing the battery to reset is likely to be the only possibility, short of obtaining a reader to do a reset. Unless the sensor actually drowned to death that is.

 

I have official imbecile status on stuff like SRS, but I believe there are many common components with MGF's, maybe that's a route to getting the ECU reset. 

 

 

I wouldn't worry about the jug thing. The word has a slightly different meaning on this side of the pond - well a couple actually 

[RedMPICooper]

Wouldn't the fault be stored in the ECU's memory? Changing the sensor may just be seen as another circuit continuity fault. I think removing the battery to reset is likely to be the only possibility, short of obtaining a reader to do a reset. Unless the sensor actually drowned to death that is.

 

I have official imbecile status on stuff like SRS, but I believe there are many common components with MGF's, maybe that's a route to getting the ECU reset. 

 

 

I wouldn't worry about the jug thing. The word has a slightly different meaning on this side of the pond - well a couple actually 

 

Ethel, I'm pretty sure the sensor drowned to death.

 

So all signs seem to point to either a reset and/or module change as being the way to go on this. One or the other, or both in combination should cure the issue.