Air Bag Warning Light Reset

Introduction

This procedure resets the air bag warning light on all 944 models equipped with air bags. It is typically required when the steering wheel (and therefore the air bag) is removed for work on the dash, instrument cluster, or steering column switches.

Note: This procedure does not work on the 968. The 968 requires a Bosch Hammer diagnostic tool to reset the air bag warning light.

Under the dash on the passenger's side (LHD), there is a white Molex connector with three female pins. The center pin (Pin #2) receives a ground connection in a specific timed sequence to reset the warning light. The ground can be made with a jumper wire fitted with a pin connector at one end, or with the tinned bare end of a wire — either way, the fit in the pin must be snug so the wire does not fall out.

The Porsche part number for the correct connector pin is 171.971.998 B. This connector is also available from electronics suppliers — try several small pin connector sizes to find the correct fit.

Tools

For two-jumper method:

• One jumper with a pin connector (or tinned bare wire) on one end and an alligator clip on the other (approximately 3 feet)
• One jumper with alligator clips on both ends (approximately 3 feet)
• Stopwatch, watch with a sweep second hand, or digital watch displaying seconds

Alternative — test rig (pushbutton method):

A purpose-made test rig simplifies timing. The rig uses a momentary contact SPST pushbutton switch (spring-loaded, closed while pressed, open when released) in series with the ground connection.

Components are available from electronics retailers. The pushbutton switch is a momentary SPST type.

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Procedure — Two Jumpers

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
2. Insert the pin connector (or bare tinned wire end) into Pin #2 of the white Molex connector under the passenger-side dash. Route the alligator clip end toward the driver's seat.
3. Clip the second jumper (alligator-to-alligator) to a ground point — the metal door latch is commonly used. Route the other end toward the driver's seat.
4. Connect the alligator clip ends of both jumpers together (grounding Pin #2).
5. Turn the ignition switch to ON (run position) — do not start the car.
6. After five seconds, disconnect the jumpers.
7. Wait five seconds.
8. Reconnect the jumpers to ground Pin #2.
9. After five seconds, disconnect the jumpers.
10. Wait five seconds.
11. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
12. Start the car. The air bag warning light should extinguish after approximately 10 seconds.

If the light does not clear, repeat the procedure. After three unsuccessful attempts, the air bag system has a fault that must be diagnosed and repaired before the light will reset (see ELECT-14 for fault code reading).

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Procedure — Test Rig (Pushbutton)

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
2. Insert the test rig pin connector into Pin #2 of the Molex connector under the passenger-side dash.
3. Connect the alligator clip on the test rig to a ground point (the metal door latch is commonly used).
4. Depress and hold the pushbutton on the test rig.
5. Turn the ignition switch to ON — do not start the car.
6. After five seconds from ignition ON, release the pushbutton.
7. After five seconds, depress and hold the pushbutton again for five seconds.
8. Release the pushbutton and turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Remove the test rig.
10. Start the car. The air bag warning light should extinguish after approximately 10 seconds.

If the light does not clear, repeat the procedure. After three unsuccessful attempts, the system has a fault requiring repair.