audi10021075

It's 2008 ML350 and with SRS light on the dash.
Hook up reader and got DTC 9213 - The ignition circuit component R12/14(Driver airbag ignition squib 2) has Short circuit to ground.
I found where squib 2 is (behind airbag), question is short circuit to ground. Is this loose wire or disintegrated insulation?
If anybody has any idea or suggestion would appreciated.

flybd5

For anything related to the air bags I always take it to the dealer. The airbags have explosive charges that can severely injure or kill you if they go off at the worst possible time. You know Murphy -- he always knows exactly the worst possible time.

Maj. Dundee

If you disconnect the NEGATIVE battery first, it is quite easy to remove the Air Bag. Torx bit T30 is needed.

audi10021075

Thanks Maj. Dundee for the info.
I'll probably take it apart this weekend. But I still need to find out what exactly short circuit to ground mean.

Maj. Dundee

It could be as simple as the connector has dislodged. It's worth a look.

Does your horn work?

flybd5

Technically, a short circuit to ground means the system has detected a wire that carries positive voltage that is somehow touching something metal that connects to the car's negative battery post. It causes current to rise on the circuit, similar to what happens when a water hose breaks and water goes all over the place. In a simpler vehicle, a fuse would blow because current would exceed the rating of the fuse. That's how circuits are protected by fuses. Advanced cars like ours are sometimes able to detect the condition and shut down the circuit in question to prevent an overload and possible smoked wire/fire.

audi10021075

Horn works.
I'm hoping that this would be simple loose wire or cracked insulation on ground wire. MB has been known to use cheap wire.

flybd5

Short of the water in the coolant mix, wire is always the cheapest component of a car. I've looked at the wiring in my 550, it's high quality wire.

Maj. Dundee

Absolutely wrong.