AIR BAG FAULT CODE - DF071 / DF072

[nadim1]

Hi everyone,

please be gentle my first time on here!

I have the service / airbag light on after reading the forums etc no definitive answer...

I have read the wiring looms under the seats can become loose and this was my first attempt, after unclipping, clipping, jiggling, no luck.

I have tried disconnecting the battery (negative) and let the data drain, and reconnected after an hour, the lights were still on.

After reading the forum (which i must say is informative!) it is pointing maybe at the clock spring (aka rotory coupler, switch gear, squib)...

but before i go and purchase one of flee bay, i got my local friendly mechanic to run the diagnostic, with the codes being

df071 Driver frontal airbag circuit 1
df072 Driver frontal airbag circuit 2

How sure can i be its the rotary?

I guess i cannot buy the part seperate?

How easy is the job for DIY?

Is there any other possible options?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[nadim1]

Thanks Eddie, for taking the time out and posting a response, it is appreciated.

Can i ask what you mean by its done? whats done the whole steering column? or the switch gear unit?

I had a look at the forum in removing the air-bag and it seems pretty straight forward, im not daunted by that part, and then after i guess is removing the stalks, and then releasing the rotary, as a whole unit, and then reverse, forgive me if im wrong!

[nadim1]

So are the codes related to the circuit in the steering ie the airbag system, the rotary coupler, or a bigger problem, i wasnt sure what your answer was pointing to,

thanks

[tomalamix]

thats the error codes for the rotary strip on the steering wheel. You should have also on your dash the Service light and airbag picture on, right? Go for scrap yards, its a LOT cheaper then in the main dealer...

cheers

[nadim1]

Thanks Eddie, sorry for my naivety!

So the steering column needs replacing, surely not the actual whole column (as in to the steering rack?!)

or do you mean the stalk control section? the bit where the indicators and controls are attached to?

Thanks for the update, and i appreciate your comments around fitment, i am mid-level and if its a direct swap out and in, then i will give it a shot, providing theres no drama involved, i will look further into the www to ensure i have an idea first and from your comments i will take note.

tom yes your right i do have a service light on as well as the air bag light, and yes i am on a mission today to find a 2nd hand parts dealer this morning, but want to be sure what part i actually need, ie the whole column (full length), the switch gear bit, etc

If it is just the rotary strip is this the relevant part guys...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150680690399

[tomalamix]

Only the rotary switch, no need for the steering column. That Ebay item is just what you need, just pay attention to the functions of the stalks (auto wipers, auto lights, etc..)

[nadim1]

Thanks for the confirmation tomalamix, and thanks again eddie for both your comments, i will hunt the part down and keep you updated on the result and if the airbag light/service goes out.

[nadim1]

Thanks eddie,

After searching the websites i managed to find a new switch gear, was listed as squib!

After fitting it myself, it worked a treat, all is good, service and air bag light off, and saved myself some money, thanks to the guys on this forum, invaluable, and though this is the first time on the forum (selfish i know!) i cant commend this type of forum enough, now i am logging on to see if i can help anyone else, brilliant, and trouble diagnosed and fixed, result!

As in replacing the squib itself, wasnt a difficult job being honest, depending on capability i would say its just a notch above an ammeter, and majority of enthusiasts can tackle it, the procedure of what i can recall is

Remove negative battery cable, and ensure no contact can be made in error
On steering coloum remove 3x t20 torx screws which hold the bottom plastic cover, top will come loose thereafter
remove screw t20 on back of steering wheel
Assist in sliding air bag up slightly (used a gentle push using a flat head) and then whole front unit will lift of, be careful as there are wires attached
Remove associated wires carefully using pliers, or tool of some sort
Using T50 torx screw undo centre bolt (holding the steering wheel) undo enough to pull steering away, undo rest of bolt, remove steering wheel
The switchgear part with a bit of jiggling will come away, again note there are wires on the back
remove the wiring
Using new switch gear part replace and reverse the instructions.
Difficulty 1-10 = 3

[davelowe]

Brilliant write up! One for the sticky posts I suggest?

[dcd1979]

A friend of mine had the same codes along with DF077 and was told by someone it was the squib he purchased a second hand squib and I have just fitted it only to find the airbag light and service light still illuminated I ran a diagnostic test to reveal DG071, DF072 and DF077,

Any ideas? Thank you