Airbag light due to connection issue

[Jim-p]

Hi there,

The airbag light has come on in my 2011 avensis and I took it to a main dealer and it turned out to be a connection issue under the driver's seat, this has happened a number of times before and it's always been a connection problem. So they got rid of the light but it returned a day later. They are now saying I may have to replace the seat. I think it is difficult to get a used one although I do have access to used T25 (2008) model. Does anyone know if the T25 and T27 driver seats are compatible?

Thank you

[Devon Aygo]

Open or Short in seat squab is a known issue and will require a new airbag ( you do not need a full seat, the air bag can be purchased separately ) PM your chassis number and I can confirm the part number.

No the seats are not cross compatible from T25 - T27

[Jim-p]

Thanks Devon, how can I troubleshoot this down? Spent alot of time researching this yesterday and nearly all pointed to connection issues - any recommendations. Thinking of purchasing a cheap scanner to read the codes. Will PM the chassis number.

[Corolla2004]

I have the same problem with my 2011 Auris but on the passenger's side. Whenever I move the seat the airbag warning light comes on. I get rid of the light by just wiggling the yellow connector at the underside of the seat at the front with the ignition off & having been off for 15 minutes. A Techstream code reader gave an error code showing a problem with the airbag wiring but didn't add any value knowing the code. Try manipulating the connector slightly & if the light goes out when you turn the ignition on then it will pinpoint the fault.

[Jim-p]

Thanks Corolla2004, that used to work but wouldn't the last time so I took it to the main dealer only to be told it was a connection problem. They fixed it in 15 mins but it was back the following day. I wish I knew what they did. I've gone as far as disconnecting the yellow connector and reseating it. The pins look fine, as does the socket. I've seen folks use WD40 and stuff but I assume that's only if you have moisture problems. How does having the ignition off for 15 mins make a difference? Btw, did you ever get a permanent fix? My better half and I share the car so moving the seat happens almost daily. I suppose I could give her platform shoes - kidding!

[flash22]

Disconnect the Battery for 15 mins before working on the airbag system !!!, It's likely that the issue is with the yellow connector, the female part has spread apart allowing a loose fit (aka a pin fitment issue) or the plastic has worn, and the pin is not going in all the way

 

Now get your minds out of the gutter 😉

you can get a repair harness to replace the plug/socket

 

[Devon Aygo]

Again a known issue on a few models:

BE-0043T-0512

Subject: Intermittent the airbag warning light comes due to a malfunction in a front seat side airbag.

Models: AURIS; AVENSIS; VERSO

Model codes: ADE150; ADE157; ADE186; NDE150; NDE180; NRE150; NRE180; NRE185; WWE185; ZRE151; ZRE152; ZRE185; ZWE150; ZWE186; ZZE150; ADT270; ADT271; ZRT270; ZRT271; ZRT272; AUR20; AUR21; ZGR20; ZGR21

DESCRIPTION OF PHENOMENON Some customers may experience and report that intermittent the airbag warning lights remains ON. DTC B1821/56 (Open in side squib RH circuit) and / or B1826/56 (Open in side squib LH circuit) is stored in the memory of the airbag ECU due to a malfunction in the LH and / or RH front side seat airbag.

PRODUCTION CHANGE The crimping process of the front seat side airbag wire harness connector has been changed and the wire has a tin based coating.

[Jim-p]

12 hours ago, flash22 said:

you can get a repair harness to replace the plug/socket

Thanks flash22, where can I get a repair harness?

[Jim-p]

Thanks all, going to try some more wiggling this morning just to see if I can get it to come off.

After that, well, the journey begins!

Just a quick one, can anyone recommend a good odb2 for 50/60 quid or under please?

[Jim-p]

My wiggling didn't work so I took it an auto electrician. Turns out it wasn't the drivers seat, instead it was the passengers seat. There's a printed circuit board in there that's a little damaged. He cleared the code and it's working away since. If it comes back or the loose connections, which I believe I still have, won't resolve themselves, he said he'd replace the circuit board from a scrap car and replace the connectors under the seat as well. This is why Toyota was telling me I might need a new seat, makes sense now. Anyway, thanks everyone for your reaponses.