SRS light in the 85 SD is always on. Does this mean airbag won't work / or airbag might not work? Also, does anyone have any idea if the car will pass NY inspection with the SRS light on?

The 85 300SD with SRS is extreemly rare... Didn't think they made too many cars with airbags in 1985. 1986 seemed to be the year for the airbag. Don't know if its gonna have an effect, but if its on the car, it probably will.

Disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and see if the fault clears. Sometimes a random power fluctuation will trigger certain fault codes.

-Joe

If the SRS MIL is lit, the air bag won't deploy. Low voltage, below 10.1v will trigger the light as will other problems within the system. Check the voltage first. If the car has been wrecked previously and the air bag and crash sensor have been replaced, check to see that the seat belt assemblies have been replaced too as the retractor for the belts are a one-time use item.

One other thing to check, cheap and easy, jiggle the key. A worn ignition tumbler might not be making good contact which might trigger the SRS lamp.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.