Volvo Repair: SRS Drivers Side SIS, s70 glt, hog rings

Question
The SRS light is alluminated on my 2000 S70 GLT SE. Diagnosis by a Dallas area Volvo dealer revealed a fault in the driver's side SIS. The dealer recommended replacing the entire drivers side SIS. The Technician told me that the problem could have been caused damage to or a short in the orange SIS wiring and or a loose or damaged SIS connection at the driver's side seatbelt.

Due to serious illeness repair funds are limited. It would be really great if I could correct this situation by repair rather than spend the $1400 wanted by the dealer to completely replace the drivers side SIS.

Thanks in advance for your expert assistance.
Louisp  

Answer
Well most likely you could not fix it yourself.  The seat needs to be removed from the car, the leather removed off of the seatback, and then the airbag removed from the seat.  If you feel like you could do that then you could just buy the replacement airbag yourself (that is a dealer only part).  The light would have to be turned off by the dealer.  Some special pliers are required to attach new hog rings for the leather retainers.

James