Sourcing a passenger seat with working SRS sensor

[ma499]

Hi, my W169 A Class has a somewhat temperamental SRS red warning light on the dashboard. I realise SRS fault can be complicated to diagnose but I have a strong suspicion there at least part of the problem is with the passenger seat sensor because:

1. I never get an SRS warning when the passenger seat is occupied.
2. The seat is knackered - spring coils broken so we keep a cushion on top at all times.

I've seen that reclaimed seats are often on eBay but I'm wondering how I can make sure that I find a second-hand one that has a working sensor pad. Any ideas? Are therefore, for example, particular suppliers of reclaimed parts that can be trusted to test the seat electronics before sale?

 

[markjay]

I don't think you can, unless the seller offers dome sort of warranty.

Failed Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor mat is very common, and chances are that a second hand seat will either have a faulty one, or that it will fail in future.

The only way to know you have a good one is by buying new and have it fitted (to the current seat or to a second hand seat).

There are cheap Chinese devices on eBay that bypass the Sensor mat, but personally I would fit one of those.

 

[whitenemesis]

There are cheap Chinese devices on eBay that bypass the Sensor mat, but personally I would fit one of those.

Wouldn't fit one surely Mark?

 

[markjay]

Wouldn't fit one surely Mark?

Corrected:

...There are cheap Chinese devices on eBay that bypass the Sensor mat, but personally I wouldn't fit one of those.