Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Passenger airbag squib open circuit on 05 LJ

Willys LJ

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2018
Messages
622
Location
Dyer TN
Well, a couple of weeks ago, I got caught out with my doors off and back window removed in a hard rain and drove about 20 miles home in it. I let it dry out for a few days and when I went to drive it, the airbag light was on. Not sure if the getting the dash soaked actually had anything to do with it, but it's sure suspicious and that light is annoying as heck.

After borrowing an OBD scanner that reads air bag systems, I checked for codes and got a reading for the passenger airbag squib having an open circuit. I quickly found out that the OBD reader wouldn't let me erase the code. So I pulled the scanner and started the LJ back up and the darn light was glowing like some demon's eyeball. I shut the engine back off and figuring that open circuit means not getting power, I checked the fuses. Both were good but I did rub the contacts around on my shirt tail to "clean" them.

Since I had the glove box out and the fuses laying on the floorboard, I felt around up behind airbag and found the connector to it. I didn't disconnect it, but I did wiggle it around a bit before putting the fuses back in. Started the Jeep back up and darned if light didn't go out. Now, in my research into the problem there was mention of it being a 2 to 5 hundred dollar repair to have it fixed. My wallet was trying to hide on that idea. I've got to make a 70+ mile round trip this afternoon, so it seems like it'd be a good time to take the Jeep out and see if that light behaves. I'll let yall know if it doesn't.
 
My only experience with airbags is completely removing them from my 97. That dash space makes a great spot for a tablet.

I'm guessing you probably need another airbag...most junkyards won't sell them for legal reasons...so sourcing one might be problematic.

Might need to go to a pick and pull and buy some other parts and bring a toolbox with a top tray and the bottom empty.

I'd also imagine 05-06 probably have unique airbags.

You could pull the dash bulb.

-Mac
 
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Apparently resetting the fuses and wiggling the connecter did the trick. I did my 2 hour round trip drive to Jackson and back yesterday without the light coming on. Sometimes the simple stuff does work out. Now if it hadn't worked, then I'd be looking for other options. But given my LJ will be old enough to drink late this year, electrical connections can be expected to become a bit wonky.
 
I have the exact same problem although mine's been lit ever since I took ownership of the LJ. Mine's an 06 but I would imagine things are very similar, if not identical. I'm going to go and check the fuse/connector tomorrow and see if that'll extinguish my airbag light
 
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I have the exact same problem although mine's been lit ever since I took ownership of the LJ. Mine's an 06 but I would imagine things are very similar, if not identical. I'm going to go and check the fuse/connector tomorrow and see if that'll extinguish my airbag light

Checking electrical connections is just basic troubleshooting. It doesn't fix things all the time but gives you a starting point. Hope you get it sorted it out.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts