So I ended up buying a low-mileage 2009 convertible.

Airbag light is flashing, and PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF light is on steady, on the center panel.

Tried the reset procedure, and it does seem to go into the diagnostic mode on the fourth cycle. Seems to flash once steady for a few seconds, and then 5 quick flashes.

Had a look at the SM (charm.li) kindly provided here.
Seems like it’s an Occupant Classification System control unit, for which there are 4 potential faults.

Previous owner thinks the issue started/coincided with battery replacement, but I can’t verify that.

I could certainly check the connectors under the passenger seat, etc.

Is it common for this module to fail, do the Emulators work well? Any applicable recalls?

Thanks!

 

More than likely it is the seat sensor located in the bottom seat cushion. These are known to be a issue for some cars. The emulators do work based on feedback from various forums. This place seems to be the most favored.

 

I did order the emulator. We’ll see if it does the trick!

 

Installed the emulator today, then did the reset procedure. Seems to be doing the trick, confirming the occupant sensor was bad.

I wonder how many of these sensors HAVEN’t gone bad.

 

Had the same issue in May. A tech told me I would need a new, oem module and or bottom seat $8k or so. 2nd option, find a used one that wasn't in a collision. I got a 2nd opinion , a new Battery (non OEM) was installed. A voltage drop was seen when the tech did some diagnostics. As of now, no issues. Back in May I was ready to order the air360.