Fiat Ducato Airbag Warning Lights (again)

[DDJC]

I have searched though the forum, but nothing yet answers my question.
I have three lights on and it beeps intermittently
The lights are:

My questions are:
1) Is/are the airbags working in the event of a front ender, notwithstanding the warning lights?
2) The 'seatbelt' light is not correct as both seatbelts were securely fitted. Could this be a fault that affects the airbag system? Or could the airbags system cause the seatbelt light to be on?
3) Is there anyway to deactivate the passenger airbag manually? Like most cars can?
4) Is it a self fix, or Fiat Commercial job?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MichaelT]

Airbag ECU failure, thete should be a warning message on display too. Get Fiat to replace, about 350 to 400 but you get warranty.

 

[DDJC]

Airbag ECU failure, thete should be a warning message on display too. Get Fiat to replace, about 350 to 400 but you get warranty.

Thanks. Would the ECU failure cause all three lights to be on?

 

[MichaelT]

You can try to make sure the plugs are securely in place under the seats.

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks. Would the ECU failure cause all three lights to be on?

Yes and if a light is on the airbags won't deploy.
As Michael says get it done by a Fiat dealer the repairers are a waste of time.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[DDJC]

Just tried to ring the two nearest Fiat commercial centres. Minimum two month wait! Ouch.
We have trips booked, so I revert to my question 1. Will the airbags work, even though the warning light is on?

 

[MichaelT]

Just tried to ring the two nearest Fiat commercial centres. Minimum two month wait! Ouch.
We have trips booked, so I revert to my question 1. Will the airbags work, even though the warning light is on?

No

 

[buzz1]

Probably a long shot but check wire under seat or as # 4 ,
about a year ago I had some work done and wire was accidentally left in way of seat mechanism
and I was when spinning seat. It cut the wire causing light to come on . Repaired wire and light went off

 

[DDJC]

No

Oh f###

 

[DDJC]

No

Well, it will be like driving a pre-1995 motorhome then!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonka]

My first task would be to buy / borrow a OBD reader and check what fault code is...
IF it's the ECU there are many threads on here and videos on youtube about changing.
As mentioned already the repair companies seem to be 50/50 at best and give no guarantee.

If your in a rush.
DIY: it's 3 bolts and 2 electrical connectors, 1/2 hour job BUT then you need someone with software to "proxi align" ie match the new part to your vehicle. I fitted mine, drove to a local garage who did it for £40.
You can buy the part from Fiat or a few select suppliers but make sure you get the correct one as there are a few variants as far as i know.

Air Bag Control Unit ECU - Fiat Ducato 2018>

Air bag electronic control unit ECU to fit certain versions of the Fiat Ducato from 2018 onwards. Please contact us with your chassis number to confirm compatibility 46858203

www.partsworld-uk.com

 

[clanjones]

As an alternative I had my 'repaired' by Northern Autotec over 15 months ago and so far no issues. This is not guaranteed and many people have had a subsequent failure after a few weeks with other places that apparently 'repair' them, so belt and braces is a new one if you can get one. As tonka says it is not dificult to remove and replace but you will need to get it proxy aligned. There seem to be a lot of parts issues with Fiat, I am waiting for a replacement diesel filter water sensor under warranty (long story) and that is on back order.

 

[Abacist]

My airbag issue was triggered by a dying low voltage cab battery. Sent away for reprogramming and it got me out of a fix as returned in a week and airbag light now gone out. I did not have the seatbelt warning lights on.

 

[clanjones]

I also replaced the cab battery, which to be fair was 7 years old - this was recommended by Norhtern Autec

 

[DDJC]

My first task would be to buy / borrow a OBD reader and check what fault code is...
IF it's the ECU there are many threads on here and videos on youtube about changing.
As mentioned already the repair companies seem to be 50/50 at best and give no guarantee.

If your in a rush.
DIY: it's 3 bolts and 2 electrical connectors, 1/2 hour job BUT then you need someone with software to "proxi align" ie match the new part to your vehicle. I fitted mine, drove to a local garage who did it for £40.
You can buy the part from Fiat or a few select suppliers but make sure you get the correct one as there are a few variants as far as i know.

Air Bag Control Unit ECU - Fiat Ducato 2018>

Air bag electronic control unit ECU to fit certain versions of the Fiat Ducato from 2018 onwards. Please contact us with your chassis number to confirm compatibility 46858203

www.partsworld-uk.com

I have considered getting an OBD reader in the past. I am just worried about pressing the wrong button and killing the bus stone dead. The Missus would have my marbles in a jar on the mantlepiece if I did that.

Which OBD reader is best for a Fiat Ducato and where is the socket that you plug it into?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[JRT]

The airbags and seat belts are all interlinked electronically as part of the vehicle Supplementary restraint system, commonly known as SRS a fault in any part including the under seat wiring will cause a fault indication on all parts of the system. But the ECU is a very common fault. Pretty poor on the part of FIAT really.

Also note - if your MOT is due the airbag/SRS light on is a fail.

 

[tonka]

I have considered getting an OBD reader in the past. I am just worried about pressing the wrong button and killing the bus stone dead. The Missus would have my marbles in a jar on the mantlepiece if I did that.

Which OBD reader is best for a Fiat Ducato and where is the socket that you plug it into?

Assuming you have a RHD. It's down to the right of the stering wheel, behind a panle held with 2 screws.
I wont recommend a reader because there are so many. For years i had a very basic sub £10 off ebay with helped with some very basic fault codes and some could be cleared. When i had the air bag issue i bought the Autel AP200 £50 ish which had more dedicated sortware for the Fiat.
Really depends on your budget and what you plan to do.
Multiecuscan is also software you can buy online for use on a laptop (leads extra) then you can do your own "proxi alignment" but i never went down that route, mainly because i didnt have a laptop.

 

[Boldly]

Seem to remember on another thread(sorry can't find it now) there was a company who would copy your ECU onto the new one so you didn't need the proxi alignment as the van thinks it is still the old one.

 

[oldiesontour]

Look up multieuscan online you can download a free version that can be used in simulation mode to see what it can do.
If you already have a laptop then lead set not expensive and software licence £50 let's you do and see pretty much as main stealer.All the info is on website also alphaobd again all info on website

 

[DDJC]

Look up multieuscan online you can download a free version that can be used in simulation mode to see what it can do.
If you already have a laptop then lead set not expensive and software licence £50 let's you do and see pretty much as main stealer.All the info is on website also alphaobd again all info on website

Had a look at their website. OMG. Is it in Greek?
Laptop. Tick
Download free version. Tick
Lead set. Which one?!! What "type" is my Ducato? 250? 290? God knows!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Boldly]

250 has the big headlights pre2014 I think. 290 after with smaller headlights.

 

[oldiesontour]

I would suggest maybe if that much is totally Greek you may be better using someone who has the diagnostic equipment,.most decent independent garages will be able to do it as auto electricians.You could ring a few local garages(if they can't they will almost certainly use someone that can) or try Google..diesel tuning or adblue delete followed by your post code (there are plenty of airbag ECU's on eBay,used ,recon and new,to give you an idea of price.If you get diagnostics done and is faulty ECU easy fit back to whoever did diagnostics for alignment (while u wait10 mins max £40)

 

[oldiesontour]

Just seen your in Chapel, J D Birch Sutton,or a specialist firm in Mabo,will try and find the name,but Birch will probably be able to do it

 

[oldiesontour]

Just seen your in Chapel, J D Birch Sutton,or a specialist firm in Mabo,will try and find the name,but Birch will probably be able to do it

D.B.vehicle electrics Mablethorpe have a website I emailed got a quote within a few hours for adblue delete( really knows his stuff)

 

[DDJC]

Just seen your in Chapel, J D Birch Sutton,or a specialist firm in Mabo,will try and find the name,but Birch will probably be able to do it

In Chapel? Mabo??

Where is that?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[oldiesontour]

Sorry must have looked at wrong avatar

 

[SexyThexy]

Sorry you have this issue, I had it last year, it is bloody annoying, not in the least because there is conflicting information as to what causes it - low / high battery voltage, vehicle starting routine, wind direction....
I bought a new one, off ebay in the end, as I couldn't source one (3 month back order from Fiat at that time)
I then bought the multiscan software and the leads and followed the excellent instructions on here to reset (Proxi Scan) and, fingers crossed all has been well since then.
If you want to borrow the laptop (windows tablet actually) and leads / cables I am happy to lend it out, if you pay the postage.
Which ever way you decide to go, good luck.

 

[Blaydon]

Hi there. We had this a few months ago. Local mechanics could identify that the ECU was toast but we had to go to Fiat Commercial for the replacement. I went to HTC Croydon who did it in about an hour. They keep the units in stock as they fail a lot. £500 inc VAT. The part was £300.

 

[DDJC]

Hi there. We had this a few months ago. Local mechanics could identify that the ECU was toast but we had to go to Fiat Commercial for the replacement. I went to HTC Croydon who did it in about an hour. They keep the units in stock as they fail a lot. £500 inc VAT. The part was £300.

Thanks very much.

HTC Croydon told me yesterday that they had a two month waiting list, minimum. As I am a DIY dunce, I am going to bite the bullet and get on their list.
How long did it take? Is it something you can wait around for? I fancy a spot of lunch at Wing Yips round the corner!!

 

[DDJC]

Sorry you have this issue, I had it last year, it is bloody annoying, not in the least because there is conflicting information as to what causes it - low / high battery voltage, vehicle starting routine, wind direction....
I bought a new one, off ebay in the end, as I couldn't source one (3 month back order from Fiat at that time)
I then bought the multiscan software and the leads and followed the excellent instructions on here to reset (Proxi Scan) and, fingers crossed all has been well since then.
If you want to borrow the laptop (windows tablet actually) and leads / cables I am happy to lend it out, if you pay the postage.
Which ever way you decide to go, good luck.

That is so kind of you. I have laptops and can download the software. The cables and the instructions are the issue. As is my inherent cowardice, about the almost certainty of me killing the bus ECU stone dead; not least because I would swiftly follow it courtesy of Mrs DDJC! I have seen new sensor ECUs for about £300 from Fiat. If only they sold courage with it ...

Gonna pay Fiat Professional to do it. Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions.