i took it in to a mechanic. he said it tests out as the 'clog spring' in the steering wheel airbag assembly causing the light and he couldnt reset it.

i'm selling the car (getting an 02 this weekend)and want it fixed properly before selling so i'm going to pony up the $300 for the repair.

 

It's a clock spring, not a clog spring. At my shop, about 75% of the time an airbag light is on for a clock spring.

 

well that explains why i can't find it discussed anywhere. (ie clog vs clock!)
so at $300-$350 is this a reasonable amount to pay for this repair?

 

I replaced my clock spring this afternoon. Air bag light was on, and my horn and cruise didn't work. Air bag light is still on. Now that the system is fixed (or, so I think), how do I turn off the light? Thanks.

 

I had the same problem. Took my 2000 Camry to the dealership. They said I needed a new airbag sensor assembly (code 89170-06091), and quoted me 600 for the part and that it would take about a week for it to be delivered. I didn't have the money on me so I went home and while looking up the part number, I found a new one online at toyotapart.com. I purchased it for less than $407, shipping included, and it arrived several days later.

Despite the obvious safety concerns, I might have done without fixing it because I didn't plan on driving my car into a brick wall; except that my state inspection required the check air bag light be cleared before they would pass my car. Then again, I presume most people that end up in an accident never planed that either, less they would be called something other than an accident; so maybe it is better that I did replace it.