Air Bag Warning Light Reset

Overview

This guide explains how to reset the air bag warning light on all Porsche 944 S / S2 variants with a 16-valve engine. The process is needed after removing the steering wheel (and air bag) for tasks like dash repairs, instrument cluster work, or steering column switch maintenance. Resetting the light involves grounding a specific pin in a connector under the passenger-side dash using timed steps.

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Tools Required

• One jumper wire (approximately 3 feet / 0.9 meters long) with a pin connector (or bare wire tinned with solder) on one end and an alligator clip on the other
• One jumper wire (approximately 3 feet / 0.9 meters long) with alligator clips on both ends
• Stopwatch, watch with a sweep second hand, or digital watch displaying seconds
• Alternative Tool Option: Test rig with a pin connector (e.g., 171.971.998 B from Porsche), a momentary pushbutton switch (SPST), and an alligator clip (approximately 3 feet / 0.9 meters long)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle and Tools

1. Turn the ignition switch to the off position.
2. Locate the white Molex connector under the passenger-side dash (for left-hand drive Porsche 944 S / S2 models). It has three female pins.
3. Choose your method: Use either the two-jumper setup or the alternative test rig. For the two-jumper method, proceed to Step 2. For the test rig, skip to Step 3.

Step 2: Reset Using Two Jumpers

4. Insert the pin connector (or tinned bare wire) of the first jumper into the center pin (Pin #2) of the Molex connector. Ensure a snug fit so it doesn’t fall out.
5. Route the alligator clip end of this jumper to the driver’s seat area.
6. Attach one end of the second jumper (with two alligator clips) to a grounding point, like the metal door latch.
7. Route the other end of the second jumper to the driver’s seat area.
8. Connect the alligator clips of both jumpers together.
9. Turn the ignition switch to the on (run) position without starting the engine.
10. Wait 5 seconds, then disconnect the alligator clips.
11. Wait another 5 seconds.
12. Reconnect the alligator clips to ground Pin #2 again.
13. Wait 5 seconds, then disconnect the clips.
14. Wait 5 seconds after disconnecting.
15. Turn the ignition switch off.
16. Proceed to Step 4 to verify the reset.

Step 3: Reset Using the Test Rig (Alternative)

17. Insert the pin connector (e.g., 171.971.998 B) or tinned bare wire of the test rig into the center pin (Pin #2) of the Molex connector under the passenger-side dash.
18. Attach the alligator clip end of the test rig to a grounding point, like the metal door latch.
19. Press and hold the momentary pushbutton switch on the test rig.
20. Turn the ignition switch to the on (run) position without starting the engine.
21. After 5 seconds, release the pushbutton.
22. Wait 5 seconds.
23. Press and hold the pushbutton again for 5 seconds.
24. Release the pushbutton and turn the ignition switch off.
25. Remove the test rig from the Molex connector and grounding point.
26. Proceed to Step 4 to verify the reset.

Step 4: Verify the Reset

27. Start the engine.
28. Wait approximately 10 seconds and check the air bag warning light on the dashboard.
29. If the light turns off, the reset is successful. If it stays on, repeat the procedure (Step 2 or Step 3) up to two more times.
30. If the light still doesn’t clear after three attempts, there may be an issue with the air bag system requiring professional repair.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Confirm the air bag warning light turns off within 10 seconds of starting the engine.
• Ensure all tools and jumpers are removed from the vehicle.
• Double-check that the Molex connector is secure and undisturbed under the dash.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube