I'm new and need your help. My srs light came on after changing my spark plugs. I did not disconnect the battery first. The dealer has tried to clear the computer with no luck. They tell me I have to replace the driver's side airbag module and want $810.00 to repair. Can someone tell me if all the bags are disable now or just the drivers side. Where can I purchase a module and what's involved in changing it? Any help will be great.

Did you or anyone else do any other work on your car? I had the light come on when I did some work on the glove compartment.

I thought that I disconnected the glove box light, but I disconnected the passenger air bag. The light went away after I reconnected the air bag.

SIPS does NOT have anything to do with your air bags. It is a reinforcement of the body to resist side impacts.

See the press release at - www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/pdf/SIPSPressReleaseOct1991.pdf
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 435,000 miles put on 9 bricks

No one else worked on the car. I have an appointment with an independent shop that will scan the system this week. Volvo is telling me the drivers side bag located in the rear of the front seat is bad. Everyone I have spoke too never heard of the bag going bad. Computer modules yes, but not bags unless there was a recall for that car. I cannot find any recalls for that problem so I thought a second opinion is worthwhile. Will keep you posted.

They go bad all the time, but it's usually not the bag. The wiiring for the bag gets chafed or cut from years of rubbing on seat components, and if the 2 wires short to each other or 1 or both breaks, the light comes on. There should be an SRS repaiir terminal and harness available at the dealer. Volvo used to refuse to repair SRS wiring due to liability concerns, but it is now an approved repair.

thanks, your explanation make the most sense. I am getting a second opinion this friday and will keep you posted. Volvo never mentioned a repair.

Changing the spark plugs had nothing to do with the SRS, it wasn't your fault. Yes, once the SRS light comes on the entire system is disabled.

Unfortunately, you can not replace the module yourself and have the code go away. Software has to be down loaded to recognize the new module. The dealer and Volvo will make some money.

Removing the airbag on the steering wheel is not difficult, just 2 screws, so it is not the labor. Ask for a little help on the parts cost, that never hurts. An 8 year old car should not need to have the SRS fixed.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Thanks, They tell me the air bag module is in the side of the drivers seat. To replace it you must remove the seat and also the leather. VOLVO PART 39206303-1.
So all the other bags are disabled because of one? Can it be a faulty connection?

Most likely it is a bad electrical connection. You could check the plugs yourself, with the car turned off. The plugs are under the front of the seat and visible.
Sorry, I misread your post and didn't notice SIPS. The side bag is on the outside of the seat back, under the leather.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Thanks again KlausC. I checked the connections and they were all tight. Should I disconnect them and clean them with elect. cleaner. Should the batt. be disconnected before I attempt this. Last question, are any other bags working now?

I wouldn't think that a SIPS problem would disable the front airbags, they do not talk to each other.
Cleaning the electrical connections cannot hurt, and you don't need to disconnect the battery so long as the key is out of the ignition for the duration.
Because the dealer could not reset the code, it may be that the SIPS is damaged. Replacing the module is not for the faint of heart, but it can be done at home. The only problem is, I believe that the computer must be updated with the new module and you cannot do that.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Thanks again, my biggest fear is none of the airbags would work. I will still drive the car without a driver's side airbag. Can you tell me what is involved in replacing this module and where can it be purchased. I have acess to Alldata pro but can't seem to locate very much about SIPS. You have been a great help.

I am going to send you an email with a PDF that describes an 850/70 SIPS. It only goes up to 1998, but that should give you some ideas.

Remember, even if you fix it the SRS light will still be on. You need access to a Volvo scan tool to turn off the light.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)