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TinaSchmidt89

Active Hood Airbag Fault

Citroen C8 2010 diesel owners, my car with almost 200k kilometers is throwing a hissy fit. I'm getting an "Active hood fault" message constantly. The airbag warning light is now mocking me. Diagnostics show an error stored. Feels like the spring actuators for the active hood are being triggered randomly! Anyone wrestled with this? Thinking it might be a dodgy acceleration sensor, but wanted to see if anyone had similar experiences.

4 comment(s)

thomassilver4

I had a similar issue on my older car, although it wasn't a Citroen. Airbag light coming on with a seemingly unrelated fault. Did the error code point specifically to the acceleration sensor? Have you checked the hood latch mechanism itself? Sometimes a faulty latch can cause weird sensor readings and trigger the system. Worth a look before you start replacing sensors.

TinaSchmidt89 (Author)

Good shout on checking the latch, hadn't considered that. The error code does point towards the acceleration sensor, but you're right, could be a symptom rather than the cause. When you say 'check the latch', what exactly am I looking for? Obvious damage? Or is there a more subtle test I can perform?

thomassilver4

On my old car, it turned out the latch sensor was corroded, giving intermittent readings. Check for any visible corrosion, loose wiring, or physical damage. You could also try cleaning the contacts with electrical contact cleaner. If the code specifically points to the sensor though, and you've checked the wiring, it's probably best to get it checked by a workshop, or someone with the proper diagnostic equipment. Airbag systems are pretty sensitive and messing with them without the right knowledge can be risky.

TinaSchmidt89 (Author)

Cheers for the advice! Gave the latch a good once-over, couldn't see anything obvious, and the error code kept pointing at the sensor. Bit the bullet and took it to the shop. Turns out, you were right, the acceleration sensor was faulty. New sensor and fitting came to around 315€, but at least the lights have gone out and the hood's behaving itself. Thanks again!

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