[CarmenVI]

I've got an Auto 98 V6, and it's time for a little past-due maintenance. I've got 3 issues I'm bunching together, so any help with either one is great...

1) Airbag light has been flashing/on since yesterday when I was installing a remote radar detector. If I'm right in reading the flashes as a code, it's a 52 (5 Flashes, pause, 2 flashes, pause, repeat). I was working in the vicinity of the crash detectors and the inside fuse panel with the battery disconnected on the negative side (although towards the end I popped a few fuses in-and-out with the battery on :/). I've heard the airbag fuse is #15 (10A) on the 98 V6, but I'm not sure. All of the fuses are great (unless being put in backwards changes things) and I've tried the "disconnect the battery and wait" trick. Had problems yesterday with my battery terminals so I replaced them immediately, just FYI if that has anything to do with it. Never had problems before doing this installation so I doubt its something that has been deteriorating for a while. !!Correct me if I'm wrong!! but there's a ton of "Clockspring" talk and it sounds to me like they go bad over time, not suddenly...?

2) My Brake light has come on in the past few weeks under heavy braking and/or acceleration. Either way, a quick firm tap of either pedal will turn it off if it is on (until it comes back again). Heard a few times this can be as simple as low brake fluid.

Finally 3) For a while now, long while. I've had a whining that's definitely RPM-related and is quiet at anything over 30mph, whether accelerating or decelerating. Happens most days while sitting at a red light after getting off a highway, and it keeps going until the car is turned OFF, and even then whines for a few seconds after. I can't pinpoint the sound but it's crazy loud in area between the crank pulley/tensioner/transmission. Again I've heard this can be as simple as low tran. fluid.

Anything helps!! I'm not too mechanically smart but I'll do what I can if it helps diagnose. Working tonight 4-930 so responses may be pretty spread out.

[2000stallion]

1. im not sure
2. brake fluid most likely
3. serpentine belt?

[CarmenVI]

Thanks for the input, I haven't checked the belt recently but between UD Pulleys and a new alternator, I can remove/replace no problem by myself. And this can probably be looked up but I'm dead lazy right now... Can brake fluid simply be added or do you need to flush/bleed/whatever the whole system?

[2000stallion]

It differs. I highly doubt you'll need to flush the whole brake system. AT MOST youll need to bleed the brakes. But i just added fluid last weekend and my brakes worked better for like a night but then my light came back on and my brakes felt shitty again. I also think theres something wrong with my brakes. Ill find out saturday when i have time to look at it

[CarmenVI]

I'll check into the options. Thanks for the info. Taking a road trip from FL to NC next week. If I need to avoid driving I can, but it's remained comfy and driveable so far. Just trying to eliminate any small issues.

Anyone else have experience or input with any of these problems? I've got a few things to try, but any additional info helps

[2000stallion]

sounds like a fun drive lol. Well, you said you got a code 52? thats backup power supply fault...so might be something you did with battery terminals. Try unplugging the module behind the glove box, then start your car and turn if off and plug it back in and hopefully that should clear it..

[CarmenVI]

O yeah, done this one before. 12 hours combined mostly of 2 roads, I95 and I40. Good music, snacks, and a trusty radar detector will make it a fun drive...and maybe the occasional hell-raising speeder to hide behind for a bit

I'll try that method tomorrow. I did have some issues with the battery terminals before replacing them. They were a little corroded and voltage was way low because they wouldn't tighten correctly. Just replaced them so I guess I hafta reset that code. Wish it was as simple as OBD, I've got a tuner that does that stuff. Again thanks for the info, helps a ton and I'll know for the future.

[2000stallion]

Well good luck man let us know what happens

[CarmenVI]

I'll keep the info going ASAP. Working most of the day, everyday, until I leave, so I'll have some idea on how any fixes affect driveability. Got a few plans tonight but I'll make an auto store trip for some fluid (DOT 3? I think). Still have the belt and pulleys from before the UD kit. I'll swap the pulley (not a huge deal for a road trip) and try that belt on, as it was relatively new, and see if that noise goes away. And I'll read up a bit more on the glove box connection for the airbag power supply. I've seen that it can be done but never read into it (didn't know if it was the specific fix for whatever problem I had).

Long story short, I'll keep you posted...

[2000stallion]

sounds good

[CarmenVI]

Couple oz. of DOT3 brake fluid shut the light off for now under heavy acceleration AKA flooring it and heavy braking. Will update if it comes back.

[CarmenVI]

Knocked out the airbag light tonight too. Everywhere I read said it was dead simple but I just couldn't find the right wires to short . Looked for a half hour in the right place at the wrong connectors, but in the end...it's done and no light.

Crank pulley was being a PITA tonight, not wanting to come off and just spin instead, so I'm trying the quick fix first. Dropped enough Trans Fluid in there to get it to where it should be (was a bit low) without doing any full fluid change. We'll see if it helps any, but the serp. belt itself looks fine. If it's still crazy loud, I'll break out my super-compact AI wrench to get those crank pulley bolts off and switch the UD pulley back to stock. Will update...