Need help with airbag code

[motorollow]

My airbag light started flashing code 51 last night on the way home from work. According to the list of codes (see below) for a 1994 that I found on the pointy board, the problem is "System Down fuse open". I get the 1994 owners manual and go to check the fuses and there were no fuses in BOTH fuse boxes for the airbags! I would think that the light would have flashed all along. You guys have any ideas?

List of airbag codes for 1994 Miata:

Light remains ON - Poor connection at airbag computer
12 - Open circuit power source
13 - D sensor ON
21 - Poor installation S sensor
22 - S sensor ON
23 - Open connection S sensor feed circuit
24 - S sensor diagnostic circuit open
32 - Open circuit [COLOR=#009600 ! important][COLOR=#009600 ! important]driver [COLOR=#009600 ! important]side[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]
airbag module
33 - Open circuit passenger side
34 - Short circuit driver side airbag module
35 - Short circuit passenger side
41 - Open circuit between D sensor and computer
44 - Poor installation of right side D sensor
45 - Poor installation of center D sensor
46 - Poor installation of left D sensor
51 - System Down fuse open
52 - Damaged back-up battery
53 - Damaged computer
Flashes continuously - Poor connection of all D sensors

[trickyrix]

This'll fix it...

[motorollow]

This'll fix it...

I knew I should have posted my question on the POINTY BOARD!!!

[Nails]

Did you put new fuses in yet?

[cone-cerned]

This'll fix it...

I knew I should have posted my question on the POINTY BOARD!!!

LOL

[trickyrix]

If I had to make a serious guess, there are probably fuses in the airbag computer in the dash. Those that have completely removed their systems would know the layout (paging BR...).

But I still stick by my first post...

[channelmaniac]

Replace the airbag module.

The fuse is a suicide fuse in the module. If the airbag module detects a fault in the system and if it isn't resolved in some (unknown) period of time, it will energize a heating element that is wrapped around the fuse. The fuse is a thermal fuse and this will cause it to open, killing the module.

This is why you must resolve an airbag system problem promptly. If not, the module will kill itself.

What did it flash before it suicided? On the older modules, if you have a D or S sensor error and you let it go for too long, it'll kill itself.

[motorollow]

Replace the airbag module.

The fuse is a suicide fuse in the module. If the airbag module detects a fault in the system and if it isn't resolved in some (unknown) period of time, it will energize a heating element that is wrapped around the fuse. The fuse is a thermal fuse and this will cause it to open, killing the module.

This is why you must resolve an airbag system problem promptly. If not, the module will kill itself.

What did it flash before it suicided? On the older modules, if you have a D or S sensor error and you let it go for too long, it'll kill itself.

The airbag light has never come on since I bought the car in April. I will most likely do what Trickyrix suggested and replace the steering wheel since the leather wrap on my steering wheel is cracked and peeling. I got a quote for a new leather wrap from a place in Rockwall, and they wanted $250 to put on a new one. I will check with BR to see what it takes to remove the airbag module. Thanx!

[channelmaniac]

The airbag light has never come on since I bought the car in April. I will most likely do what Trickyrix suggested and replace the steering wheel since the leather wrap on my steering wheel is cracked and peeling. I got a quote for a new leather wrap from a place in Rockwall, and they wanted $250 to put on a new one. I will check with BR to see what it takes to remove the airbag module. Thanx!

You unplug the module and remove a couple of bolts to get the brackets off and out of the car.

Same thing for the backup power module.

After that, remove the bulb from the dash.

[Version3]

So, will all codes eventually cause this suicide scenario for the module? I've got a '91 that's been blinking 9 at me since I bought it... if I remember from looking it up it's just stating that a circuit is open on one of the sensors. So I have no idea how long it's been doing it, at least 6 weeks. Should I expect to resolve it only to find the module dead?

I'm not sure that I want to spend $ on a steering wheel yet, looks like a bulb pull may be in my future.

[trickyrix]

I'm not sure that I want to spend $ on a steering wheel yet, looks like a bulb pull may be in my future.

You can't just pull the bulb, as that will set off an annoying beeper that issues forth from the airbag module. You can always wrap the bulb in black heat shrink...

[wvolvo]

This'll fix it...

I don't know if you remember this stuff (old thread). I have a 94 Miata with a blinking airbag light. Blinks one, then pause, then twice. I think this is a code 12, Open Circuit Power Source. I am electrically inclined, so if you give me a hint, I may be able to fix it. I removed the airbag module and sent it to airbag systems in TX. $60 later, the blinking is still there. Is my airbag issue indeed an "Open Circuit Power Source?" If so, how does one fix this? Any help is appreciated!!