Xantia - Broken Air Bag Slip Ring

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swiss_steve
Posts: 91
Joined: 09 May 2006, 12:51

Xantia - Broken Air Bag Slip Ring

Unread post by swiss_steve »

Hi all,

I think I've made a stupid mistake when putting back the steering wheel and getting the Air Bag electrical Slip Ring one revolution our of sync.
At first, all appeared fine after putting the steering wheel back on - until taking the steering to one end of the rack and then the AirBag light came flashing on, immediately. :oops:
Had I got my brain in gear, I should have noticed that the little arrows on the Ring weren't aligned before putting the wheel back on....

Anyway, I shudder to think how much this part would cost at a Main Dealer; does anyone out there know of any potential secondhand source, please? And having never removed one of these Slip Rings, is there any other potential 'surprises' that I should watch out for, or is it simply remove the 3 screws holding it in place, unplug somewhere on the back and replace unit?

All suggestions welcome, many thanks,

Steve

Vehicle: Xantia Mk1 (pre face-lift) 1.9TD Temptation II
Proud owner of two Citroens:-
'R' reg 1998 Xantia 1.9 TD Temptation Estate.
'N' reg 1996 ZX 1.9 TD Aura Estate.
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davetherave
Posts: 880
Joined: 01 Apr 2009, 21:06
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Unread post by davetherave »

Removing the ring is really quite simple, i had to replace mine as mine broke of natural causes!
I think your best bet would be to ring around the scrap yards for a second hand one. thats what i did, and fingers crossed its still working fine!
Good luck!
(95) XM Silver 2.1td Exclusive.
(87) Cx 2.5 DTR T1 undergoing major cosmetic surgery.
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xantia_v6
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Re: Xantia - Broken Air Bag Slip Ring

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

swiss_steve wrote: Vehicle: Xantia Mk1 (pre face-lift) 1.9TD Temptation II
Does it have a passenger airbag? If so the rotary connector is the same as used on all S2 Xantia.
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swiss_steve
Posts: 91
Joined: 09 May 2006, 12:51

Unread post by swiss_steve »

Hi,
Not it doesn't - only a Driver's AirBag. I think the Pax AirBag was on the Mk2's only?...
Proud owner of two Citroens:-
'R' reg 1998 Xantia 1.9 TD Temptation Estate.
'N' reg 1996 ZX 1.9 TD Aura Estate.
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quai_de_javel
Posts: 19
Joined: 16 Oct 2008, 10:09

Unread post by quai_de_javel »

swiss_steve wrote:I think the Pax AirBag was on the Mk2's only?...
Mk1 had also it. At least in V6.
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swiss_steve
Posts: 91
Joined: 09 May 2006, 12:51

Unread post by swiss_steve »

Oh, then sorry for my bad assumption!!

I think I'll be going through the list of Breakers this weekend, then....

Thanks all.
Proud owner of two Citroens:-
'R' reg 1998 Xantia 1.9 TD Temptation Estate.
'N' reg 1996 ZX 1.9 TD Aura Estate.
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robert_e_smart
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Joined: 23 Oct 2009, 10:51
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Unread post by robert_e_smart »

Steve : PM sent
1990 XM 2.1 Turbo SD
1991 BX 16 TGS Auto
1992 ZX 1.6 Aura Auto
1994 Xantia 2.0 16V VSX
2008 C5 2.7 Exclusive
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Old-Guy
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Unread post by Old-Guy »

Is repair necessary or even wise? Unless it's been replaced, the airbag is now over 10 years old and would almost certainly rupture with nasty consequences if triggered.

Old bags tend to split at the folds when deployed. The flash from the pyrotechnic charge escapes causing burns to the face, neck and any other exposed upper-body skin - burns through thin clothing can also occur. Better than hitting the steering wheel, but very nasty if it was only a minor collision.

I need to take my steering wheel off sometime to sort out why the remote buttons for the radio/CD no longer work - I was contemplating removing the air bag at the same time but I don't know whether this would be an MoT fail (must remember to ask my tame tester).
2012 Subaru Forester - capable but no magic carpet
2011 Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ 1.6HDi - not missed!
1995 Xantia Estate SX 1.9TD in Vert Vega "The Green Lady" - sadly missed
1998 Xantia 2.1 VXD Estate in Mauritius Blue - R.I.P. (terminal tin-worm)
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RichardW
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Unread post by RichardW »

Air bag not currently tested on MOT. You might get an advisory on the light being on, but then if you disconnect the bag on a MK1, the little red light on the wheel won't work anyway - and it's doubtful the tester would spot it, even if it did!
Richard W
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swiss_steve
Posts: 91
Joined: 09 May 2006, 12:51

Unread post by swiss_steve »

Interesting point... I know pundits say you should test or replace the AirBag after 10 years, but has there really been any extensive testing to prove this assertion is reasonable? Or is it just another way of the manufacturers arbitrarily deciding it needs to be changed, and oh, they also make more money in spare parts.... hmm....

No, despite possible failure of the bag if deployed, I find it distracting to have an amber light flashing on the dashboard for ages (then goes permanently on), and if there is an incident - it might work. I'd rather take that chance by spending a few quid to fix the problem, than take such a risk on one's life. Simple maths and odds I think....
Proud owner of two Citroens:-
'R' reg 1998 Xantia 1.9 TD Temptation Estate.
'N' reg 1996 ZX 1.9 TD Aura Estate.
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Clogzz
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Joined: 15 May 2005, 18:04
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Unread post by Clogzz »

A label inside the door says that the air bag must be replaced after 10 years.
That was then, and a Peugeot paper since says it’s good for 15 years.
2002 C5 2.0i AL4 239,000 km 76372389
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swiss_steve
Posts: 91
Joined: 09 May 2006, 12:51

Unread post by swiss_steve »

An interesting Poll opportunity here - those who drive around in 10 year+ old cars - who replaces their AirBags?...
Proud owner of two Citroens:-
'R' reg 1998 Xantia 1.9 TD Temptation Estate.
'N' reg 1996 ZX 1.9 TD Aura Estate.
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Clogzz
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Unread post by Clogzz »

Nobody stuck up their hand since. :?
The cost would buy another car, and after 10 years they can say that there aren’t any more.
2002 C5 2.0i AL4 239,000 km 76372389
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swiss_steve
Posts: 91
Joined: 09 May 2006, 12:51

Unread post by swiss_steve »

Agreed Clogzz :D

I wouldn't dare ask my Citroen Dealer - my cholestorol level is too high at the moment !
Proud owner of two Citroens:-
'R' reg 1998 Xantia 1.9 TD Temptation Estate.
'N' reg 1996 ZX 1.9 TD Aura Estate.
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addo
Sara Watson's Stalker
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Unread post by addo »

I would honestly think the engineered textile used for airbags isn't going to suddenly degrade at 87648 hours post-manufacture.

It's probably a very stable textile; certainly some fabrics suffer intrinsic chemical imbalances as evidenced by the change in a garment (colour/strength) when examined after a long period of storage. However, I remain certain that until recall notices start getting mailed out to people by manufacturers, we can rely on the airbags working properly when all else is right.
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