Recently I had an issue where the MGF rotary coupler needed replacing to solve the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light being constantly on. This will help you change out the MGF rotary coupler if you also need to. Skip to the replacement process if you wish.
Background #
As most MGF and MGTF owners already know, the most common SRS light on issue is the connections under the seats. These tend to be problematic, and moving a seat can often trigger the SRS light to come on. I have had issues with this but thought I had these under control. However, on a recent road trip, a bump triggered the light to come on and stay on. Not a massive bump, but an uneven section between the road and a bridge set it off.
Using the PSCAN device I bought on a UK trip, I could review the error codes on the MEMS 1.9 air bag ECU in my 1997 MGF. Originally I saw 5 codes. Four of these were related to the seats connections (two for each seat) and one indicates something for the driver’s airbag. Clearing the codes and rechecking, as I had cleaned and worked on the seat connectors, I ended up with just the driver’s airbag error.
I tried checking this and clearing the error code but every time the SRS light came on. It would come on for 4-5 seconds, go out briefly, and then it remains on constantly.

I posted in the MG Car Club – MGF Register Facebook group and quickly received suggestions the likely culprit was the rotary coupler, sometimes known as the clock spring. This, despite the fact that the horn was working. The horn is also wired through the rotary coupler.
Replacing the MGF Rotary Coupler (SRS) #
Remember – this is the SRS you are dealing with. Disconnect the battery and make sure you follow the instructions in the workshop manual to ensure nothing can cause an airbag to go off!
First off you will need a new or used replacement rotary coupler. These can be found on eBay, mostly from China. You may be able to also find new or used ones from suppliers in the UK. For example MGFnTFBITZ and MGOC Spares both in the UK. These are just examples.
I wasn’t quite sure where to start but I found a fantastically helpful video on YouTube by Wheatley’s Workshop! Although this covers an MGTF, the process is basically the same on an MGF.
I have embedded the video below for simple convenience. A few extra points I would mention, based on my personal experience. Take note of these as you watch the video. Firstly, there’s no need to remove the horn buttons/wiring. Simply remove the horn wiring connector block from the approximately 1 O’clock position once you have removed the airbag. The second thing was I found the nut for the steering wheel was 19mm. This is likely an MGF vs. MGTF difference.
Some additional photos I took during my process that may be helpful to supplement the video.




Other Materials #
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