XC90 SRS Service URGENT message

[volvo_bloke]

Hi. this is my first post and have searched but cannot find this issue solved elsewhere. i would love your help.

A message has appeared on the dash saying SRS-Airbag Service Urgent. It is a permanent code (and returns despite clearing it using the plug in code reader (PPC Diagnostic). The code is "SRS-0218 Front left front impact sensor. Faulty signal"

We had a bit too much shoved in round the kids - and it might be that some stuff was pushed under either of the front sides from behind. I have checked the connections visually and cannot see anything wrong but i am not sure which connections are to do with the SRS system.

Does anyone know if there are any common xc90 (05) faults which would result in this code?

Which coloured connectors relate to the SRS system under the seats - or is this a red herring for this code?

Any suggestions to make this go away before my hols and make Mrs D happy?

Any help very much appreciated.
PS - there hasn't been any work on the electrics of any system on the car - the fault appeared a couple of hundred miles in on a long journey with a car full of kids and luggage.

[grass hopper]

Hi,this sensor is under the n/s headlamp if I remember right,the headlamp is easily removed by lifting up 2 steel bars then the headlamps pop out,the sensor should be visible bolted to the panel underneath,the connections can corrode.

[volvo_bloke]

thanks grass hopper. i am familiar with the two tabs (assuming they are the right angle steels pulls just above the lap unit under the bonnet). Once I am in there is the sensor and its connections obvious?

Sounds like looking for internal connections was a red herring - unless they all terminate under there.

Do i need to disconnect the battery if the ignition is off as i am not worried about other fault codes because they can be cleared with he ppc but do not want to set off the airbags!

thanks for the speedy reply.

[grass hopper]

i would disconnect the battery then wait 10 minutes,the sensor is mounted with 1 small bolt.

[volvo_bloke]

thanks. will give it a go tomorrow. it that more common than issues the other end where it connects to the srs computer? Do you know where the connections to the computer are just in case? Thanks again.

[grass hopper]

the srs module is well hidden under the centre console,its bolted to the floor on a metal bracket just behind the gear lever.

[D5Gill]

Originally Posted by volvo_bloke

Hi. this is my first post and have searched but cannot find this issue solved elsewhere. i would love your help.

A message has appeared on the dash saying SRS-Airbag Service Urgent. It is a permanent code (and returns despite clearing it using the plug in code reader (PPC Diagnostic). The code is "SRS-0218 Front left front impact sensor. Faulty signal"

We had a bit too much shoved in round the kids - and it might be that some stuff was pushed under either of the front sides from behind. I have checked the connections visually and cannot see anything wrong but i am not sure which connections are to do with the SRS system.

Does anyone know if there are any common xc90 (05) faults which would result in this code?

Which coloured connectors relate to the SRS system under the seats - or is this a red herring for this code?

Any suggestions to make this go away before my hols and make Mrs D happy?

Any help very much appreciated.
PS - there hasn't been any work on the electrics of any system on the car - the fault appeared a couple of hundred miles in on a long journey with a car full of kids and luggage.

where did you get the PPC diagnostic? I need to get hold of one to clear my airbag light too

[volvo_bloke]

i got it from nordic direct http://nordicpartsdirect.co.uk/

[volvo_bloke]

hi everyone/ grass hopper

thanks for your help. Checked out all the connections for the front sensor both left (as per message) and right. unfortunately the code still instantly reappears. Just to double check - i am looking at the 1" x 2" plate with a two wire connector and a white raised rectangular section in the centre of the sensor which is sitting horizontally on the cross member just behind/ under where the headlamp locates? If that is the sensor then i can only think of four main options:
1. sensor faulty
2. wire faulty
3. SRS cpu (or connection to it) faulty.
4. Code reader cannot clear code (contrary to what they say)

Any suggestions anyone. Getting a bit desperate.

[grass hopper]

yes that will be it, a new substitute and test will be the only way,there could be a special tool that has the same resistance as the sensor to test,only a main dealer will have this.

DON'T PUT A MULTIMETER ON THE WIRES AT THE SENSOR SIDE !!!

THIS COULD SET OF THE AIR BAGS.