SRS airbag fault

[PeterAllen]

Out of the blue our 1996 P38 4.6l started getting an intermittent SRS airbag fault coming up. When I say intermittent I mean it will come on for a few seconds and then go off and then on and off.
Have read that you should check some wires under the drivers seat. As there are a hundred wires under there what exactly am I looking for and where abouts is it?
Other than the computer I could only see two sets of wires that had a connector..or should I start somewhere else.

[Scouse]

I don't think there's any SRS wiring under the RR seats - it's a problem in the D2s but the RR doesn't have pre-tensioners like the D2.
The SRS wiring is easy to spot as it's all encased in yellow loom tube.

Do you have any problems with your steering wheel controls? Or does the fault only appear when turning the steering wheel?
If so, it could indicate a problem with the spiral cassette.

If not, you might need to have some diagnostic gear hooked up to see what's going on.

[PeterAllen]

Hi Scouse,
The fault appears without touching the sterring wheel.
It appears when I turn the engine on and then comes on and off repeatedly. Could it have anything to do with the high humidity and rain we have been having as I know it effects other electrics in the car cabin for unknow reasons such as the air con. sreeen goes blank.

[Scouse]

I shouldn't think it'd be related to the other faults. Generally, the SRS system is on it's own separate circuit as it's a critical system.

Coming on & off for a few seconds could indicate a poor connection somewhere. Do you have any leaks into the cabin at all?

[PeterAllen]

No she is pretty good in that regard, haven't seen any water enter the cabin or drips on the floor etc. If I was to track down the SRS wiring where would I start?

[wayneg]

I am pretty sure all the wires and plugs to the SRS system are bright yellow so they are easily identified. Just have a look under the seats and they are clearly visible. Cant remember what its technical name is but there is a electrical coupling under the steering wheel that takes the radio feeds , cruise and srs signals, that might be worth investigating, maybe some switch cleaner

[Rupert Prior]

do you get an SRS warning light and a message in the display?
normally when you have an SRS fault it stays until the memory is cleared so if it is going on and off it could possibly a fault in the dash or becm.
if you are in the area drop by and i will have a quick look.

[RR P38]

Is there a period of time at which you must change your air bag modules?
ie, 10 years 15 years?
I know for sure that my Disco 2 has a 10yr notice in the manual.
I believe that later model cars have a 15yr service interval.

My SRS light has been on for 2 years i have checked every connection i can find to no avail.:(

[Scouse]

Give Rupert a try - he might be able to pinpoint where the problem is.

BTW, how do you get through rego with the SRS light on?

[RR P38]

Pull the bulb out:o.
Air bag is about 2k per side by the look of it.
Fitting????? $s

[Gippslander]

I have been looking at purchasing a P38 for some time but from reading all the chat sections and forums it seems they have a lot of serious issues. I have previously had two Disco's and they were great, at present i have a Nissan GU which i intend to keep just wanted a P38 for my personnel play vehicle but i am having reservations. I had intended to trick it up for the bush and those outback trips we all dream of. Are they worth it or should i pick something else. I am a diesel mechanic by trade and specilized in large engines upto 3,000 hp so feel confident to repair if necessary just don't want to be doing it every week.:(

[Hoges]

Range Rover P38/4.0/4.6 Common Problems and Fixes (http://rangerovers.net/newrremedies.htm)
good luck...!

[Gippslander]

Thanks for the quick reply i don't know if i will live long enough to read all the details but i still want one, should i go for the earlier model 1990ish.

[RR P38]

Go for the 95-2001.
The P38 leaves the D2 for dead.
If you drive the RR you will always remember it.
I bought a TD5 4 months ago, i have just sold it and gone back to the P38.
It is way easier to work on than the TD5 and is a great drivers car.
Only draw back is the fuel consumption.
Now if i could have the TD5 engine in my P38 i would be wrapped.

[wayneg]

Back on the subject of SRS... unusually had a car full of people on a trip out yesterday and the SRS warning light appeared after they had all got out. A quick unplug - replug of the SRS front seat connectors and the warning is gone.

[Grumbles]

Won't plugging in a diagnostic tool help pinpoint the problem?

[PeterAllen]

Thanks guys, have just got back and played with the wires under the seat last weekend. Presto problem is gone and hasn't returned. Wife has been driving it all week with no faults.
Thanks for the advise.

[RR P38]

Thanks guys, have just got back and played with the wires under the seat last weekend. Presto problem is gone and hasn't returned. Wife has been driving it all week with no faults.
Thanks for the advise.

I take it that you have side air bags?
If i can get rid of my fault from the dash my wife will love me nearly as much as she loves the Rangie.
Im going out to look under the seat, but i dont recal seeing any yellow wires under there.