Annoying useless purple floppytop sent to the bridge

[Stanky]

Fraser,

 

Is it a case of just replacing the whole pretensioner then? We have spares here which could be swapped over when we do the seats anyway.

[fraser.innes.3]

Fraser,

 

Is it a case of just replacing the whole pretensioner then? We have spares here which could be swapped over when we do the seats anyway.

It's the connector. The pretensioner will be fine. Either replace the connectors, or directly solder the wires together. There is another fix which requires soldering a resistor between two wires to mimic the pretensioner. Unfortunately I can't remember the resistor value required.

 

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

[twosmoke300]

That's got to be better than removing the bulb as the airbag system doesn't work at all if you do that

[Pillock]

What, the airbag is wired through the light?

A device to potentially save your life will only operate if a small glass tube with a hair-thin filament, well known for going wrong, is fully operational?

 

C'EST LA VIE!

[Eddie Honda]

As mentioned over 7 weeks ago...http://autoshite.com/topic/21998-annoying-useless-purple-floppytop/?p=878907

 

Note gov.uk link and what it says.

 

As I'm not on the desktop PC, I can't post a link to the absolute belter bodge I saw. I'll post it later.

[Slartibartfast]

This happened at the weekend:



Out with the old (bottom), in with the slightly less old (top):

 

 

Airbag light still illuminates, but I feel better for having done it, and the indicator controls work properly now (old ones were very temperamental).

 

I received the ODBII bluetooth dongle from Dink but unfortunately I can't seem to connect to it via Bluetooth (it never appears as a connectable device).

I have a second dials module thing, so can experiment with that regarding disabling the LED.

[scaryoldcortina]

Wait wait hold the bus ... I thought it was? The other things I had to fix were a headlight with broken adjuster (lamp was very obviously off), replacement of some bulbs, tyre needed replacing, and some other niggly bits I've forgotten. If SRS light isn't a fail then I'll book it in.

 

Edit: to save derailing the ebay thread, this is the poor purple bastard's own dedicated thread: http://autoshite.com/topic/21998-annoying-useless-purple-floppytop/

Just seen this - SRS light indicating a fault (illuminated) is a fail. SRS light not illuminating at all even for the self check isn't. I'd recommend sticking a small square of tape over it as a last resort if it won't fix and is preventing the car getting a test because the "bulb" is probably a surface mounted LED in the clocks.

[Dave_Q]

Hi Wolf, 

 

Stupid question but you do have the thingy plugged into the car when you're trying to connect yes?

 

It takes power from the 12v in the cars diagnostic socket, should have some lights on when it's being powered.

 

I seem to think it appeared as "CHX" or something in Bluetooth.

 

Hopefully you can coax some life out of it as it should be compatible with this app, developed by a Shiter whose name I've forgotten.

 

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ohnodiag.renscan&hl=en

[Slartibartfast]

Yes, connected to ODBII port. Lights come on, do a short scroll through and then it settles on one orange light. But it never appears in the devices available to pair with/connect to.

[scaryoldcortina]

Dud bluetooth chip - I had one like this (it's the one I converted to RS232) Next one out of the bag identified fine as "OBD" and wanted a pin code of 1234 to pair.

[the judge]

If you are using an iphone,it wont connect either. Just a thought

[Slartibartfast]

I was using a Galaxy Note 3

[Eddie Honda]

I can't post a link to the absolute belter bodge I saw. I'll post it later.

UPDATE:

 

Here a link to the full thread: Mal's 156 thread.... (WARNING: PIC HEAVY)

 

Whilst dismantling said Alfa 156, the owner found his airbag ECU...

 

The kind of stuff you can't make up.....

 

I decided to have a peep at my airbag module. Simple task just remove the centre console and it's under the heater

[snip]

Now, this car has been crashed, I knew that much. So lets see what condition the module is in...

 

 

Long lost packet of M&M's? Oh no....! 

 

 

 

Were they taking the p*ss?? That's my feckin ECU, a packet of mauldy dog biscuits!!!!

 

 

Words completely fail me......

[Slartibartfast]

Oops. No, this wasn't me!
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/car-goes-up-in-flames-in-portsmouth-1-7162742

[Slartibartfast]

Bit of an update. Got hold of a serial ODBII cable thing (from Stanky, been used successfully in the past to do VAGCOM type stuff which one of them VAG vehicles). Pretty sure it's the correct cable to use DDT2000, the 3rd party Renault diagnostic tool. Unfortunately it could detect the ECU but didn't tell me anything about the airbags. If anyone has used DDT2000 in the past and could guide me I would appreciate the assistance!

 

Otherwise the car still starts and runs fine, roof still works. It looks a lot the worse for wear after being rained on repeatedly for months. The brake discs (which were fresh on a year ago, and it's not really been driven since) are rusty, but a short dose of italian tuneup got most of it off.

[the judge]

UPDATE:

 

Here a link to the full thread: Mal's 156 thread.... (WARNING: PIC HEAVY)

 

Whilst dismantling said Alfa 156, the owner found his airbag ECU...

 

 

That is fucking awesome! All that effort to con someone. Some people really dont give a shiny shite

[rainagain]

Bit of an update. Got hold of a serial ODBII cable thing (from Stanky, been used successfully in the past to do VAGCOM type stuff which one of them VAG vehicles). Pretty sure it's the correct cable to use DDT2000, the 3rd party Renault diagnostic tool. Unfortunately it could detect the ECU but didn't tell me anything about the airbags. If anyone has used DDT2000 in the past and could guide me I would appreciate the assistance!

 

Otherwise the car still starts and runs fine, roof still works. It looks a lot the worse for wear after being rained on repeatedly for months. The brake discs (which were fresh on a year ago, and it's not really been driven since) are rusty, but a short dose of italian tuneup got most of it off.

 

It's not like the Fiat/Alfa setup where you need to a look at a different pin for each car computer? When I was fault finding an airbag problem on the OH's Stilo I had to de-solder the data pin from the engine ecu and move it to read the air bag computer (this is on the VAG Com USB lead).

[Slartibartfast]

I realise this is highly unlikely and I won't be insulted if you all laugh but does anyone want this off me for £100?

Bad bits:

Bumper mostly attached with cable ties
No battery in it currently
No MOT because the airbag light is on

Good bits:
It does actually drive pretty well
Roof works
Before getting rested up it had new discs and pads all round (and whatever the equivalent is for drum brakes, cost me £400 for that!). They've accumulated a little surface rust but it'll come off with an Italian tune-up.

[Sigmund Fraud]

If* I was a master bodger, I would have recommended that you remove the airbag bulb, pass the MoT with an advisory regarding the light, then sell for £££*.

[sporty-shite]

Without having to read all the thread, whereabouts are you?

 

I don't need it, have no room for it, but I'm strangely drawn to it.

[Slartibartfast]

Hayling Island, so about as far south as you can get without falling in the sea.

[Slartibartfast]

Just to finish off the saga of this car. It went to the Bridge in the end. I got over a ton for it, plus I sent the spare car too and got over a ton for that. Can't remember the actual amount. Silverlake for both. I can recommend them, decent service both times. I kept the interior and some parts I stripped out. They're now taking up room in my garage. Quite a lot of the sensible bits were in the boot and I couldn't be bothered to take them out. I could have kept them and listed them on the bay of E but frankly I couldn't be bothered. I was having a fairly crappy time of it so just wanted to rip off the bandaid and send it off. I was sad to see it go, but rereading this thread has reminded me how much it needed to get it back to roadworthiness - it was too much for me. The nail in its coffin was a big crack that suddenly appeared on the windscreen.

 

The leather seats sold to a nice chap with a minty example, he collected them in it. Wish I'd taken a photo of the car seat Tetris that that entailed. He got it for £1. The spare wheel likewise sold for £1. The dangers of ebay auctions with low start and no reserve. I'm just happy they went to good homes.

 

I wouldn't mind getting a better example in the future. The engine was great. It was a really nice drive. And really compact for a four seat convertible. Would recommend.

 

I think I put over £1000 into this car all told, and got a little over £200 back. I think I drove it properly maybe five times total. One of the many motoring learning experiences.

 

Here's the last photo I took of it, having moved it off the drive ready for Silverlake (who came and got it while I was at work). RIP fine steed - you deserved better owners.

[chatsharris]

I bought my ex one of these, and I thought it was quite a nice drive for what it was worth. Her present to me for buying it though? I asked her to run me up to the pub so I could have a couple with my friend for his birthday. She put the car in 'reverse', forgetting you had to lift the collar to do so. I had to sit in the car and get a front row seat to her knocking over my bike, that I had just spent many hours putting back together after a rear ending.

 

Tantrum was had.

[davehedgehog31]

Goodnight sweet prince.

[Split_Pin]

Shame, my wee Megane was absolutely faultless, I'd have another one day.

 

Life is indeed too short though!