C3 Aircross A88 steering wheel airbag removal

[Sanvish]

Morning,

I have a diagnostic message on my vehicle that used to be intermittent previously and would reset itself but the SRS warning light (amber) is now permanently on with the message "Faulty airbag(s) or safety belt pyrotechnic pretensioners(s)".

It does not seem to be the clock-spring as all other steering wheel functions work fine at any angle of the steering wheel. Checked the 5A fuse in the lower fuse array behind the glove box but seems good. I have ordered a bi-directional scanner which I think will read the codes before I start checking, however I would like to understand how to remove the airbag from the steering wheel if the fault code points me high resistance in the primary airbag circuit.

Some YT videos I have seen seem to indicate I need to puncture the plastic shroud to release the spring clips. Is that the case? I can see a little dimple on one side of the shroud (keyless fob reader on the other side). Not really a fan of poking holes in aesthetic items.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

[PaulC5]

You might be better off going to a dealer to have this fixed, it could work out cheaper than you replacing lots of parts hoping to get the right one before wasting too much money. Apart from the safety aspect when working on air bags/pyrotechnics/disposing of old parts, I think air bag fault codes do not self delete when a fault is repaired and might need a diagnostic.

With the air bag light on I think it is not up to MOT standard so may affect your insurance if not fixed.

[Sanvish]

You might be better off going to a dealer to have this fixed, it could work out cheaper than you replacing lots of parts hoping to get the right one before wasting too much money. Apart from the safety aspect when working on air bags/pyrotechnics/disposing of old parts, I think air bag fault codes do not self delete when a fault is repaired and might need a diagnostic.

With the air bag light on I think it is not up to MOT standard so may affect your insurance if not fixed.

Appreciate the concern. My plan is not to throw parts at it praying for a fix. I just want to get close enough to diagnose the issue so I can make the informed choice when speaking to a professional mechanic.

The problem with many mechanics these days is they throw parts at the car without a proper diagnosis or understanding. I have no plans to repair the issue by myself and reasonably aware of risks when working with airbag systems including setting them off.

All I really want to know is if I need to poke holes in the shroud to access the airbag release clips.