Land Rover Repair: 96 Disco SRS light after heater matrix replaced, diagnostic socket, belt tension

Question
Hi John,
I had to have my heater core replaced today. Not a cheap thing I learned...When I picked up from the LR mechanic he told me I had other problems as well.  He said that my SRS light went on.  He cleared the code? and the light went out.  He told me that it may go back on.  On my way home less than a mile from the mechanic it flickered on and then stayed on.  I have had my Disco for 3 years and the SRS light has never gone on before.  I am wondering if this was caused when the mechanic removed my dash to replace the heater core?  Should I take it back and have them fix it since it wasn't on when I took my vehicle there?  He told me that he didn't cause the problem because he was no where near the control panel?  
Would the SRS light come on because the leaking coolant caused a short?  I know anything is possible but I feel like they should have fixed it.  Is there anything I can do on my own to diagnose or fix?  I have read something on the forum about seat belt tension?
Thanks so much for your time.

Answer
Hi Heidi,

more than likely the problem was triggered by the recent repairs BUT you'll have a hard time proving that.  Its a shame the dealer is unwilling to admit the possibility of any fault.  If they repaired the heater core, they would have to have removed the airbags (as per the LR workshop manuals) in order to remove the dash assembly.  They could have damaged the SRS harness, column switch, airbag diagnostic socket, airbag diagnostic control unit, even the airbag harness itself.  All depends on how rough they worked around the centre console.  

I'd ask them to reconsider their position before you escalate your complaint within the dealership or Land Rover HQ.  

You are right to feel that they should have put more attention to this problem, afterall, its a major safety feature of the vehicle.  If you've never had trouble before and it 'suddenly' appears after they work all around the SRS....it does raise my attention...

If it were my vehicle, I'd have them repair it at their cost.  IF they refuse, I'd be raising my voice and escalating the problem within LR.

Best of luck,

JohnMc