Your vehicle’s airbags are part of its supplemental restraint system (SRS) and provide additional protection beyond the seatbelt in the event of a collision.
The airbag light (or SRS light) activates when something is wrong with your SRS system.
The light depicts a seated person wearing their seatbelt with a circle (airbag) in front of them. It can shine red or amber or display the words ‘AIRBAG.’
But why is the airbag light on in the first place?
We’ve got some possible answers. Keep reading.
This Article Contains
- 7 Significant Reasons Behind a Lit Airbag Light
- 6 Ways to Reset Your Airbag Light
- 4 Airbag Light FAQs
Let’s get started.
7 Significant Reasons Behind a Lit Airbag Light
Your airbag light activating can mean multiple things besides an airbag issue.
Let’s dive into some of the reasons behind this dashboard light:
1. Depleted Car Battery
A drained car battery could be the culprit since your airbag’s backup battery relies on your car’s battery. If your main battery is dead, your airbag battery will lose power — triggering a flashing airbag light. This should resolve on its own after you’ve fixed the battery issue and your airbag’s backup battery receives enough power.
2. Worn Out Airbag Clock Spring
A clock spring is a spirally wound flat wire inside the steering wheel. It ensures that your steering wheel can turn without affecting the electrical wiring i,e, the airbag connectors connecting to the driver’s airbag within your steering column.
The constant movement of the airbag clock spring can cause it to wear down and disconnect your driver-side airbag. This could delay the airbag deployment and activate the airbag light.
3. Wet Airbag Module
The airbag module is usually under the driver’s or passenger’s seat, but some vehicles might have it under the radio or steering wheel. To locate your airbag control module, check your owner’s manual.
The airbag control module won’t work if it gets wet or experiences corrosion and physical damage. So be careful of spills, as it might damage your control module.
4. Sensor Issues
Multiple sensors (knock sensors, TPS, impact sensor) ensure your car runs smoothly. If malfunctioning or damaged sensors send the wrong signal to your car’s computer, it could trigger a flashing airbag light. It’ll be difficult for the average Joe to determine why an airbag sensor is defective. Always opt for a professional mechanic to run diagnostics.
5. Your Seatbelts Aren’t Locked In
Any obstruction or damaged parts can prevent your seat belt from engaging. And since cars have sensors that detect if your seat belt isn’t buckled correctly, it’ll trigger your airbag light. Some vehicles’ airbag lights even activate if you’re not wearing a seat belt. So always stay safe by buckling up!
6. It Wasn’t Reset After a Collision
You’ll need to have your vehicle serviced after collisions, especially if your sensors caused the airbag to deploy. A mechanic should replace your deployed airbag and then reset the airbag light. But sometimes, mechanics may forget to do an airbag light reset after an airbag replacement.
Note: After minor collisions trigger your airbag sensor and activate the light, an airbag light reset is still necessary.
7. Your Airbag Is ‘Off’
Certain vehicles allow you to deactivate your passenger-side airbag, not your driver side airbag.
But why would anyone do that?
It’s a safety precaution since a deployed airbag can severely injure young children or fur babies in your passenger seat. But remember to reactivate the airbag to protect your next passenger.
So, you’ve figured out why your air bag light is on, and now you want to make it disappear.
Continue reading to find out how!
6 Ways to Reset Your Airbag Light
If a mechanic repairs your airbag, they’ll reset it for you. If you’ve taken the DIY route to fix the airbag issue, here are different ways to reset your airbag warning light:
1. Turn Your Car On and Off
This helps reset your car’s computer by turning your ignition switch on and off.
After you’ve turned the ignition switch on, the warning light should stay on for about seven seconds and then disappear. If it doesn’t disappear, try this a few more times before moving on to another method.
2. Go For a Test Drive
Before driving:
- Check the airbag module wires under the two front seats.
- Don’t drive if there’s any visible damage to the wires or a loose connection.
If everything is fine, take a 3 to 5-minute drive. This will give your vehicle time to reset its systems, and your airbag lights should disappear.
3. Locate and Check Your Passenger Airbag Switch
As mentioned before, some vehicles have a passenger airbag switch that can be activated or disengaged. When the switch is off, the air bag light will constantly illuminate. The fix is to turn the switch back on.
4. Check Your Seatbelts
Your supplemental restraint system comprises your airbag system, seat belt pretensioner, and impact sensors. A faulty seat belt pretensioner or any seat belt obstruction can trigger your SRS warning light.
5. Verify If Your Passenger Weight Sensor Is Triggered
Your sensor’s electrical wiring may mistake a heavy bag or box in your passenger seat as a person and expect it to wear a seat belt. You could move the object to the floor rear seats or have it ‘wear’ a seat belt.
6. Use an OBD-II Scanner to Reset the Airbag Codes
If you’re confident in your mechanic capabilities, purchase a scan tool to clear and reset your airbag codes. This should reset the airbag light. Just remember that if the root cause wasn’t resolved, your airbag codes and light will likely return.
Connect the scan tool to the diagnostic link airbag connectors below your steering wheel. Run a scan on the airbag ECU and find the exact problem you need to repair. But call a mechanic if the repairs are too complex for you to handle.
Got questions about the air bag light?
Let’s address them.
4 Airbag Light FAQs
Here are answers to some airbag warning light questions you may have:
1. Can I Drive With the Airbag Light On?
Your air bag light won’t stop your car from running, but it’ll be perilous. This warning light indicates that an essential part of your safety system isn’t working. And in case of a crash, your SRS module won’t allow airbag deployment, which can have deadly consequences.
We don’t recommend driving with an illuminated airbag light. The best course of action is to identify and fix the problem ASAP.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Fix the Airbag Light?
It depends on the repairs required. Here are some approximate costs (including labor charges):
- Clock spring: $80 to $400
- Seat belt: $20 to $250
- Side curtain airbag: $400 to $1,500
- Steering wheel or standard airbag: $1,000 to $2,000
3. Are There Different Types of Airbags?
Yes. You have the:
- Front passenger or driver’s airbag: The standard ones protecting your head and upper body from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
- Side airbag/curtain airbag: Side airbags cushion your side and torso from impact. Curtain airbags are in the ceiling to protect your head. Together, they cover the front passenger and driver in case of a collision.
- Knee air bag: They prevent your knees from shattering on impact.
- Inflatable seat belt: This type of airbag isn’t available in every vehicle. It aims to disperse the accident force over a broader area to protect the passengers.
4. How Do Airbags Work?
Airbags deploy if you’re driving at high speed and your crash or impact sensors detect you hit something. Your impact sensors and accelerometers trigger your SRS module. The crash sensor signals your airbag electronic control unit (airbag ECU) to activate the inflator system, which instantaneously inflates your airbag.
Don’t Leave That Airbag Light Lit!
An activated SRS light signals an issue with your car’s airbag system. However, it doesn’t say precisely what’s wrong with it.
AutoNation Mobile Service can help decode what the SRS warning light means and, if necessary, perform a successful airbag replacement. And if you need help with a lit check engine light or clutch repair, AutoNation Mobile Service can accurately diagnose and fix these issues as well.
Contact us to schedule service, and we’ll send our qualified technicians straight to your driveway. All repairs and services come with a 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.