TIS Service Bulletin

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SI B65 04 14
Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRS

September 2017
Technical Service

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT: ACSM FC 930A60 OR 930A1C SEAT
OCCUPANCY DETECTION
New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol

.

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 04 14 dated February 2015.
What is new
• Model: Added G12 and G30
• Situation: Fault code description added
• Correction: Added to reinforce the need to make the repair.
• Procedure: Added clarification of alternate procedures and test plan feedback statement correction
• Added safety and malfunction information after Procedure.

MODEL
F01 (7 Series Sedan)

F02 (7 Series Sedan
LWB)

F06 (6 Series Gran
Coupe)

F07 (5 Series Gran Turismo)

F10 (5 Series Sedan)

F12 (6 Series
Convertible)

F13 (6 Series
Coupe)

F25 (X3)

F30 (3 Series Sedan)

F15 (X5)

F16 (X6)

F26 (X4)

F32 (4 Series Coupe)

F34 (3 Series Gran
Turismo)

F82 (M4 Coupe)

G12 F02 (7 Series
Sedan LWB)

G30 (5 Series
Sedan)

SITUATION
According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle arrives in the
workshop.
1. ACSM fault code “930A60 – Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction” is stored. The fault
may or may not currently be present.
Or
2.

ACSM fault code “930A1C – Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault
(moisture)” is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.

CAUSE

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The front passenger seat occupancy mat consists of a seat occupancy mat with a capacitive sensor system.
This means a front passenger is detected by measuring the resistance of the human body. The fault is set when
moisture is detected on the mat itself.

CORRECTION
It is important to find out the root cause of the fault in order to fix the vehicle right the first time and
preventing the customer from returning with the same complaint. This service information guides you through
the troubleshooting process based on the 2 scenarios provided in the Procedure.

PROCEDURE
Prior to diagnosing faults 930A60 or 930A1C with ISTA, diagnose any other airbag-related faults (including
power management) first.
There are two different approaches to repairing this situation based on the status of the warning
indicator lamp and stored fault. Select the appropriate method as follows:
The fault is currently not present and the airbag warning light is not currently illuminated:
1. Complete the test plan “Seat occupancy detection, front passenger” linked to the fault code.
2.

The test plan feedback states the following:
• There was a temporary malfunction in the front passenger's seat occupancy detection system
• This is probably attributed to high moisture levels.
• This fault is currently not active and can be deleted.
• Do Not replace the seat occupancy detection.
Although this information is accurate, it is not necessarily complete. There can be many reasons
for a malfunction, therefore continue with the following steps.

3. Select “Check seat occupancy detection system” to ensure the system is working properly. A person must
sit in the passenger’s seat while the technician is viewing ISTA to see if the status changes from “Person
not detected” to “Person detected.” Try this several times.
4. If the status changes, the system is functioning properly. Do not replace any parts and clear the faults. If
the status does not change, follow the test plan recommendations.
5. Check for any external signs of moisture or spilled liquid (coffee, soda or water on the seat leather).
6. Check that there are no complaints of water leaks in the vehicles from windows or the sunroof. Address
these complaints as needed.
The fault is currently present and the airbag warning light is currently illuminated:
1. Complete the test plan “Seat occupancy detection, front passenger” that is linked to the fault code.
2. The test plan states: “The front passenger seat occupancy detector shows a malfunction because of
excess moisture. Dry the front passenger seat. For this purpose, switch on the seat heating. Note: Drying
the seat can take up to 2 days.”
3. If the seat does not have seat heating, the leather on top of the seat must be partially removed and the
CIS mat ventilated with a heating fan. Also check the position and mounting of the seat for any folds or
moisture stains. Once the seat mat is sufficiently dried, proceed to the next step.
4. Select “Check seat occupancy detection system” to ensure the system is working properly. A person must

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sit in the passenger’s seat while the technician is viewing ISTA to see if the status changes from “Person
not detected” to “Person detected.” Try this several times.
5. If the status changes, the system is functioning properly. Do not replace any parts and clear the faults. If
the status does not change, follow the test plan recommendations.
6. Seat mats that have moisture damage caused by outside influences (coffee, soda, water, spillage,
etc.) are not covered under the limited warranty. This is not a defect in materials or workmanship.
Note: Refer to the owner’s manual about safety for passenger sitting in the front seat and
external influences causing malfunction and deactivation of the air bag system.
Malfunction of the automatic deactivation system:
When transporting older children and adults, the front-seat passenger airbags may be deactivated in certain
sitting positions. In this case, the indicator lamp for the front-seat passenger airbags lights up.
In this case, change the sitting position so that the front-seat passenger airbags are activated and the indicator
lamp goes out.





If it is not possible to activate the airbags, have the person sit in the rear.
Do not attach covers, cushions, ball mats or other items to the front passenger seat unless they are
specifically determined to be safe for use on the front passenger seat.
Do not place any electronic devices on the passenger seat if a child restraint system is to be installed on
it.



Do not place objects under the seat that could press against the seat from below.



No moisture in or on the seat.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
As noted above, a failure resulting from damage that is caused by outside influences is not a warranty matter.
However, if the ISTA diagnostics with related test plans, or other troubleshooting procedures result in eligible
and covered work, claim this work with the applicable defect code and labor operations listed in KSD2.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
[ Copyright ©2017 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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