Side Airbag squib connector broken - can't reset SRS light

Help!

While replacing my window regulator, I broke the locking tab portion of a 2-piece squib connector which connects to the side airbag on the front driver's side door. Now I have the SRS light, and I can't reset it because there is no airbag connection. (Already tried several times at my local indie shop). Here's a pic of the broken locking tab (this is actually from username "adaseb" from another forum/thread, but it looks exactly like my broken tab):



To save some much needed cash, I just want to buy the 2-piece squib connecter and replace the broken one by cut/splice. The entire door wiring harness (which the airbag connector is a part of) is listed over $70 on realoem.com. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...90&hg=61&fg=05

Anyone know where I might buy just this 2-piece squib connector? preferably from an online retailer? Better yet, all I need is this top locking tab shown above. You can also see it on the Tyco Electronics website:

http://www.tycoelectronics.com/catal...450,161451&N=3 (btw check out the 3D pdf on that link... WAY COOLL!!!!!)

Anyone else have this problem? thanks!!!!

Just an update on my broken locking tab for the airbag squib connector.

I looked up the patent on this airbag squib connector to understand how it operates and learn how to fix it. Well, it turns out that the locking tab (when engaged) is used to disconnect a short circuiting clip from the two (+ , - ) pins of the airbag module. This is a built in safety feature to prevent the airbag from discharging accidentally.

When the locking tab is removed (in order to remove the connector from the airbag), the short circuiting clip engages the two (+, -) pins so that the airbag cannot be accidentally discharged. See Figure 1.



And when the locking tab is inserted to lock the connector, it pushes between the short circuiting clip and the two (+, -) pins to remove the short circuit, and thereby connect the airbag module to the power supply, and ready for discharge... (make airbag go BOOM ). See Figure 2.



So the key to fixing my locking tab is to rebuild the two broken "prongs" which look like two big saber-tooths. This is what the locking tab is supposed to look like:



And this is how mine looks like, see the broken "teeth"?



The plan is to build a replacement set of plastic "crowns" (no I'm not a dentist...) and glue them to what's left of the broken prongs/teeth. This is not a high load part so super glue should be sufficient. Also will have to drill out the main body of the connector to receive the new "crowns".

Will provide updates on how this goes.

I tripped across your thread while researching my SRS light issue. I have the exact same problem you had. How did you make out?

I am having the same problem how did you guys resolve this??

Here's how I fixed it, using an old credit card. I'm not sure I'm allowed to post a link to another forum. But here goes:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...542&highlight=

Good luck!

Dear patdosa,

I had the same exact problem having broken the side airbag squib connector in the course of replacing the driver's side lock actuator.

(Interesting aside: The lock actuator failed and was intermittently sending a signal to the control unit as if I was holding the key in the door lock in the unlock position. This caused the doors to spontaneously unlock, all 4 windows to open, and the sunroof to open while the car was closed and locked in the parking garage at work, or in my garage at home multiple times every day!!)

Anyway, your diagnosis of the problem with the broken squib connector, research, and documentation were superb! I just finished fixing my squib connector with a piece of old credit card like you showed, erased the airbag error, and am good to go! Thanks to you - this is my first post!

Originally Posted by pchevray

Dear patdosa,

I had the same exact problem having broken the side airbag squib connector in the course of replacing the driver's side lock actuator.

(Interesting aside: The lock actuator failed and was intermittently sending a signal to the control unit as if I was holding the key in the door lock in the unlock position. This caused the doors to spontaneously unlock, all 4 windows to open, and the sunroof to open while the car was closed and locked in the parking garage at work, or in my garage at home multiple times every day!!)

Anyway, your diagnosis of the problem with the broken squib connector, research, and documentation were superb! I just finished fixing my squib connector with a piece of old credit card like you showed, erased the airbag error, and am good to go! Thanks to you - this is my first post!

pchevray, thanks for your kind words.. glad everything worked out for you!

i broke mine and had the similar problem after disconecting airbag to replace window regulator.i was able to source a squib connector and it fixed the problem rthen i had to reset the airbag light and its all good .i have ordered another 400 squib connectors and i ll be sending them out if anyone needs them....
regards
steff

just to say i have the 400 odd squib connectors and i can send them out for a small price if needed,,,,