W202 SRS slow to go out after dashboard cluster removal

[wongl]

Had to remove the cluster on my 1996 W202 to replace the backlight bulb for the odometer. Due to a lack of space and the recessed bulbs, I had to unplug the cluster completely in order to slide it out between the steering wheel and the dash.

Replaced the bulb and put every thing back together and cluster appeared to be working properly - until I took the car out this afternoon when I noticed the SRS light would not go out until after the car has been driven for about 1/2 mile. Same again on the way back.

Did I disturbed something when I unplugged the cluster, or do I neet to reset something after replugging the cluster?

 

[andy27168]

Did you disconnect the car battery when you removed the dash cluster? if not you may of inadvertantly turned on the ignition, when the ignition is turned on with parts of the SRS system disconnected (namely the warning light in the case of the cluster removal), it will register a fault with the computer and have to be reset via a diagnostic computer, or equivalent.

 

[wongl]

Did you disconnect the car battery when you removed the dash cluster? if not you may of inadvertantly turned on the ignition, when the ignition is turned on with parts of the SRS system disconnected (namely the warning light in the case of the cluster removal), it will register a fault with the computer and have to be reset via a diagnostic computer, or equivalent.

Thanks for this. I did not disconnect the battery while removing the cluster, and yes I did accidently knock the ignition switch into the on position while struggling to remove the cluster from behind the steering wheel .

Hmm, does anyone know if I can clear down the fault without access to a star computer?

 

[mr. shr]

It's strange that the light goes out after half a mile. If there's a stored fault, then it should stay on until cleared via STAR.

I was once told that on *some* older mercs you could sometimes reset the SRS light by cycling the ignition on and off about half a dozen times. Could give it a try I suppose.

 

[andy27168]

Mine was reset by a cheap hand held unit, looking something like a multi meter
got the impression it had very limited use where MB's were concerned but one thing it did do was resetting the air bag light.
Most garages i would think would be able to do this for you for £5-10.

 

[wongl]

Mine was reset by a cheap hand held unit, looking something like a multi meter
got the impression it had very limited use where MB's were concerned but one thing it did do was resetting the air bag light.
Most garages i would think would be able to do this for you for £5-10.

Thanks. I have seen some cheap ones on ebay, but unsure which one I need as I cannot see the plug-in port in the engine bay or under the dash in my W202 and the ads do not provide the necessary specs.