Hello 

When I start the car it says 'Error: airbag' on the dashboard and the buttons on the steering wheel aren't working.  Any thoughts?! 

Thank you!

Hi Holly,

 

My first thoughts are the Clock Spring behind the steering wheel has snapped, how old is your Fabia?

 

Davy

Hi Davy

Thanks so much for your reply.  It's a 2015 (64) reg, the new version.  How would I be able to check that?  Is it something I could have a go at doing?  

Thanks

Edited 1 August, 20187 yr by HollyW

Is the car still under warranty? Obviously, don't touch it if it is. I would hesitate to say touch it at anytime though. If you are a techie type who knows what you are dong then go ahead but if you are asking then I'd say don't touch it, leave well alone and take it to your dealer. Airbag and other electronics in there have to be spot on at all times and it's easy to cause a problem. 

I don't think it would be under warranty as I think it was registered in Jan 15 so would be over 3 and a half years old.  Was just hoping there could be a small chance it would be something really simple! 

Tbh holly, not sure how you would check, just know my mate had that problem recently and turned out it was the clock spring and that was on a Seat Altea.

 

Davy

If you've always had it serviced at the dealer, and it's relatively recently out of warranty, then Skoda might contribute to the cost of repairs. The slip rings shouldn't ever go wrong within the lifetime of the car. But definitely don't try and do it yourself unless you're experienced. I'm relatively happy doing things with cars but I wouldn't touch anything to do with airbags. 

Go on a Saturday and visit the service department and start complaining and when they keep saying no simply increase the volume of your voice. Use phrases such as 'what have you sold me such a lump of ****' etc, making sure that all the people who are browsing for new cars hear what you are saying. They'll try and move you to a more private place, refuse and keep it up.

It'll get fixed for free.

Hi HollyW, did you get to the bottom of this? My Mk3 Octavia has now developed exactly the same fault and trying to identify the source.

Most likely its the clock spring behind the steering wheel.

Thanks, local garage has quoted me £260 for the part plus work to replace - sound reasonable?