Chrysler Repair: air bag lamp on dash stays on all time when using vehicle, chrysler sebring convertible, drb iii

Question
Auto is 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible V6 Engine. Only 26000 driven miles. The Air Bag Lamp on the dash remains on all the time when auto is in operation. I have been told it is okay to operate vehicle because the air bags now will not deploy. What can I look for to fix this problem. Could there be a bad connecter under the seat? How about corroded contact pins?

Answer
Hi J,
The most common reason for the light to come on appears to be the failure of the clockspring connector in the steering column. This is the device that allows the signal to deploy the airbag in the steering wheel to be connected to the module which would trigger it. It is flexible wire device subject to failure due to constant turning of the wheel. However there are other wiring and communication failures will also turn on the lamp.
But there is a way of asking the air bag control module what is the problem it has found. This involves plugging a diagnostic readout box into a plug located just above the hood release lever in the cabin. The typical code readers for engine/transmission/body problems are not likely to be able to the readout. Rather a Chrysler DRB III reader is needed and that would be found at a dealership.
One possible shortcut would be to seek a free repair from the dealer under a federal warranty which is required by the DOT on all cars. I believe you may have recourse to that remedy given the year and mileage of the vehicle. So look into that and you may possibly not have to deal with this problem yourself.
Roland