Momo Steering Wheel Light...

[toptr1]

I must be missing something here... I talked to KF at Esprit Facts File, talked to Hybennette, and with JAE Parts. But my problem still exists...

I have a Lotus V8 and is finally replacing the ugly GM steering wheel with the proper Momo from Lotus. However, I can not get the SRS idiot light to go out. Lotus said to use a 3ohms, did it and it didn't work. Everyone one else I contacted told me to use a 2.2ohms (radio shack part number 271-1121). Did this and it still will not go out.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? What am I doing wrong? Please help... Thanks!

[ErnestM]

My SIR comes on intermittently and I have the GM wheel. Go figure. I have tracked it down to the SIR overreacting to a drain on the battery, so you might want to check that out.

Also, I know this is probably a stupid question, but you did hook back up the SIR relays under the dash right? OK, thought so

ErnestM

[kmaier]

Most of the bits I've read state that you need to have a resistance of exactly 2.0 ohms. Based on the fact that you could develop 12 volts across this resistor in the event of airbag deployment, you need to consider the type of resistor. I'm not sure if the voltage would stay on continuously after a crash, but if it did, that 2.0 ohm resistor would have 12-volts across it generating 72 watts of heat. As a result, it will get extremely hot and could easily cause a fire depending on where it is located. If it were my car, I would use a high-quality wirewound mil-spec aluminum cased power resistor (Dale and other make these) of at least 10 watts and would probably fuse it with a slo-blo rated at a 2 amps or so. Of course, if someone can verify that the airbag charge is only momentary, then a fuse is not needed, but using the precision wirewound would still be recommended. Note: you won't find these at Radio Shack.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[RyanSheldon]

If there is any current being pulled through the resistor, then heat could become a problem, however, it is not likely to carry much current given the nature of its use. If there is a lot of current being pulled through the resistor, a small resistor would burn up so quickly (acting as a fuse) that it would not be a fire hazard. A good source for resistors of all values (including high precision 1%) and wattages is www.digikey.com.

[toptr1]

Thanks for everyones input... It's just frustrating to see that it is working for everyone else but me.

To answer ErnestM, yes the SIR relay under the dash is intact. Per KM, I will try the 2.0 ohms resistor. I will also locate the high-quality resistor as well.

Meanwhile, will this cause any problems with the air bag prematurely opening up? While I'm working on it, or just driving down the road?

Maybe I should just take out the entire SIR module all together? Any thoughts?

[ErnestM]

You could just unclip the SIR relays again, and then remove the SIR light bulb from underneath the binnacle. Obviously if you are not going to rely on the airbag at all, maybe you could get someone to remove the passenger bag too. (Even reclaim some of that space so you can store CD's ).

My personal opinion is that the only reason for the airbag is to completely screw up your windshield when you wreck, therefor adding to your bill to fix the thing

There have been some suggestions too that without the bag you may want to look into a 5 point harness for safety.

ErnestM

[toptr1]

ErnestM, I hear you... My only concern with simply removing the bulb is that it worries me regarding the passenger bag. I am not to sure how sensitive the system is and if this will somehow make the passenger side explode for no reason. This is why I was thinking about removing the entire system all together!

As for the 5 point seat belt? I should probably do this anyway... I have made some modifications to my Lotus and who would of ever thought the steering wheel was going to be my biggest headache!

Just something about working on an explosive device makes me VERY nervous...

[ErnestM]

I hear that, too (explosive device). I believe if you just leave the SIR clips under the dash inclipped, you should be alright though. From what I understand those clips are there to deactivate the bag so that it cannot accidently go off. (That's why when you do any electrical work the service manual recommends unclipping them - even just to change a battery).

I don't think a bump in the road or anything else for that matter will have the passeneger bag go off, because with the clips undone, there is no way for a signal to travel to the bag itsself. Although removing it would be the best option or...

just place it UNDER the PASSENGER seat, with an activation button under the gearshift knob. That way, if things get hairy, you can always (Goldfinger Quote) "engage and then fire the passenger side ejector seat - woosh)"

ErnestM
'98 (ejector seat free) V8

[hungryjim]

The standard wheel looks much better than the momo wheel.
Although i think the Momo wheel will be much better

[jhybinette]

Yeah a 2 ohm resistor should work. If it doesn't, you could always disconnect the SIR circuit under the dash at the passenger compartment. Its all the yellow wires going into a silver box. By disconnecting them the SIR light will go off. This is a lot easier than removing the binnnacle.

Since I got 6 point harnesses I removed my airbags completely, and now there is a nice little glovebox where the passenger airbag used to be.

Johan

[ErnestM]

quote:
Since I got 6 point harnesses I removed my airbags completely, and now there is a nice little glovebox where the passenger airbag used to be.

Johan

Johan, can you put a picture of the "glovebox" on your web site? I have always wondered how much room you would have if you did this. I am thinking of going to the Momo wheel, just have to convince the wife that (1)I am not an idiot and (2)The only function of the airbags in an Esprit is to knock the glass out of the windshield

ErnestM

[toptr1]

Thanks everyone!!! The Momo wheel is installed and it looks great!!! You wouldn't believe it if i told you what it was that made the light from not going out... The resistors were bad. 1st one out of the new pack, and wa la! Light is gone and everything is just fine. The wheel looks awesome...

[jhybinette]

Ernest,

I can take a few pics and E-mail them to you. I will be in the UK until end of next week

[ErnestM]

Thanks Johan, enjoy your stay over there. Lucky Guy!

ErnestM

[dasspoot]

Does anyone know of a replacement steering wheel for the V8 where I can keep the airbag intact?

[andecorp]

ErnestM said: I have always wondered how much room you would have if you did this.

Here in Aust the Esprits are the Euro spec - airbags were optional.
The glovebox on the passenger side is big enough to fit a six CD stacker in it and it will still hold other CDs, plus papers plus a tiny first aid kit.

[dpath]

What resistor did you end up using? Did the Radio Shack 2.2 ohm resistor (271-1121) work? Thanks.

[armynick]

Did you use a standard Lotus issued Momo wheel?

This was made just for the Esprit, and Momo don't make any boss kits so you can put a different wheel on. I'm trying to put a Momo Millenium wheel on my GT3...

Someone in the UK must have done this before!

HELP !!!