I purchased an SRT roadster last summer and I have been methodically going through it. The new sound system took a lot of time.

Even though it had 22,000 miles there were a couple things that weren't quite right. It appears that there was a problem with the air bags. The seller did not disclose that he had removed fuse three (air bag circuit). That was the upgraded and more hidden workaround for the common airbag light problem.

After I found the right replacement fuse, shazam, the air bag light turned on.

I scoured the forum for the pluses and the minuses, the previously tried fixes and work arounds. (tape, fuses, wire cutting, new)

I used a newer scanner that had some Mercedes codes and saw that the air bag module had an active fault and some random stored faults on passenger side seat sensors. I tried clearing the active and stored codes with the Foxwell scanner and it would not stick. (turn the key off for 10seconds etc.)
I saw the warnings on using new vs. used air bag modules and took a chance. One forum post stated that he had luck with a used module, so I ordered an air bag module (using forum part numbers) from a dismantler on Ebay that claimed it had not been in a crash but may need programming.

I used all the various forum posts on removing the ashtray and the console and switched the airbag module out. Crossed my fingers and toes and put it back together (hard to test). I figured if the fix was not going to work, my backup was retake the fuse out and remind my wife that the 89 Alfa (that got flooded with salt water) did not have air bags.

Scanned it again and cleared the stored code. I now crossed my eyes.

Started it up and the code was gone and the light was off.

Based on my experience, it looks like a functioning reasonably priced module (with the right part number) that has previously been in service and is reported to not have been in a crash will work as a replacement with just code clearing.

This does not diminish all the hassle of taking the console apart. All the information I needed for that operation was in the forum (sort of scattered) although I am increasingly using Chat GPT to diagnose problems and to give detailed recommendations and directions. It is amazing how much info that they have scraped of the internet and organized. Besides that...the "voice" behind the application is so helpful, respectful and willing to help. Never thought things would get this advanced.

BTW, I am not going to try to test the airbag on purpose......although I did not ask ChatGPT how to test it.

Next problem for a future posting

The next fix is the functioning of the convertible top after I replaced the poorly glued (unglued) right bracket holding up the luggage compartment partition. The glue fix worked for several cycles including the sale of the car. BTW, I believe the darkness of the trunk and hidden bracket contributes to the early demise of these brackets! Again the "glue fix" was not disclosed, so I found the mousetrap later. The previous owner had been very meticulous on some records, but twenty years and two previous owners obscures the skyline.

A formerly available improved bracket design is no longer available on the forum, so Ebay came to the rescue again. There was a reasonably priced pair that looked to be the original design, but 3D printed. After receiving, I was surprised at the strength of the part.

Again, I am not minimizing the teardown and reinstallation of the brackets in a very cramped and dark trunk, but the windows did partially retract after this fix.

I am hoping the rest the problem is now a top sync issue and not another sensor......

Boy, is it hard to find the bolt head to open the back canopy manually.....and I have two good 76 year old eyes.

Terry


PS, I have a Micropod on order to augment the Foxwell scanner. Going new (old school).