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YOUR RESEARCHis my air bag indicator lamp not lighting up correct?
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is my air bag indicator lamp not lighting up correct?
Suggestion · Original poster
the light goes on for a second AFTER turnover, but not on the "lamp test" when you first turn the ignition switch one position over...so I think it IS working...
is my air bag indicator lamp not lighting up correct?
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is my air bag indicator lamp not lighting up correct?
Suggestion · Original poster
the light goes on for a second AFTER turnover, but not on the "lamp test" when you first turn the ignition switch one position over...so I think it IS working...
is my air bag indicator lamp not lighting up correct?
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here in Virginia you need to get a safety inspection once per year.
First place I took my 996 to, the mechanic turns on the ignition to position 1 and notes that the airbag indicator lamp isn't lit. He says, I'll fail.
As I'm driving away I notice my airbag light comes on for about one second just AFTER the starter is activated and the engine turns over. But it doesn't come on during the "lamp test".
I take it to another mechanic, don't mention the problem, and get passed for another year.
Is my airbag system indicator light working typically?
All of the lamps are supposed to light...page 65 of the manual:
Switch position 1
Ignition is on.
All electrical equipment can be switched on.
The warning lights light up for a lamp check.
This excerpt from the manual suggests that NOT lighting during the lamp test is an indication of a potential fault:
Any malfunctions that may occur will be indicated by the warning lights in the instrument
panel and on-board computer.
In the following cases you should immediately consult an authorized Porsche dealer in order to assure the airbag system is functioning properly:
- Illumination of the airbag warning light during travel or repeated illumination longer than 5 seconds after the ignition circuit is turned on.
- Illumination fails to light up during ignition circuit activation.
You should have the airbag system checked, at least the error codes read out if any are present. (My Boxster's airbag warning light is on but there are no error codes.)
You want to be sure the light behavior is not a sign the system may *not* be working properly.
I was in my 4 week old Cayman S when the car was struck on the driver side just at the front wheel. Both airbags deployed. I had a passenger.
Just like that my face was in the softest pillow ever. And I had my seat belt/shoulder strap on/fastened. (Pre-tensioners fired too and cinched me down pretty darn tight.)
As one's face is racing towards the steering wheel or in the event of a side impact towards the side glass that is not the time to find out the airbag system is not working.
as I think about it, the light DOES go on, and off in a second or two, upon engine turnover. So I think the system is working. I'm not sure why it doesn't come on when the other lamps light up...but I doubt anything is wrong. I suppose I can take it in to my indy again or maybe next time I get service I'lll have them check but I am sure it is working as the light goes on, goes off and stays off.
It won't cost anything to ask the service advisor to watch the light while you start the car...and if he says it's fine, you won't have to wonder if your airbag is working or not.
the light goes on for a second AFTER turnover, but not on the "lamp test" when you first turn the ignition switch one position over...so I think it IS working...
...but I'll ask the Indy (If they will really know) next time...
To check for an airbag errors is a dealer or well equipped indy shop job. One needs the Porsche diagnostic computer to access the airbag controller.
A Durametric may also work.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
