Airbag light and NCT

monseiur

O/h car, Audi A4 1.9 TDI, air bag light came on as she was driving along 2 days ago, it did this once or twice before but returned to normal when engine was turned off and on again - but this time it's on permanent.
I understand it's a common problem with Audi, bad connections in wiring under seat etc.
The car is due NCT in 2 weeks and she doesn't want to spend a pile of money repairing this light as she plans to trade in the car under the scrappage scheme in April.
So my question is - if the light bulb/diode that lights the air bag light in the dash was removed will the NCT tester pick up on it ? I understand it's supposed to light up and then knock off when engine is switched on. Is this something they check?
The car is fine otherwise and always passed NCT first time no issues.
Thanks all
M.

tossy

Yes they will pick up on it. Just get someone to scan the car and reset the fault. Where are you based ?

I think it's backward thinking: A safety system doesn't work and the system warns you. You disable the warning instead of fixing the fault (probably for free in your case).

When I bought a merc long time ago the airbag light was not working. When I replaced the bulb the SRS light was on. The reason for it was that a connector under the drivers seat was intermittent. Took 5 minutes to solder the connection, and as it took me an hour to get to the instrument cluster I'd say the original "mechanic" would have been better off doing the first.

Buffman

monseiur wrote: »

So my question is - if the light bulb/diode that lights the air bag light in the dash was removed will the NCT tester pick up on it ? I understand it's supposed to light up and then knock off when engine is switched on. Is this something they check?

Yes, they do check and it is a fail.

Also, when the warning light is on, the airbags 'fail-safe' and deactivate completely, so they won't work in an accident.

livingthedream

samih wrote: »

I think it's backward thinking: A safety system doesn't work and the system warns you. You disable the warning instead of fixing the fault (probably for free in your case).

When I bought a merc long time ago the airbag light was not working. When I replaced the bulb the SRS light was on. The reason for it was that a connector under the drivers seat was intermittent. Took 5 minutes to solder the connection, and as it took me an hour to get to the instrument cluster I'd say the original "mechanic" would have been better off doing the first.

+1 Did the same with a 5 series I had years ago....

The under seat connections are a universal problem with almost all makes as especially the driver's seat is regularly moved to cater for different drivers. In some cars the wiring under the front seats is also badly protected from feet of the rear seat passengers.

Pkiernan

tossy wrote: »

Yes they will pick up on it. Just get someone to scan the car and reset the fault. Where are you based ?

Great advice

DenMan

I passed my NCT this morning with flying colours (Toyota Avensis). I got the airbag light fixed very recently by my Toyota dealer as there were recalls done by Toyota because of safety issues. They sent a letter in the post to me advising the fault be repaired. It is an instant fail for an NCT I have been told. Best get it seen to asap OP. Good luck with your NCT.

monseiur

Thanks all for replies, have passed on your advice to '' she who must be obeyed'' and she has decided to have it fixed properly.....and is now considering keeping the car for another year!
M.