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How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 1:11 +0000
by PadjiMx5
The airbag light has been flashing since I got the 5.
It's very annoying but seeing as the car is gonna be used as a track car, I'd prefer just to disable it.
It's a '95 Irish 1.8 model.
The light isn't just staying on, it's flashing once and then 3 short flashes.
Based on this link, is it 'bad power'? It would seem like D Sensor On but that seems to be for '94 models?
http://www.miata.net/garage/airbag_blink.html

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 1:53 +0000
by leamyj
If you're not bothered about the airbag, just remove the bulb...sorted!

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 4:49 +0000
by rhysmate
if its a track car you'd want to take all the aorbag stuff out? so just do what john said :P

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 2:15 +0000
by PadjiMx5
Good point!
Want to get it through the NCT though so don't want to do anything that will cause a fail.
Any handy way of getting at the bulbs? Haven't even had a chance to look yet

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 7:07 +0000
by MX5Spares
It needs to have fully working airbag light illuminating for approx 5 seconds and then going out otherwise it a fail on NCT..obviously some small fault somewhere in airbags, steering wheel clock spring,or seatbelts if connected to airbags( early cars were not connected).if you call me I can explain more.Robert 086 8226506.

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 7:09 +0000
by MX5Spares
Where u based

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 8:25 +0000
by sidewaysreilly
Take it out and get a nice standard Momo wheel off Robert. Last thing you want is that bastard going off in your face on a track.

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:05 +0000
by PadjiMx5
Ah jaysus, forgot about needing the light to illuminate for the NCT.
This eve I took the bulb out and now I have that annoying buzzing sound!
Robert, I'll get back to you. I'm in Dublin on Friday so will try and pop into you if you're about.
Will have a chat on the light and I'm also looking for rear light seals if you have them?

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:00 +0000
by hoopsbhoy
Just fit a resistor in it. Maplins 30c job. Check online to see what you need. It will come on and go off with the right one. Otherwise wire it to your engine management light. I done it on my last car as it seemed the easiest way to get it through nct.

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 9:50 +0000
by MX5Spares
I have heard of airbag light being wired to oil or battery light but no really ideal ??? Safety issues ??Either take out bulb for track days or get it repaired.The system is fairly basic so should be easy enough to fix,

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:55 +0000
by Damo
Check for anything under the seat. I had same problem in my Pug 406 and it was the kids pushing stuff under the seat and putting pressure on the wiring. The wiring is light and any strain on the wire will give a false reading to ECU and light will flash. There is a sensor pad in the seat of most cars that lets the ECU know there is somebody sitting in the seat and the connection under the seat can become corroded and will need a quick clean which will also give a fault. Both are an easy fix. I think you need to disconnect the battery and leave for an hour or so before you go at the connection as you do not want to set the airbag off.

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 2:57 +0000
by hoopsbhoy
autocheck wrote:I have heard of airbag light being wired to oil or battery light but no really ideal ??? Safety issues ??Either take out bulb for track days or get it repaired.The system is fairly basic so should be easy enough to fix,



In most cases its because there is an aftermaket wheel fitted with no airbag. Not really a safety issue if the airbag is no longer present. I assumed this to be the case as it's a track car. Although if its a fault somewhere it will probably need to be repaired anyway.

It was the case in my last car but the nct tester himself told me what to do :-). Many aftermarket steering wheels come with the resistor fitted I believe. There is even a box you can buy online for a small fortune to do it but ultimately it's just a resistor.

Re: How to clear airbag flashing light - Mk1

PostPosted: Wed, 27 Mar 2013 1:07 +0000
by PadjiMx5
Cheers for the input lads. Just to clarify, it's not a track-only car. I'm presently using it on the road and will eventually strip it out fully. I just want to get it through the NCT just for piece of mind as much as anything else.

I found this link very helpful for anyone who's interested: http://www.mellens.net/mazda/Mazda-Miata-1994/airbags.pdf

I'm still a bit confused on the airbag code though. As above, mine is doing one long flash then 3 short flashes.
Is this a Code 13 (i.e. 1 for the long flash and 3 for the 3 short flashes)?