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I own a Astra Estate [Izuzu model] and recently a red warning light has started to flash , either on acceleration or going up a hill. At first I thought it had something to do with the seat belts but I think it may be the air bag warning light.The red light is on the right side of the panel and has what looks like a seat with a black circle.I'm abit concerned now , just incase there is a fault and the airbag goes off by it's self whilst driving. Is there something I can do ?, either by disabeling the device or checking the sensor , wherever that is .
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Depending on the age of the Astra, it *could* be the seat belt pretensioners. Earlier ones were mechanical, later ones are electronic, and are also interlinked with the airbags. Look under the seats and make sure the electrical connectors are secure.
Note: Do this with the ignition off, otherwise if you trigger a fault with the air bag computer, it'll need resetting by a garage with Tech2 dignostics.
There should be no risk of the air bags going off though.
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This is a common fault with isuzu astras. It is, as you say, the airbag light coming on, and theres nothing seriously wrong, it is linked with the alternator believe it or not! Next time the light comes on, put on something that puts a drain on the battery, such as the rear screen demister and the light will go out. The alternator is slightly over charging the battery, and the airbag light coming on is a symptom, as winter is here, you will probably notice it less as headlights, blowers etc will be on.
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many thanks chaps for your replys, that's put my mind at ease, at least the air bags not going off in my face for nothing.It all started after my car had a rear end shunt on the motorway. It was off the road for a while for repairs .I put it back on the road and the lamp started to flash.Anyway ,nothing serious, but I'll still check for any loose wires under the seat.
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I had this fault on my cavalier isuzu diesel about 4 years back and it was the alternator. A replacement was expensive unfortunately. They said it needed doing because an overcharging alternator could put pressure on other electrics within the car. The new alternator fixed the problem, but I was left thinking nearly £500 for a flashing light...That was the bill, it seems OTT; maybe I had a service done too....
Splodgeface
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The duff alternator can make the ABS warning light go wonky as well.
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A few weeks ago I posted about a warning light on the dashboard of my Astra 1.7TD[Izuzu], it was an air bag light flashing.It was sugested it maybe a fault with the alternator. Well ,I think the alternator may have gone altogether. The engine has done around 180k so its hardly suprising. I was driving the vehicle when the battery warning light came on and stayed on and there was a burning smell in the car .I stopped , opened the bonnet , the smell was near the alternator , the belts were OK , but there is no charge going to the battery.Question , are these things easy to change ? I know they are expensive, I can get a service exchange for £140.If I do the job myself ,would there be problems with the steering pump ?
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If I remember, the expensive thing about the exchange of the altenator for another is that the thing is combined with the vacuum pump.
The experts will be along shortly, but £140 seems OK for the both to be refurbished and with a years guarantee. Bit pricey for just the alternator, with no guarantee on the vacuum
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many thanks,Look's like I'll need a new battery too. It's not holding it's charge and theres no green light in the corner of the battery. Reading what sprice wrote about the over charging, it must have been putting to much current in the the cells.Wow, it's going to be an expensive Christmas ...battery & alternator =£190. That's alot of drink and pressy money.
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