Volvo S70: My Technical Triumph in Resetting the SRS Airbag Light
I can only attest to this procedure when working on a 2000 Volvo S70 GLT SE, although I could do it on multiple airbag modules.
Background
When I acquired this vehicle, the SRS light was on. The previous owner took it to the dealer and was told that the driver-side seat belt needed to be replaced. So I installed a 2-ohm test resistor on the ignitor connector, but the code would not clear. At this point, I sent the module to Myairbag.com to be reset, but they returned it, saying it had a hardware problem and could not be economically repaired.
I ordered a used SRS module from eBay and plugged it in. The SRS light is still on, so I bought the Youcanic scanner. When I scanned for codes, it said the left-side impact sensor was missing a signal.
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- 00A1 Intermittent Fault SRS 606 Left Side Impact Sensor Signal Missing
I swapped the sensor with the right side and now had codes for both sides. I swapped them back and installed a “new” junkyard-acquired sensor on the left side. Now, I could clear the code for the right side but not the left.
At this point, I tested the wiring for the left side, and it tested well. I tried two more scanners, but the code would not clear. So I called my local indie, and he said his Vida software cannot do what the dealer can do, and he suggested I take it there. So, I scheduled an appointment for a few days out in case I couldn’t fix it. At this point, I thought I was willing to try anything.
Resetting SRS Light
I went into the SRS module again and read the code. Still, this time, instead of following the scanner instructions (start the engine, rev to 1500RPM, engine off, start again, and idle for 20 seconds), I turned the key off, then turned the key to the number 2 position and back off again ten times without stopping, just at an average speed.
I turned the key back on, read the code, hit Erase, and the code cleared! But the SRS light was still on, so I reread the codes. Now, I was getting a driver-side seat belt fault – the original fault that the dealer found. So I installed a 2-ohm “test” resistor in the seat belt ignitor connector, did the key trick ten times, hit Erase, the code cleared, and the SRS light went out!
I cycled the key on/off several times, and the SRS light went out every time. Happy days! That got me thinking about the original module, which I was told was bad. I swapped with the old module, and the SRS light was back on, which was expected. So I read the codes, got “driver side seat belt fault,” did the key on/off ten times, hit Erase, the code cleared, and the SRS light went out! I have a spare module and must head to the junkyard for a driver-side seat belt. I’m also left with questions: will this work on any P80 vehicle? Any Volvo airbag module? Will it work to turn the key fewer times? TBD, I guess.
