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Disabling & Activating Air Bag System

WARNING: Wait about 5 minutes after disabling SRS before servicing system. System maintains SRS voltage for about 5 minutes after system is disabled. Servicing SRS before 5-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
  1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS  . Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable.
  2. Wait 5 minutes for capacitor to discharge. Remove steering column lower casing cover. Locate and remove Orange connector from its holder on steering column. See Fig 1 . Disconnect SRS Orange wiring connector. System is now disabled.
  3. An alternate method for disabling system is to disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Wait 5 minutes for capacitor to discharge. Locate SRS control unit and disconnect Orange harness connector. System is now disabled.
  4. To reactivate SRS, ensure ignition is off. Reconnect Orange connector and position connector back in holder on steering column. Install steering column lower casing cover. Connect negative battery cable. System is now activated. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK  .
Fig 1: Locating Orange SRS Connector
G91F12976Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA