nitrotang

iTrader: (2)

I was driving across an intersection in an unfamiliar neighborhood today and apparently the whole middle intersection was a deep ditch. Going at 35mph and unable to slow down in time since it was a green light, I hit it and I felt my car fly up and slam down as if I went 40mph through a speed bump. I quickly pulled over to safety to see if anything had been damaged externally and everything seemed to be okay except for a few scrapes. However, getting back into the car, I noticed my rear view mirror was way off as if someone had moved it there (that's how much force was exerted when I hit the ditch).

The main thing that concerned me though was that the red air bag light in the right hand corner of my dash was lit. I tried restarting the car several times to see if it would go away but it didn't. How do I make this light disappear? And is there anything else I need to check to make sure there isn't any other damage to my car? Hate SoCal streets!

panda08

iTrader: (1)

Just a shot in the dark, but i think the air bag sensor THINKS it went off but didnt? Unfortunately the dealerships can only reset that I believe.

nitrotang

iTrader: (2)

Yea, that was what I was thinking as well. So I can't reset the ECU and clear it? =/

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't be so quick to focus on just how you can clear it. The car has sensors and lights like this for a reason. This incident clearly caused something to your car that led to that malfunction light appearing. If there's something wrong with your airbag or its sensor, I think you'd want to know and have it addressed.

Deathrow23

iTrader: (8)

Actually i saw the same airbag light, on the dash, but only when a passenger was in the car. i never noticed it before...

nitrotang

iTrader: (2)

So I just got back from the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as something wrong with the circuit in the instrument panel wire harness. The estimated cost is $2,700 with tax! They said they would have to remove the instrument panel and the whole dash to replace the airbag circuitry.

Anyone know if there's another fix or diagnosis? Is there a DIY for checking to see if all the airbag circuitry is connected or whatnot?

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

Holy cow man, sorry to hear that. If I were you I'd be looking into DIYs on how to remove the dash, since I imagine 90% of that cost is labor to remove all that stuff and put it back.

lexusis305

iTrader: (2)

I realy dont think your wire harness is the issue I would get its check by a other dealer just incase . did they give you any dtc or what they check to make sure that was it? just leting you know cause am a master lexus techand lot of ppl have no clue what there doing!

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

I agree - in the case of a $3,000 repair quote, it's probably always smart to get a second opinion.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

$3k to check some airbag circuity is crazy! Take it to an independent Lexus shop for a second opinion.

nitrotang

iTrader: (2)

If only you were here on the west coast! Haha. They gave me a vehicle diagnostic report that has the code: B1861 with a description "Open in Knee Airbag (D Side) Squib Circuit".

Hmm, okay. For all your NorCal-ers, what reputable shops besides Stevens Creek Lexus and Putnam Lexus do you guys use?