'95 SL500 SRS light on: a question.

[Gusfazekas]

In the process of installing a newish wood/leather steering wheel, I did something to cause the SRS light to come on. Question 1.) If I drove the car with the airbag disconnected, I assume this caused the airbag SRS light to activate 2.) Since the SRS light is now on, do I need to have someone (dealer?) with a special "tool" to deactivate the light? OR, can I do this myself. I do not have nor do I understand how to make one of those LED blinker tools. Is there a way to "clear" the code and light without a trip to a shop? Thanks, Steve

[johnflight1]

Hi Gusfazekas, I have a 96 SL500 and my LED blinker tool does not work on my car it only works on the older cars like my 88 300E. The newer cars like our SL's require a more expensive diagnostic tool.

[Gusfazekas]

In the process of replacing my existing steering wheel with a wood/leather version, I drove the car without re-attaching the air bag (while I was making sure I had centered the wheel properly) shortly thereafter the SRS light came on. Am I correct in assuming that this light will NOT correct on its own once the airbag is reattached? AND does this require a special diagnostic tool (dealer or indi equipment) to reset? I am assuming since the clockspring is new and I didn't take anything else apart that I need a special tool to reset and keep the light off.... weigh in on this for me so I know what to do with it next.

[JohnM.]

Have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours and reconnecting?

[RPM55]

Hi, you will have to have someone with the proper diagnostic tool clear the code for you. Disconnecting the battery will not do any good. The SRS system has a hard memory and will retain the fault code even after loss of power.

Good luck,Robert.