Volvo 850R (1997) SRS-212 Drivers Air Bag, OC or CAP too Low

[quantum_man]

Good afternoon chaps,

I'm having a bit of trouble with an OBDII fault code in my 1997 Volvo 850R (manual).

Basically, I'm getting an SRS fault code 212 and the SRS light is on. I've not had the car long but I understand the dash was off / steering wheel removed when a previous owner was repairing the Air Con.

I've heard that the drivers airbag needs to be removed / replaced carefully as the wires for the SRS can be broken. However I've not yet taken the steering wheel off. All I have is some OBDII software and the following screenshot:



If I try and clear the code, it comes straight back up... so I guess a circuit could be physically broken?

Can anyone confirm my suspicions or help me understand what this error code means?!

Any help / advice is greatly appreciated…

[Rockatansky]

VADIS gives the following info for code SRS-212:

Condition

If resistance in the circuit is too high or capacitance too low for over 10 seconds, the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) SRS-212 is stored.


Possible source

Resistance too high
-Open-circuit in SRS ignition cable or connectors between steering wheel module and SRS sensor module.
-Open-circuit in steering wheel module (resistance too high in igniter).
-Open-circuit in contact reel.
Capacitance too low
-Capacitance too low or open circuit in the SRS ignition cable igniter connector capacitor.


Fault symptom[s]
-No symptoms apart from the SRS warning lamp coming on.
Warning! There is a risk that the SRS steering wheel module will not work if this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is posted.
Warning! Under no circumstances use an ohmmeter or other live measuring instrument to take readings on a disconnected non deployed steering wheel module. This could deploy the airbag!

[quantum_man]

Thanks, think there could be a broken connection between the steering wheel and airbag... will have a look when I get a chance.

Bit nervous about setting the airbag off!!!

[morgrp]

It will more than likely be the ribbon feed that allows the wheel to turn whilst still providing power to the airbag They are known to fail - especially if someone has been dicking about with steering wheel and not been careful - If you have a mate with an 850 you could try swapping the wheel centres around to see if it eliminates the problem - in which case a new airbag is needed - I'd buy a second hand one from a scrap yard - but some people would disagree with this (chances are your airbag is "out of date" anyway) - They unscrew from the back of the steering wheel - just make sure the donor car has it's battery disconnected first so as not to give it a fault code too. They are "quite" safe but disconnect the battery on your car too and handle them with care - The Sips bags are the dangerous ones - The are self contained within the seat and are mechanically operated like a shot gun cartridge - indeed, kick the plastic coin tray at the side of the seat or drop it when removing one and it can activate the sips bag!!! - Volvo actually supply a safety device clipped to the inside of the plastic pannel to isolate them, any I digress....

[quantum_man]

Thanks for the tip, as it happens I have another 850 so will try and swap the airbag units.

I actually removed a badly worn drivers seat from an 850 recently and know what you mean about the SIPS. Was like handling a bomb, although didn't set it off. Quite tempted to get a long stick and activate it to see what happens though!!

Anyway, got the Lambda light on now on my main 850R (1997, manual) and just been quoted £200 for a new O2 sensor from Volvo. Found a "NEW BOSCH O2 OXYGEN LAMBDA SENSOR VOLVO 850 2.3 R 95-97" on ebay for a lot less but do you reckon it'll fit? Also are they any better / worse than the standard Volvo part?

The car's running ok still but fuel consumption is down by around 5-10 mpg. Are any special tools required for removing the O2 sensor (if that's what's needed)?

Cheers!

[Rockatansky]

quantum_man said:

Anyway, got the Lambda light on now on my main 850R (1997, manual) and just been quoted £200 for a new O2 sensor from Volvo. Found a "NEW BOSCH O2 OXYGEN LAMBDA SENSOR VOLVO 850 2.3 R 95-97" on ebay for a lot less but do you reckon it'll fit? Also are they any better / worse than the standard Volvo part?

The car's running ok still but fuel consumption is down by around 5-10 mpg. Are any special tools required for removing the O2 sensor (if that's what's needed)?

Cheers!

I recently replaced the front 02 sensor on the S70R. I bought a Bosch one off ebay for £60 ish. The part that came off the car (the original from new) was a Bosch part with the same number, so I'd say you'll probably be ok.

I used an o2 sensor socket but I dare say you might get away with a large shifter or grips, but TBH I'd just buy the socket.

[quantum_man]

What year is your S70R? Is it manual with the std exhaust? My 850R uses the early V70 2.3 with 250 BHP... not sure whether we'd have the same O2 sensor but if I've got the Bosch one as on ebay that would be a result! Of course, might not be the O2 sensor at all and could be something like the MAF?! Will investigate at the weekend and see what I find.

Cheers,

[Rockatansky]

The S70 is 1998 and it is manual. I replaced the downpipe with a 3" BSR part and it was just after doing that my o2 sensor threw a wobbly. I've never had a recurrence of the code since replacing the sensor.

I have a vague recollection that the sensors are Bosch until the phase 2 cars, and then it gets a bit harder to get a cheaper good quality alternative.

Check the Bosch part finder here: http://www.boschautoparts.com/VehiclePartFinder/Pa...

or, the whole o2 sensor catalogue in pdf here: http://www.bosch.com.au/content/language1/download...

Go for the OE exact fit rather than 4 wire universal.

[quantum_man]

Ok, I've taken the airbag off and replaced with a working unit. Didn't notice any broken wires, so just unplugged the ribbon with green connector and replaced the airbag module.

Reconnected everything and the SRS light stayed on. Used VOL FCR 1.3 software to try and reset the SRS light / clear DTS codes, but got the same error as pictured at the start of this thread.

Does anyone know if it's even possible to turn the SRS light off using the freely available VOL FCR software, or whether something like Volvo DICE is required?

Is there anyone in the East Sussex area who might be able to help me out in exchange for beer?

[Stedman]

quantum_man said:

Ok, I've taken the airbag off and replaced with a working unit. Didn't notice any broken wires, so just unplugged the ribbon with green connector and replaced the airbag module.

Reconnected everything and the SRS light stayed on. Used VOL FCR 1.3 software to try and reset the SRS light / clear DTS codes, but got the same error as pictured at the start of this thread.

Does anyone know if it's even possible to turn the SRS light off using the freely available VOL FCR software, or whether something like Volvo DICE is required?

Is there anyone in the East Sussex area who might be able to help me out in exchange for beer?

I'll ask if the chap I know can help you out.

[quantum_man]

Thanks so much, and help or advice is very welcome! I was wondering whether to try the Volvo DICE / VIDA... there seem to be a few for sale on eBay - mainly Chinese copies so guess that's another option.

T

[Rockatansky]

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think DICE or VIDA will be of great use on a phase one car.

VOL FCR should do all you need, and if it isn't clearing the fault then different software isn't likely to help.

[quantum_man]

I think it's either the driver airbag unit or the contact reel which plugs into the airbag unit! Have read a few things in different forums narrowed it down as much as I can.

Having already replaced the airbag unit to avail, I'm going to try and replace the contact reel... not sure how tricky this will be but will post progress on here.

I think it's the contact reel that's broken as VOL FCR won't reset the SRS light still.

Would be good to get a fix for this issue as it seems a fairly common problem!

[quantum_man]

It's fixed! Took the steering wheel off and replaced the SRS contact reel, then put it all back together and reset the SRS light using VOL FCR. All is now well. Replaced the MAF too, which seems to have sorted the lambda issue.

I'm one happy 'R' owner

[Stedman]

quantum_man said:

It's fixed! Took the steering wheel off and replaced the SRS contact reel, then put it all back together and reset the SRS light using VOL FCR. All is now well. Replaced the MAF too, which seems to have sorted the lambda issue.

I'm one happy 'R' owner

If you're not too busy, you should come down to Castle Combe on Friday. One of the Moderators on t5d5 has organised a track day there. 40 quick volvos going ....including the C30 Polestar!