Dispatch Van 2008 Airbag Warning Light?

[Tarquin]

I have an irritating issue with the Airbag/Seatbelt warning light coming on intermittently.

My mechanic said to check for loose wires under the seats and all seemed fine. When I next drove the van, the warning light was off, then came on after 30 minutes and again I couldn't find any issues. I can drive her every day for a week without issues and the problem returns. Any pointers welcomed?

[wheeler]

Unfortunately it would just be pure guesswork without a fault code as a starting point. Need something to go on?
Does the warning come on as you are rotating the steering wheel? If so could be the rotary ribbon connector inside the comms unit. Again just a total guess without a fault code to go on.

[Tarquin]

Does the warning come on as you are rotating the steering wheel? If so could be the rotary ribbon connector inside the comms unit. Again just a total guess without a fault code to go on.

I think it does!
Twice now, it's appeared when doing a hard left U turn into the local Parcelforce depot...

Is this a simple fix?

More importantly, does this mean the airbag won't work when the light is on?

[wheeler]

Really want to confirm with fault codes but if the light appears when turning the steering wheel then its highly likely that the rotary ribbon connector is failing. It allows electrical connection to the airbag whilst you are turning the wheel.
Its an integral part of the comms unit that is also the indicator & wiper switches.
Easy enough to replace but very expensive if buying the parts new. If buying second hand it really needs to be off a same spec vehicle.

Yes if the airbag lamp is illuminated its likely that it wont deploy in an accident.

[Tarquin]

Confirmed that it's the ribbon connector (Clock Spring) that's at fault.

Just had a price for the complete comms unit of £614.85 and can't get a part number for just the Clock Spring?

HELP!!?

[wheeler]

The rotary connector is not available as a separate part

[Tarquin]

The rotary connector is not available as a separate part

Not from a main dealer, but the 'Squib' as I understand it's better known as, is available for other Citroen models and other makes.

Is the Dispatch unique in that it's not available on it's own?

[wheeler]

On the mk 1 & 2 dispatch the the rotary connector was a separate part. On the mk3 2007 onwards its an integral part of the comms unit which is not designed to be repaired.

Only older models have a separate unit, Citroen started using comms units from about 2001 which have integrated rotary connectors.

[Tarquin]

I'm confused?

I thought mine was a Mk2 (2006/7 to 2015) - or are you considering the minor facelift in 2004 to the Mk1 as Mk2?

[wheeler]

Citroen refer to the 2004 facelift model as a Dispatch 2 & the 2007 (G9) model as a Dispatch 3.

[Tarquin]

Any recommendations for Citroen used parts suppliers who aren't easily visible on the web?

A new comms unit is in excess of £600 so I've put details on a couple of used parts sites that come top on Google and not having any luck.