Airbag system fault after installing short shifter

I followed Ken's excellent center console removal article and then installed the Porsche Short Shifter with no problems. After the install with the console still out of the car I took it around the block to make sure there were no issues changing gears. At the time the front display showed the Airbag system fault and I assumed that it was because the center console was still disconnected. Can this fault be reset without a trip to the Dealer? I'm pretty certain that I induced the problem by operating the vehicle with the center console harness unplugged. :thanks:

Have you driven it since everything has been put back together? I just guessing that it will correct itself if not after a few right and left turns. But let us know.

I did this same thing (so don't feel too bad ). I ended up clearing it w/ the durametrics software though. Mine didn't clear after a short drive...hopefully I just didn't give it enough time though. Thx, Ben

Santa Fe - I took it around the block once, all rights, since its been buttoned back up. I will take your suggestion and give it some more time. Closest dealer is 2 hours away anyway. Wasn't sure if the system was smart and repoled devices like the Audi. Ben - Nothing like a Great reason to buy another tool.

Some of the related threads here http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-complaints/14598-air-bag-warning-light-dash.html and here http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-tech/11970-airbag-warning-after-seat-remove-reinstall.html

I missed that first thread on my search, thank you. I read through a few seat related threads before posting; hoping to find a simple reset. I will disconnect the battery for 10 minutes and see if that resets it. If not its time for another new tool, Darn!

If you disconnect the battery you will get a PSM error. Just drive it for a little and it will go away.

Well I took the beasty out tonight for a short drive. The Airbag fault has not cleared but I did manage to induce a PSM and ABS fault while taking a hard left.... The PSM and ABS fault had to be acknowledge through the stalk and "cleared" once I powered off the car and started it back up. Double checked the connections for the center console to make sure everything mated up correctly. Probably just Murphy having a little fun with me.

I had the Airbag fault light after the short shifter install also. Drove around for a week and did not clear. Took it to the dealer and they cleared it. They pin pointed the error was from disconnecting the "Passenger Airbag" warning light in the cnter console. Good Luck..

Sorry to hear the light hasn't gone off yet, I know its not of help now, but I wonder if disconnecting the battery prior to removing the console would eliminate possibilities of the warning light? Also Pat, curious how long it took to do the install, my SS Kit arrived from suncoast today and was thinking about installing it this weekend. Any tips or especially tricky parts? Was planning on using Ken's removal article to guide me through it as well.

I triggered a fault in mine and it never cleared. I finally purchase Durametrics to clear it. Which is well worth the price avoid the dealer for me.

This was the easiest short shifter install I have ever done. Time wise maybe 1.5 hours but I also ran an Ipod cable up the center console after debating the best location. I also left the sides unbuttoned as I am installing a new Head/Nav unit if it ever arrives. Here is the one source Message - My Articles Tips: 1. When removing the shifter knob "Pull the rest of the knob off. It will be tight!" Tight! is an understatement. 2. Center console wire harness can be disconnected from its mounting bracket with a 45 degree counter clock wise rotation which will allow easier access to the connector. This is in the passenger footwell side. 3. I dinged my E-brake handle, the underside of the console is rather rough. I would suggest being extra careful or using some tape over the top of the handle. 4. I left the shifters green shipping/centering bracket in place while I attached the cables. Centered everything perfectly. 5. Don't start the car with the center console disconnected! If you need pics let me know.

I recommend always to disconnect the battery before you disconnect any other wires. I did not have the airbag fault when changing my center console. In addition you run the risk of actually triggering the airbag.

So, I just found this thread after installing my SSK. Bummer! I have the Airbag Fault light on. Has anyone figured out a way to get rid of this besides the "stealer" or Durametrics? Any help is appreciated. Thanks! :helpme: Anybody have a Durametrics in SoCal? :cheers:

An air bag fault will not clear unless it is clear with something like Durametrics, or The Porsche Computer for safety reasons.

I was just quoted $170 by my local dealer to clear the airbag fault light. ugh!

Buy a durametrics enthusiat system and keep it for any future problem. That is highway robery. Find out if you have another dealer that will quote you. That is a 5 minute job with the right tools. Another thought find a reputable independent shop. With those prices you will need them.

Just to add another observation, if you start the car with the console disconnected you will get an airbag fault warning that cannot be undone without Porsche/Durametric software. If I had not put the car back in the garage overnight, this would not have happened, darn it. Still, I started the job at 4pm and had to go out to dinner at 6, so my enthusiasm just cost me the price of a Durametric--which I was going to buy anyway, it was just a few months into the future.

Doh! I'm in the same boat. I disconnected the passenger airbag warning light to fix the housing as it was broken so the light was down in the center console. Now the airbag warning light is on. I was going to buy the Durametric cable but hadn't planned on buying this early. I've only had the car for a few weeks.

Where are you? Perhaps there's somebody nearby with a Durametric that could help you out. I can understand not wanting to purchase it right away. I'm in the same boat and bought oil, air and cabin filters and brake flush and would rather space out the expenses a bit.