Clearing SRS light - reading codes, 1995 C220

[imautoparts]

Hi all, brand new here as I've been frustrated by the lack of decent responses from the 'biggest' w202 forum. I've been reading some past posts and am very impressed with this site. I've found over the years that one of the best things about owning older M-Bs is the quality of support you get from fellow enthusiasts.

I just bought a 1995 C220 (clean, 160K miles) as a project car, as it was languishing with a blown transmission and I had access to a good used one. Looks like I'll have about $1800 in it once the used transmission is installed (I had a complete systems flush and filter change at the same time).

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The SRS light is on - and I'm wondering if I could learn more from you folks about the system.

1. Can Autozone pull SRS codes using their code reader? I know on my '99 they've helped several times with my check engine light.

2. Will codes automatically reset if I pull the positive feed from the battery?

3. What common problems can cause an SRS light?

4. The battery on the car was low enough to require a jump start - can low battery cause SRS light problems?

Thanks!

[Denlasoul]

Hello and welcome.

While I dont have all your answers, here is what I know that may be of help.

3/4 are kinda of related. Having a low battery will cause your SRS lifht to go off.

I am not 100% sure anout the code reader. I personally own oneand have never had to pull codes when SRS light comes on.

Some codes will reset, but IIRC not all and those may be stored.

Hope that helps a bit.

edit: look inside your Owner's Manual. I believe it describes ths components of the SRS. I vaguely remember a sensor in the front passenger seat that involves carseats. It was connected to SRS, that may throw a code your way.

Keep us updated with new information.

[vixen_w202]

I know another way you can get it to go off and at least the passenger-side airbag deploy, but this is really a last-resort option and more something I did when I installed a non-airbag steering wheel. It's totally legal and it keeps the SRS system at least somewhat functional without codes.

Let me know if it comes to that.

[wichipong]

does the SRS light come off after a while? and what you mean by "'biggest' w202 forum"

[imautoparts]

Benzworld.org has a high-volume subforum devoted to the w202.

I don't know if the light will cycle on and off. I purchased the car with a faulty transmission - a replacement is being installed as we speak.

[wichipong]

was active before at benzworld... now just here and mbjunkies....

well ive read that if you remove the instrument cluster without removing the battery, it will trigger the SRS light... Also sometimes when the car is dirty, the seat belt catch may sometimes throw the SRS light.... well those are based on my experience...

[imautoparts]

Any idea on reset procedures once the light is triggered? I know with my '99 detaching the battery for a few minutes clears the CEL codes - but I don't know if this will work for the SRS light or not.

[mbsickness]

If I recall correctly the SRS reset requires the SDS or equivalent. A standard OBDII scanner will not work for SRS codes. Since the light remains on there is a fault other than the buckle. If the buckle was the fault the SRS light would stay on for 30 seconds after engine start but would go out.

[W202FTW]

Off the shelf-code readers will not clear SRS or ABS codes. Try a specialist or indie shop, usually they have the super-expensive MAC or Snap-On readers that can diagnosis the issue and clear codes. Most will probably charge an hour-labor to do so though.

[imautoparts]

I wonder if these code-reset cheapies from ebay work as promised:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-MB-MERC-38-PIN-AIRBAG-OIL-SERVICE-RESET-TOOL-LIGHT-RESETTER-063-/300905958810?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item460f648d9a&vxp=mtr

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