How to reset SRS warning light? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

suban · #1 08-09-2004, 04:42 PM

My 1996 E300D's SRS warning light is on all the time. It started last week. I look in the manual and it said to have airbags check by dealer. I know that it would cost an arm and a leg to have it reset. Does anyone know how to reset the light? Thanks......

babtahi · #2 08-09-2004, 04:48 PM

I have tried everything and been told only the dealer can do it. I refuse to pay like $150 for that so mine is still on. 1996 C280, if anyone has the answer to this you will save us both some serious $$$$

stevebfl · #3 08-09-2004, 04:51 PM

Find an independentwith a proper scanner to read the codes for you. Expect to pay up to an hour for this. It should include actual value testing with the same tool on the fault code present. It will likely not include circuit testing on the car by separate tooling.

Gilly · #4 08-09-2004, 06:43 PM

If the SRS light is ON, there is a fault and the problem needs to be corrected, it's not as easy as just "resetting the light". In addition, if the SRS light is on and is staying on, the airbags will NOT work in a collision.

Gilly

blackmercedes · #5 08-12-2004, 11:23 PM

The SRS light is not something that can just be simply "reset." It indicates a fault within the system somewhere. Some common culprits are...

1. Seat belt latches. They can get junk in them, or just plain fail. Replacing the buckle is the common fix.
2. Seat occupancy sensors or BabySmart sensors in the passenger seat bottom.
3. Various modules, including individual bag modules.
4. Bad air-bags.

On my 1998 C230, the SRS light came on, and with SDS my indie found the driver's door bag AND module

were both bad. The good news is that the bag is under $200. The bad news is that the module is about $400.

Even if you could "reset" the light on your own, it would simply come back on if the fault is not corrected. Learn to live with the light or be prepared to begin spending dough to have it corrected.

nhodges · #6 08-13-2004, 12:09 AM

The SRS Light will show a fault/malfunction anytime you remove power from it "before" disconnecting the negative battery cable. It can be something as simple as removing the fuse or disconnecting the instrument cluster. Your car is OBD-II. You can get the reader at Harbor freight or Autozone. OBD-I and before is more problematical. Do a search on fault codes, there is a guy on here that sells a plan on how to make a kit to read the codes and a "how to" Booklet.

JHawk · #7 08-13-2004, 12:16 AM

Mine stays on for about 2 minutes or less on my '96 C220 and then goes out. I thought I read somewhere it had to do with a loose connector wire

Any other ideas?

jeff-abalone · #8 08-13-2004, 01:17 AM

My brother's 95 C220 had the same problem before, searching through many many mercedes forum. All people said that can not reset by themselve. End up back to dealership reset it. Cost half hour labour.

donbryce · #9 08-13-2004, 10:20 AM

I have a problem with my ABS light, not my SRS light, but if you are a bit of cynic when it comes to high-tech, high $$ systems that are designed to protect vehicle occupants in the event of a collision, pretend for a minute that you own a Mercedes without ABS, or SRS airbag. Would you not drive the car because of the lack of these systems? I doubt it. So, if one or both of these systems screws up on your car, IMO, you are now driving the equivalent of an older model not so equipped.
Your brakes won't fail you if the ABS doesn't work properly. They just won't assist in preventing lock-up in a panic stop. Similarily, the airbag won't suddenly deploy without being triggered by the sensor box, but may not deploy when it should, if there is a malfunction in the system. I'd trust the engineers on that. SRS malfunction or not, the manual inertia locking device built into the seatbelts should also continue to work, just like in a non-SRS vehicle.
I removed my instrument cluster, taped over (not removed) the ABS lightbulb, and put it back in. If the SRS light was on, I'd do the same.

DanielG · #10 08-13-2004, 12:12 PM

Donbryce -- I won't blast you -- I have an SRS light that is on all the time and I have learned to ignore it. However, you should make some note to keep with any papers or manuals (such as the owner's manual) that you will give to the next owner of your car so that they know that those systems are questionable. Anyone not seeing those lights lit will assume those systems work, and may rely on them to their detrement. Just my 2 cents.

concordmb · #11 08-13-2004, 01:53 PM

My SRS light went on after my battery was disconnected. It can be reset (at least in newer models) by turning the steering wheel completely to the left and then right five to ten times. If there is a real problem this may only be a temporary fix if it works at all.

Gilly · #12 08-13-2004, 08:59 PM

Concord:
What you are describing is the reinitialization of the steering wheel angle sensor. This isn't for SRS, it's for ESP (electronic stability program). This needs to be done (turning steering wheel lock to lock) on a car with ESP in the event the battery goes dead or is disconnected.

Gilly

suban · #13 08-14-2004, 04:51 AM

I would like to thanks everyone for their kindness. I appreciate all the helps and advices from all of you. This is the best place I have been to, everyone is so nice and kind, to spend time and explain to me about my problems. I guess I have no choice but to bring it back to the dealer. Again, Thank You All.....

MARIO FARIAS · #14 08-14-2004, 07:59 PM

Please, does anyone get this plan to build the kit readers code?

How does it work?

Please, give more information.

Mario Farias