Having Airbag Problems (Drivers Side)

Basically about a year ago I got an airbag light. So bought the reset tool and clear it. It was "Firing Circuit, Driver Airbag, Stage 2".

Then a couple weeks ago it went on again. This time it got

"Firing Circuit, Driver Airbag, Stage 1".
"Firing Circuit, Driver Airbag, Stage 2"

I cleared it and it came back the next day.

So I took the airbag out to look for loose connections and all looked fine.

So anyone got a clue to what can be causing this?

A picture of my airbag is (back side)


and my airbag looks like (not my car)




I found an auction on eBay with my exact airbag

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=220197598695

However I dont know if i'll work. Because I heard some airbags are stage 1 or stage 2, and they look exactly the same.

Any input?

I would find out before purchasing it if its compatible with your car....airbags WILL save your life in an accident so don't risk it....dealer will tell you what you have according to your vin...

bump...

... another bump

I am surprised there is noone else who is having this problem.

Always disconnect the battery when working around airbag. New vehicles, they likely have 2 stage airbag system which is the airbag deployed twice to reduce the force of the first deployment. Locate the airbag module and check the resistance between the connectors at the module to the steering wheel connector. Check for any signs of any corrosion. Check the stage 1 and 2 micro connectors at the airbag. You can rent a load tool and plug into the connector at the steering wheel. If the airbag light turns off, then you have a bad airbag. If remains on, then something is wrong with your wiring from the module to the bag. Again, make sure battery is disconnected when working around airbag.

Note: a load tool is used to simulate the airbag for preventing inadvertent deployment.

Also, never check resistance with the airbag connected. A mulimeter puts out enough voltage to trigger the bag.

I am bumping this topic but again after almost 11 months the light came on again. Anyone had a similar issue?

never seen a wheel like that without radio/cruise controls in an e46. I see it's a euro though, interesting to see though.

Where can I get a load tool? Mines will not reset also.

I also have the codes "firing circuit, driver airbag, stage 1" and "firing circuit. driver airbag, stage 2", and find other problems will start to arise ie "check brake light" indicator light when brake lights are fine, horn will stop honking, steering wheel adjuster will move on its own . . .