Chrysler Repair: airbag warning light, sebring convertable, highway traffic safety

Question
I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertable and the airbag warning light and chime keeps going on and off. Sometimes if will be off for several minutes before turning on again for several minutes. Does my airbag still work and what might cause the problem?

Thanks
Ken


Answer
Hi Ken,
It is not certain that the airbag will work under the conditions and history that you describe. There is a central module for the entire supplementary restraint system located in the very rear end of the center console. That unit has access sockets to use with the Chrysler Diagnostic Readout Box III in order to analyze what specifically is wrong. While there are a number of possibilities one common cause is the flexible coupling for the wires that set off the bag that are needed between the steering wheel and the steering column. These connections are called the "clockspring" and have a tendency to break. There may even be a factory recall if that is the case. I would check the owners manual for whether the unit might not be under a warranty that will allow for free repair.
So the way to pursue this is thru the dealership and if you don't feel that you are getting what you are entitled to the regional service manager or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which sets performance standards for these safety systems.
Roland