2001 peugeot 306 1.6 meridian-fault code 1801

[999306]

Hade the diagnostics machine on my 306 1.6 meridian estate as the airbag light is on. It showed code 1801 drivers module. Is this the steering wheel or one elsewhere?

Please help as mot is Thursday

[Oldpug]

Two things,
Air bag light should be an advisory,my tester lets them go but I know lots of testers fail them.
The fault will be the wires under the front seats,favorite 306 fault. Very thin wires get pulled to and throw moving the seats.They either break or create a poor connection in the multi plug.

[spider]

At this age it will have side (seat) airbags too, I think standard on Meridian models (1/2 leather or velour seat trim) and above from about '99.

I'd still agree with the seat wiring initially though, as that is the most likely concern. Same as earlier models but more plugs.

[999306]

I have done all the checks on the wires. I need to change the module now and need to know where it is so I can get it out and get a new 1 :-@

[addo]

You need to make sure the module works properly, so before hard-mounting it to the chassis, plug in the connector, switch the ignition on and tap the module's front edge smartly with a hammer, once only.

If the airbags deploy, it was working correctly.

[spider]

I like the "was" working part.

It could be the ignitor for the side airbags at fault but I doubt that, I've never seen one complain.

[999306]

I've changed the module that's behind the gear stick. I'm guessing all I need to do now is get diagnostics on it to get the light turned off??

[addo]

It's a "dumb" module.

What I mean is, when there's a fault, it lights the fault light. When the fault is gone, the light no longer illuminates.

What your swap has shown, is that the module is unlikely to twice be the source of a fault itself. It's in the wiring.

[999306]

Ok. It's 1801 drivers module open circuit. Checked all wires I know of but any further ideas?

[addo]

Sure it's not a broken clockspring? That's assuming you've checked all the pretensioner wiring.

[999306]

Where's the clock spring?

[999306]

Ok dull question, just worked it out. How would I test it?

[addo]

The only way I know to test it, is to remove the airbag off the wheel (unplug first at the control module), and check you have continuity in each of the two firing wires between the control module plug and the airbag plug. The wires are numerically coded; look for the code beside the two asterisks and number repeated on each wire at the connection to your steering column underside (you'll need the shroud off). Now find the same wire pair at the control module connector.

Take care not to spread the connector socket contacts by forcing an oversize probe into them - fine nickel-plated wire bent double, is a good choice. If you have a continuity buzzer on your meter, make sure the circuit conducts throughout rotation of the steering wheel between locks.

[spider]

Although obvious, do not apply your meter to the seat wiring / pretensioner / airbag units themselves.

[addo]

Result, or a fail?