C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by Ben82 »

WillyR wrote:Thanks Ben82.

Your help is much appreciated.
No problem Will, hope you get her sorted :)
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

I would think that if the ECU is reporting they have fired then they would have to be replaced anyway, you could try replacing the ECU as it is reporting they have fired, have the system re set and see if the new one still has a problem with the belts, if they have fired it will report them as open circuit.

Looking at the diagram of the inertia reel the only way they could pre tension is to rotate the reel to wind the belts in.

I have read somewhere that they are the first things to fire then if the impact continues and the speed is above a pre set figure (think i remember 27 mph or something like that) the airbags fire, this is supposed to pull you back in the seat so the airbag doesn't whack you in the chops too hard!!!!
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

ECU's are on ebay from £15 and the belts are about £20-50 each
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by WillyR »

h2ocooler wrote:I would think that if the ECU is reporting they have fired then they would have to be replaced anyway, you could try replacing the ECU as it is reporting they have fired, have the system re set and see if the new one still has a problem with the belts, if they have fired it will report them as open circuit.

Looking at the diagram of the inertia reel the only way they could pre tension is to rotate the reel to wind the belts in.

I have read somewhere that they are the first things to fire then if the impact continues and the speed is above a pre set figure (think i remember 27 mph or something like that) the airbags fire, this is supposed to pull you back in the seat so the airbag doesn't whack you in the chops too hard!!!!
***
It looks as if I should replace the ECU first, then, if there is no test available to determine the state of the pretensioners. I'm surprised that firing a pretensioner - or any pyrotechnic device - leaves no signs or smells of having been fired.
When I inspected the belt reels, there was no sign or smell anywhere, or snagging of movement in the reel to suggest anything had happened in the way of explosion or winding the reel back to tighten the belt.

The pretensioner fault code - P10A0 - PERMANENT FAULT PRETENSIONERS FIRED NOT DEFINED shows they have fired. In that event, should I see an open circuit at the pretensioner connector or something else?

Not owning a Lexia (YET.!!) also means I am hamstrung when I fit a new part as I then have to prevail on the goodwill of a Forum Lexia owner to test my car. Is it driveable immediately after fitting, but not having configured, a replacement ECU? If not, testing it is going to be that much more difficult to arrange.
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

You should be able to drive it when you have fitted them, worst the system wouldn't fire if you have an accident on the way to get it re set but then it wouldn't fire anyway now as it sees a fault.
Im sure ben82 would look again and I'm only in Chatham and could look for you too.
Where are you based? I work in tunbridge wells if that is near you.
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

If the tensioners HAVE fired you would see them as open circuit BUT putting an meter on then WOULD fire them if they had not!! lose-lose....
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by Gibbo2286 »

I'm surprised to see all through this thread no mention of the COMM 2000 switch, a common reason for the 'Airbag Fault' message popping up and the 'service' light showing.

The steering wheel airbag is wired through the switch behind the wheel via a 'clock spring' a coil of flat cable similar to that you find in a computer which winds and unwinds as the steering is turned, it's likely that this has been damaged when you clouted the kerb, the wires are very fine and delicate.

I'd be looking there before going for belt pre-tensioners.
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

Lexia is reporting the pre tensioners have fired not that there is an open circuit.
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by Ben82 »

h2ocooler wrote: Im sure ben82 would look again and I'm only in Chatham and could look for you too.
Gladly, though back home to Sweden on Monday :)
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by WillyR »

Gibbo2286 wrote:I'm surprised to see all through this thread no mention of the COMM 2000 switch, a common reason for the 'Airbag Fault' message popping up and the 'service' light showing.

The steering wheel airbag is wired through the switch behind the wheel via a 'clock spring' a coil of flat cable similar to that you find in a computer which winds and unwinds as the steering is turned, it's likely that this has been damaged when you clouted the kerb, the wires are very fine and delicate.

I'd be looking there before going for belt pre-tensioners.
***
I had a go at getting the Steering wheel bag off the other day, and gave up in the end - wasn't dextrous enough to release both clips at the same time. Giving up was (sort of :roll: ) encouraged by no indications of COMM2000 switch when Ben82 checked the car out =D> , and latterly when my Ciroen gagarge checked it =D> . If you're suggesting I should still be looking there first, I'll get back onto it today .

Do we just take it as gospel that the pretensioners were fired because of the P10A0 fault code? Surely there is evidence of some kind that they have fired?

The only other permanent code when both Ben82 and my garage checked it was the P10D0 - Firing Test not confirmed by Safety Sensor. Is this at all indicative of the COMMS2000 switch?

Cheers in advance
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by WillyR »

h2ocooler wrote:Lexia is reporting the pre tensioners have fired not that there is an open circuit.
***
SO... How safe am I disconnecting at the reel and testing for open circuit then?

Not afraid of loud bangs and covered in thick clothes... 8-[ [-o< [-o<

Almost forgot to mention. I'm in Ashford, so I can get up your way if and when....
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Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Auto 2001
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by WillyR »

Ben82 wrote:
h2ocooler wrote: Im sure ben82 would look again and I'm only in Chatham and could look for you too.
Gladly, though back home to Sweden on Monday :)
***
Thanks for the offer. If we don't get together again before you go, have a safe journey.
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

Really think the first thing you should do is replace the ECU, re set the system and see what faults if any come up, if by any chance they have not fired the new ecu will report all is well, if they have then replace them and re set again.

Even with a belt reel I would not like to have my hands any were near it if it went off so best forget testing them, let the ECU do it for you.

If the COMMS2000 had gone there would be other faults with the driver airbag too.
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by WillyR »

h2ocooler wrote:Really think the first thing you should do is replace the ECU, re set the system and see what faults if any come up, if by any chance they have not fired the new ecu will report all is well, if they have then replace them and re set again.

Even with a belt reel I would not like to have my hands any were near it if it went off so best forget testing them, let the ECU do it for you.

If the COMMS2000 had gone there would be other faults with the driver airbag too.
***
My Citroen Garage just called, and quoted me just under £850 for new ECU and belts ('cos obviously they'll simply change everything), and the service cordinator was totally understanding as he knows full well, my C5 has a cash value of about £500 tops after 12 years and 162k (serviced 50/50 at his garage and in Calais).

I will get out to my local breaker (Woodgate & Sons in High Halden) tomorrow morning and find myself an ECU. If nothing there, I'll remove mine.

Are you able to reset it [-o< [-o< [-o< , or do I need to send it to a "specialist?" Sorry for any implied insult here - not meant at all #-o
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Re: C5 MkI 2.2HDi - Airbag faults after kerbing car

Post by h2ocooler »

I cannot re set the original ECU, that is a specialist job and no insult taken lol..
There are loads on Ebay if there are none at woodgates
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