S320 SRS light on for 5 minutes, then goes off

[WANT '71 280SEL]

I had the codes read and found out that both front seat belt latches need replaced. I was wondering if the airbags would still work with the latch sensors defective? What exactly are the sensors for? Anyone have any experience replacing these things?

Thanks
David

[wbrian63]

I think the latch sensors are for the seatbelt pretensioners. In conjunction with the air bags, these devices use an explosive charge to manually tighten the seatbelts during an accident.

Like the airbags, they're a one-shot-and-done affair. They're mounted to the takeup reel on the front seatbelt assemblies inside the B-pillar.

I think the latches tell the SRS system when the seatbelt is in use. I would suspect the air bags would still deploy even when the latch sensors are defective.

Replacing them is probably a matter of replacing the female latch assembly on the seats - I don't think the sensors are serviceable as a separate item.

You'd have to remove the seats to do this work, but for those that have done it before, it's about 10 minutes work per side.

[bobs]

I saw a thread a while back that said this problem can be cured by cleaning the micro switches in the seat belt latches. I think it was on Jim F's page. You might want to search around first! Ahhh, here it is:

http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_srs_sbs.html

[Andres]

Hey everyone I'm new to this forum. I just got a 95' S320 and the dashboard looks like a Christmas tree. ETA, SRS ABS lights on, any clues? Where shall I start looking?>

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Tks.

[mbdoc]

All systems are computer controlled...reading codes is needed to make a diagnosis.

[Andres]

DOC,

Thanks! I'll have the codes read.

Andres.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

bobs, thank you very much. I'll give that a try!

Thanks
David

[Andres]

What does ETA stand for?