Airbag Retrofit

I am wanting to install a passenger side airbag in my Mk1 MGF.
Is this a simple plug and play procedure?
By that I mean, can I expect the wiring to be in place and is it a
simple matter of disconnecting the battery for a couple of hours,
installing the airbag, and then expecting the ECU to know it is there when it is
powered back up?
Is there anything else to expect?

Cheers,
Rich

All the wiring should be there, But the ECU will need to be reprogrammed, You'll need to find somebody with a T4(I think)to do that for you.

If you can't find anybody local, you could send the unit back to the UK for reprogramming, would be worth getting the EKA code at the same time.

Psymon wrote: All the wiring should be there, But the ECU will need to be reprogrammed, You'll need to find somebody with a T4(I think)to do that for you.

If you can't find anybody local, you could send the unit back to the UK for reprogramming, would be worth getting the EKA code at the same time.

Been thinking about this myself, but would the fitting and re-programming have to be done at the same time or would the system simply ignore the new air bag until re-programmed?

IF the wiring is there, then the airbag will just sit there until the ECU is told to look for it. Likewise, if you get the ECU programmed before the airbag is fitted then it wil probably mean the airbag warning light will stay on untill it is fitted.

You will also probably need an SRS module as there seem to be 2 different modules, one for driver only and one for driver and passenger.

Have a look here for some info: Clicky

That's good information. Thanks Guys!
It may not be worth my while to add the passenger bag given my location.
If it was a simple matter of adding the bag and the controller that would work as
there are lots of "sets" up for sale on E-bay but I don't want to have the ECU programmed.
I don't know of anyone local with a Testbook but have not checked the Land Rover or Lotus dealers yet.
I should probably get on with it as I am sure I will need access to one sooner or later.

Cheers,
Rich

Rich in Vancouver wrote: That's good information. Thanks Guys!
It may not be worth my while to add the passenger bag given my location.
If it was a simple matter of adding the bag and the controller that would work as
there are lots of "sets" up for sale on E-bay but I don't want to have the ECU programmed.
I don't know of anyone local with a Testbook but have not checked the Land Rover or Lotus dealers yet.
I should probably get on with it as I am sure I will need access to one sooner or later.

Cheers,
Rich

You really need to find someone with a MG Rover Testbook programme, you will need it for a Radio Code, Emergency Key Access Code or just programming a new key fob, a local friend in Surrey with a 2006 TF needed his ECU re-programmed after it had corrupted following a flat battery. our local Saint Russell did it for £30
Has your car left the UK yet ?? :evil:

My car is still in Weston Super-Mare and I am hoping it will be on it's way in the next few days.
The small dealer I bought it from doesn't seem to be the most organised so I don't want to make this transaction any more complicated for him.
I wish I could have found a car I wanted from a more MGF-cenric dealer like B&G or Church Square then I would have not hesitated to ask them to do some extras for me.

As for reprogramming a corrupted ECU, could an ECU be programmed without being in the car if necessary? By that I mean could a replacement ECU be programmed in the UK and mailed out?
I know in time more MGFs will be on the road here and someone will acquire the Testbook gear but for now mine will be the only F in the area. (A very large area!)

Rich

Are there many Landrovers in the area? They use the same Testbook computer, so if you can find a LR dealer then they might be able to do yours too.

Might be worth having a word with one of these

http://www.landroverofrichmond.com/

http://www.mclmotorcars.com/land-rover.aspx

The Freelander for example uses the k-series in MEMS 2 and 3, so they should be able to help or advise. You may even be able to get parts and service through them.

Clive! You really know your way around!
Land Rover of Richmond is about five miles from me but I am hoping to avoid their labour rate.
MCL will certainly have it but they are also Porsche Bentley, and Aston main dealers so will be even more expensive (They did sell MG back in the 70's) There is also a Lotus dealer who is probably very familiar with the K-series.
There is a big local Landrover event on the 22nd so I will be going along to see if the independent shops have Testbook. If i'm lucky I will find a small Landy shop that will see my F as a curiosity and give me a break!
Parts are no problem. I have been dealing with Rimmers for years for the TR7 and receive my parts 3 days after making an internet order. Even US dealers can't touch that!

I like to keep people sweet in far off nice places. You never know whether they have a spare room or not.

No spare room until daughter #1 moves out, but you are always welcome! :woohoo:

Cheers,
Rich