Brought my 2001 s40 (130K mi) to the dealer for state inspection today. The SRS light has been on for about a week.

Dealer was able to reset the light and pass the inspection. However, when they drove it out of the shop, the light came back on.

They said it was showing a code for the passenger side airbag and there were 2 options:

1. Clean the contacts and see if that solved the issue - $300
2. Replace the air bag - $1900

I chose option #3: do nothing and try to figure this out on my own.

The SRS light came on after I replaced the battery a few weeks ago; I'm not sure how that translates into a bad passenger side airbag or dirty contacts.

Can I clean the contacts myself? Any other options?

Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.

I'm good for another year on the inspection, but I'm gonna have to deal with this eventually.

 

you can try to read and clear fault code with fault code reader, I recommend you the v-checker, it is cheap and easy to operate.

 

Unfortunately, you can not clear the SRS codes with the standard OBDII code reader.

Check the electrical connections under the passenger seat. It is common for these connections to get bumped by things rolling around the floor.

I had an issue with my '02 S40 where the SRS light came on and the code was for the right side impact sensor. Volvo service replaced the sensor and the light came on the next day. This time the code was for the right side air curtain. Volvo service checked all the electrical harnesses then replaced the curtain. The light came on again the next day and again indicated the right side air curtain. This time they replaced the SRS control module and all was good. All said and done, the bill would have been over $3000 which more than paid for my extended warranty.

My '05 V50 SRS light came on and it was an odd issue where the SRS software had gotten corrupted. Volvo service just did a software update and all was good.

Stan

 

Option Three. My light went on 3 days ago...and I'm gonna get to the bottom of this!

 

I replaced my SRS computer with a junkyard one for cheap.

 

Thanks, Bro Hudini for the input! Greetings from San Francisco, CA. Shanghai looks awesome! Whatever happened to Tech????

Bought my S40 7 yrs. ago w/ 39k miles and it has performed impeccably until 93k.
APPRECIATE your input....as many others surely do. My local dealership is hella sketchy, and this is the first vehicle I have owned that required so much finesse.

I love my little s40...so an SRS light on wont deter me from keeping her. I am so greatful that there are quality peeps like you willing to share their expertise and knowledge here! Namaste!

 

I read another thread where the person claimed to have turned off the light thru a DICE device using VIDA or VADIS.

 

The cause of my SRS "idiot light" woes....electrical cables disconnected. Cleaned and reconnected, but by design---the SRS warning light stays on and the airbags are disabled until the system is inspected and the code is cleared with Volvo proprietary tools. Have an appointment in two days to get her checked---estimated cost (assuming no problems) is $50. USD at an independent shop.


Car now has 109k---s40's are IMO primadonnas that don't age well.

 

Took my s40 to an indie shop. SRS inspected and idiot light cleared. Airbags restored. Still gonna drive like Grandpa.

 

BTW....the disconnected electrical cable was located under the passenger side seat. Orange colored.

 

Y'all ARE disconnecting the battery and letting the system settle into zero voltage mode BEFORE looking at these connectors, aren't you?

Likewise, the procedure for powering up the car is to roll down the windows (first) or leave the door open and reach in to turn the key.

Sorry to be suspicious, but these are pyrotechnic devices over ten years old in many cases...