SRS / Airbag light on -- OBDII doesn't show any faults

My airbag light came on a week ago and hasn't gone off. I have borrowed 3 different OBDII readers and there are no codes showing up. Why wouldn't there be codes? There were other lights flashing on with one of the scanners and I'm not sure what they mean. The round red ones on top. Here's a screen shot and video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iBV...ature=youtu.be

VERY few code readers can read the SRS codes (Especially on this vintage of euro car), they almost always require special software "upgrades" at extra cost. PWIS/Durametric or Dealer/INdy. (Prob others but these are the main ones..

Thanks for confirming my suspicions. In to the shop it goes. Are there any common SRS issues with a 99 996? I couldn't find anything in my searches.

First place I would look (from experience) is the ignition switch. Not the mechanical part, but the crazy plug that the wiring harness plugs into. If you search, you will see LOTS of posts about it. It can cause all kinds of weird codes and issues when it's going, and it's cheap to replace.

The second place to look is the seat belt receiver. I have heard a shot of electrical cleaner in the receiver (where the belt plugs in) solves the problem. But it is a good idea to find out what codes are present for the airbag light to be on. A Porsche specific reader will tell you exactly where the fault is coming from.

Download/read the manual for you scanner. It will explain what all that means.

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Hmm. I did have to remove that switch a two months ago in order to install an absent air duct that is right behind it. I wonder if it is loose or something. It was a borrowed unit, but maybe I'll try to find the model number and instructions on line. Thanks. I'll give that a try! Cheap fix!!! Thanks all.

Remember that even after you find/fix the problem the airbag light will stay on until it is reset with a Porsche specific device like Durametric, PIWIS, etc

I used a Foxwell scanner with the Porsche software to clear the airbag code. It was the least expensive way to clear the code ($149). If I were to do it over, I probably would have bought the Durametric enthusiast version, but I didn't because it was twice the cost ($287). That being said, it also does a lot more, so is probably worth the price if you do your own work.

Oh just a quick one,, this is NOT unique to Porsche.. very few OEM's really release their SRS codes to general readers, its a 40 dollar upgrade on a 80 dollar Bosche Bluetooth scanner.. Same with the Antilock system.

so which scanner should I buy? I used a Harbor Freight one that looked decent for $40 (less the required 20% coupon, of course)

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If you plan to own your car for a long time, I would spend the $300 for a Durametric. It's good to have the other kind too, but if you need a deeper dive into the internals, Durametric is the way to go.

I'd want a reader good for all my cars. BMW, Ford, Jeep, Porsche.

There are multiple functions on the Porsche that are simply not available on OBDII readers, the Porsche uses a extended can protocol that's just not supported by any generic readers, and the ones that work on a BMW or Porsche typically don't play well with other marques,, The exception are ones like Snapon or MAC sell that use a subscription system and the base units are thousands plus the sub.. I think your hunting a Unicorn. Couple of the things I look for are, ABS Pump Bleeding Ability to activate systems for testing (Fuel pump.. etc.. )

So if I'm only looking for diagnostic and CEL resetting, then a $40 harbor freight tool should be fine I guess? I won't even bleed my brakes since I need to have an official PCA approved shop do it for PCA events. Ie: https://www.harborfreight.com/ZR4-OB...der-63808.html Or does it pay to step up to this one since it claims to do SRS, ABS and more: https://www.harborfreight.com/ZR13-O...ist-63806.html

I would be shocked if those units reset Porsche specific airbag codes. The least costly reader that I could find to reset the 996 airbag (at least was when I was looking) was the Foxwell unit.

A $10 phone app can read and erase codes. That would be the best for basic stuff. I have an Autel basic $100 scanner and it does abs brakes and steering centering but not on all models. U need to read up to get the correct one for your applications. http://www.autelsale.com/?gclid=EAIa...iAAEgJ-PfD_BwE

The $100 Autel can clear Porsche 996 airbag codes? If so, that's a deal!! Less than you'd pay for an hour of shop labor.

I have a Bluetooth plug and use torque app. Looking for more. Will this work? http://www.autelsale.com/wholesale/a...stic-tool.html

UPDATE: I stopped by my local indy shop and he read my code. Passenger seat belt buckle threw a code. It was not active though, so he reset it for now. I sprayed some WD-40 in there and worked the buckle in/out a few times. So far, so good. He was thinking that even with the SRS light on, the car probably defaults the airbag to active rather than deactivate it. Does anyone know? Anyway, I'd still like to get a reader. Just not sure which one to get.

I did a bunch of reading until I got sick of reading! Then I just bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NID51JQ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NID51JQ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have gift points so price out of picket was $100. This claims to do Porsche BMW Jeep, cars I have. It's supposedly very good and does SRS and ABS. I guess we'll see! lol

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I dont think so, i have not tried. I linked their main page and suggested to do some research to find which model would. I know mine does abs brake bleading and steering angle correction.

[QUOTE=AdamIsAdam;16044569]So if I'm only looking for diagnostic and CEL resetting, then a $40 harbor freight tool should be fine I guess? I won't even bleed my brakes since I need to have an official PCA approved shop do it for PCA events. /QUOTE] I didn't know PCA required that,, I've only done Audi and Alpha track days outside of my race club track days.. Never done one in the Porsche.. Wonder how bad they would freek seeing me bleed the brakes between sessions? LOL

Yup. Here's the track tech form that must be signed by an authorized dealer: https://metronypca.org/sites/default...hForm_2019.pdf https://metronypca.org/Tech-Sites

TLDR. I scanned it, and it requires a tech inspection. Does it say a PCA approved shop has to do services? I didn't see the part where it said a PCA approved shop had to bleed brakes, only that brake fluid had to be changed in the last year. And that they "recommend" bleeding before each event. When I was racing, there were tech inspectors at every event and you had to have a logbook for the vehicle in some kinds (rally) signed off by a certified tech inspector. I think that is what PCA is requiring, a tech inspection from an authorized tech inspector. I can't believe they would force you to a PCA approved shop for routine maintenance like brake bleeding. I don't see any mention of an "authorized dealer" anywhere. Unless I am misunderstanding?

Well, the form and directions say the car must be inspected by an approved tech site. I guess if that person is willing to sign off on the brake fluid change based on the owner's attestation (ie, if owner did it themselves) then I guess that works. It seems to imply that the tech needs to do the work though. I guess I could ask.