dexmex88

So I take my car to get inspected today. Little did I know that I was about to fail miserably. My air bag light and Abs light is on. Since when does that automatically make you fail. Then I fing out my horn doesn't work, my front right signal light is out, and my tag lights are out. Then my defroster doesn't work. I knew about the defroster though, but I didn't know that would make you fail. Then Mazda tells me that the air bag light thing could be a problem, that if my "Module" was bad it could cost $1,500 to replace! WHat the hell are they talking about? Module? Air bag light! $1,500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gdnimr0d

iTrader: (4)

sounds like you need some local shop help...does anyone know of a good rx-7 around virginia that can help this guy out?

Railgun

Meaning if your air bag module is dead, you might need a replacement. The module is the big *** thing that blows up in your face if you crash it.

The only thing that a local shop will do is tell you the same thing if it is in fact the problem.

If you're close to Malloy, go there. They're in Woodbridge.

Also, don't take this the wrong way, but seems that you've got some studying up to do on it.

dexmex88

Well The car isn't going back into the shop, it has been there for 3 months straight. If I have to I will just cut some wires to make the light go off and get it inspected somewhere else. But I just don't understand how it could cost $1,500?? The car was at a shop, RotorSports Racing, and they told me that they had had a couple of cars that had the problem of air bag light staying on, but that they didn't know why. Anyone know what I can do, there is no way in hell I would ever pay a 1/4 of that much for something like that!!!!

RXtacy

iTrader: (7)

The air bag module is basically the air bag it's self, and I'm sure you know that air bags are rediculously expensive. Which is why when cars get broken into often they are missing a stereo and the airbag

dexmex88

But the shop I went to checked the airbag and they said everything was alright?

mad_7tist

with the horn not working and the airbag light on i would be interested in the clock spring and connections behind the wheel

dexmex88

Really!! That adds up! I set the alarm off a while back to see if the horns work and Wala! They do, but not when you press the button! Also the alarm wouldn't shut off so I had to disconnect the battery cable.

RXtacy

iTrader: (7)

Check out the NE section there's a sticky with the shops in the area, what part of VA do you live in?

dexmex88

I live near Roanoke, but dude, I have no money! It has been in a shop for a good time now and I just got it back!

speeddemon7

so you still have the stock steering wheel? if so then just replace the thing with a aftermarket steering wheel.When I bought my car it came with a grant steering wheel already. the airbag lights been flashing all the time.But its not a big deal.You can always remove the bulb so it doesnt flash anymore.Just a suggestion.

SiKoPaThX

iTrader: (2)

Sorry but you should know about more than half of this stuff without someone else having to point this out. Get a buddy and check out your connections. I bet half of this stuff is due to that. I also question a shop that does work and says they see this problem on several cars. I've had 2 FD's and am on the forums a lot and I NEVER have seen **** about the airbag light coming on.

SiKoPaThX

iTrader: (2)

Wait...scratch that...the airbag light came on in my first FD...WHEN IT EXPLODED IN MY FACE!

dexmex88

I mean I will do anything but pay that much to fix that. Maybe it is connectons. I have done a ton of stuff to the car, It was in about 100 pieces when I got it.

speeddemon7

well bro if you dont mind having an airbag then get yourself a aftermarket steering wheel and call it a day.The car feels much tighter with a smaller steering wheel.cheap fix as well.

dexmex88

So I can just replace to an aftermarket wheel and they can't say anything? About how much for an aftermarket wheel and where to get one?

scotty305

iTrader: (2)

If your aftermarket wheel does not have an airbag, your airbag will still register as being disconnected. a bit more info here. https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/airbag-light-flashing-47343/
I've read somewhere on this forum that you can remove the airbag computer (seperate component from the air bag deployment module) and cause the light to quit turning on, but I couldn't find a thread.
Good luck,
-s-

dexmex88

So Could I just take out the light though?

maxcooper

I find it hard to believe that a problem with a defroster would make it impossible to register your car (which I assume is the consequence of "failing the inspection"). Before you fix anything, find out what you really need to fix to drive the car.

-Max

wstrohm

dexmex88,

My "1994 Body Electrical Troubleshooting Manual" (page S-9) says that an airbag light that stays on (does not flash) means a damaged diagnostic module or poor connection of the diagnostic module connector. They give a procedure for checking that out, which basically says "Make sure the diagnostic module connectors are properly connected, and if not, reconnect. If OK, replace the diagnostic module."

Please note that the "diagnostic module" is a box of electronics, NOT THE AIR BAG module in the steering wheel. It is mounted (in the '94) to the right of the driver's right leg, on the left side of the central tunnel under the instrument panel. It's a flattish, squarish box with two long skinny connectors on the edge facing the rear of the car.

Check out the connections on that box. However, please be aware that there is a known defect on the '90 - '93 Miata airbag diagnostic module that sometimes causes this problem. There are electrolytic capacitors inside the diagnostic module that can leak electrolyte onto the internal printed circuit card. The module can be fixed, if that is the problem, by someone familiar with electronic repairs. Basically the capacitors have to be replaced and the printed circuit board cleaned.

---- Bill

dexmex88

Thanks, I'll check that.

J.S.J

The horn and the airbag wiring normally are not on the same circuit. I can't speak for Mazda but airbag wiring is different and must have gold connectors and much higher quality material. The bag and the Modula again normally are not in the same place. Normally there is a separate sensing and diagnostic Modula. That's the guy who triggers the bag. The impact sensors are on the sub frame of the bumper and if unplugged etc will trigger the light as well. A fuse, unplugged harness will turn on the light too. If the steering rack or shaft is disconnected and the steering wheel is spun free more than 3 times in one direction it will likely snap off the coiled up wiring in the steering column and the light will come on. The system is well protected against open circuits and will turn on the light by default. The SDM turns off the light when it passes all the internal tests. Get a manual and read up on the system, locate the connections, fuses etc.

turbojeff

iTrader: (30)

The module is under the dash, the airbag is in the steering wheel.

I had a FD with an airbag light that wouldn't go out. Everything checked out, swapped out componets, nothing fixed it but 2 wks later it went out. Then I took the steering wheel off for unrelated issues, airbag light back on. 2wks later it went out.

Since your car has a few problems I'd say you have a harness that may have been rubbed through.

anobii

Damn if it aint one thing it's another, huh? I might be able to help you out. Where abouts did you take it to get it inspected? There's only two places I know of that are worth a crap near rocky mount, bolens garage in boones mill and peters automotive repair on 220 past 619 minute market. If you havent already, take it to peters first, he's usually there till about 7 or 8 pm. Look him up in the phone book for the address, it's down a little dinky *** 1 lane road. He inspected my car with no cats, no seat belts and my abs light has been on since I've owned my car, but you didn't hear that from me. Do fix the minor stuff though (tag, signal lights, and horn) he may not be THAT leiniant. Not saying it'd be a 100% sucess, but you would have a better chance than most of the local shops, especially the ones in town. Bolens i've heard is still a good place, been a long tome since I've been there tho. They've had there liscense pulled a couple of times in the past year or so, they may have cracked down.

VA inspections are total BS, they'll scrape any and all stickers off of any glass without asking, as it "impedes visability". They'll reject it if the head lights don't put out a certian lumens or the headlights are out of adjustment for that matter. Small price to pay for no smog tests I guess.

The airbag I would just remove, get an aftermarket wheel and be done with it, same with the abs, but thats just me, simplicity is bliss. Just be very careful removing the factory steering wheel, if the air bag goes off during removal you would be doomed. In the meantime you could always just unhook the bulbs or neatly put electrical tape over the lights, they'll never notice. Check fuses and relay's for the defroster. I know FC's have an air mix motor and the logicon which are prone to failure, maybe FD's are similar? Ebay is my best friend

Also, be sure to scrape the rejection sticker off before you take it in, so whoever's doing the inspection dosent know what was previously wrong with the car.

BTW, your probibly wondering just who the hell? Remeber the black FC, in town last saturday, thats me.

Thought I'd help a rotor out,

-E

badass7

OK, Most likely that is what it is. I have the same problem BUT only with the airbag light being on. As my mech. and I were looking through the manual troubleshooting there were only 2 poss. failures.

1. The Clock spring connections

2. Airbag module that sits on the wall near yor right leg. You can get those all day long if you post under the Parts Section on this Forum.


My clock spring connection checked out and it turned out to be my Airbag module.