Hi. New here. I posted in the introduction section about the damaged Jag I just bought for my lady. 03 S Type 3.0. that sustained a light right front impact. So, no air bags were deployed but the warning light is on. It begins a series of flashing on startup then goes to solid on. I've done air bag work on other cars but never ran across a light that was on when nothing deployed. I'm hoping it may be a blown fuse or just the module needing cleared. I've had the modules done before for 50 bucks which is way cheaper than a new one. Any ideas? Thanks.

BTW,

 

Possibly the front sensor where the impact was?

 

Count the pattern of flashes, then look it up

 

Coming up 13. Is there somewhere here to look up codes.

 

I went in to google and put
jaguar air bag code 13

Not sure I like the look of the outcome!

(They're likely in JTIS, the workshop manual, somewhere.)

I would expect a dealer-type OBD tool (IDS) could read the codes in that module (and clear them, if that's allowed).

 

Yep,

Flash code 13...Crash data memory full....Restraints control module (RCM) fault
Stored impact data


That's what I figured it might be. Not a big deal. Lots of places clear them for about 50bucks including return shipping. I had one done for a Pontiac and it worked fine. Just glad it isn't a seatbelt!!

I saw it on a Jag parts illustration. Square type box about 4 or 5 inches square with a mutipin connector. Sometimes refered to as a sensor others call it the module or slang term brainbox. Just have to find out where it's at. Usually they are under the passenger seat or under the center console on some. I bet it's wherever Lincoln puts theirs.

Thanks

 

There will be diagrams and location info in the workshop manual. Could well be bolted to the bulkhead, probably on the cabin side - but see the workshop manual

To save you disassembling, though, maybe ask a dealer if they can clear the RCM - they should know. It'll be via the OBD socket if so.

If you happen to have an elm327 you could try using hyperterminal - let me know if you want to try it.

 

...JagV8 out of curiosity what exactly is HyperTerminal through using elm327?

 

Looks like the first thing I need to do is buy/get a manual. My understanding is dealers are not able to clear these of crash data or don't care to. Manufacturers all recomend to buy a new one which then has to be flashed by a dealer. Used ones won't work cause they are encripted with the VIN. Not an exclusive Jag thing.

Then there is the issue of getting it there even if they could do it. This will have to go through the enhanced inspection process to get a title and be legal to drive again. And it won't pass that with the light on. First thing they look at. So I would have to trailer it to the dealer first. Sort of a catch 22. At that point I'd just as soon pull it and send it out.

Thanks for the help.

 

I never heard of them being encrypted with the VIN. (But they may be.)
Different (but non-trivial) laws here - you'd be allowed to drive it to get it fixed, I think.

 

Er, you kinda garbled what I wrote!

If you never heard of HT start by doing a bit of googling

 

I should explain that this car was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Not really that bad of a hit but new parts$$ and the depreciated value evidently did it in. When that happens, law here requires that the title be relinquished, then a salvage certificate is issued. The inspection process is required, fees paid and then the car is retitled with a rebuilt or reconstructed title. Can't drive it till the process is complete. Untill it is retitled, the state considers it salvage and not roadworthy.

And it wouldn't surprise me in the least that your laws may be completely different. PA has changed them so many times that I can't remember. It all started years ago in attempt to stop vehicle theft and the black market for used parts. As usual, the crooks find a way around these things but it costs honest guys like me have to jump through the hoops.

In any case, we are thrilled with this car. My lady friend can't stop staring at it even with the damage. At least the kitty on the hood came through unscathed!

 

Ah. We do have something quite similar. Damaged cars are put in categories (A,B,C,D) as to how bad they are. Some cannot be rebuilt (but can be stripped for parts), etc. One (may be C) can be rebuilt but then needs some sort of mega-inspection etc and I believe the title doc (V5C, here) shows it's a rebuild.

I believe it can potentially save a lot of money but is quite a bit of hassle. The savings may make it worthwhile of course!

 

Yes you have to be careful how much you pay with these. I got this for $4900 including the auction fees. I have been locating used parts and think I can get by with about another $2000 in parts & paint. Not counting labor of course since we are keeping it for ourselves.

Granted I could have bought one for 10-12 grand off a dealer ready to drive. But I did some looking and didn't see any with this low of miles and as clean otherwise.

BTW, the window sticker was in with the owners handbook. Retail with options was $49,450.00 Talk about some depreciation!

 

My daughter had the same experience after a 'minor' front fender-bender in her 05 S-type sedan. Body shop repaired the damage (beautifully!) but had a "sub-contractor option" to reset the airbag light: 1) "We have a guy who comes around and for $50 bucks tries to reset it; sometimes successfuly, sometimes not, but $50 either way." or, 2) have a dealer fix it. The insurance adjustor opted for the dealer fix; about $350 as I recall, but it was covered in the insurance claim. My guess is that insurance companies don't want to risk non-Jag-approved fixes that may leave an underlying problem.