It’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago, airbags were a luxury feature found only on a few high-end car models. Today, they’re as essential as a steering wheel. But with their widespread use, issues related to airbags have also increased, and one common problem is the airbag warning light on your dashboard.
This light, which can be orange or red and comes in different shapes and colors depending on your car, is there to warn you about a potentially serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Often, it looks like the outline of a person with a seatbelt and a big ball representing the airbag, or it might simply say “AIRBAG” or “SRS.” In newer cars, it might even display messages like “airbag system malfunction” or “airbag system service required.”
Airbags are a crucial safety feature designed to protect you in an accident. When the airbag warning light turns on, it means there’s an issue with your seatbelts or airbags, and it’s probably not safe to drive. If this light stays on, it’s best to have your car towed to the dealership rather than driving it yourself. The airbags might not deploy in a crash, putting you at greater risk for injury or death. Diagnosing the cause of the warning light isn’t always straightforward, so it’s best to let the experts handle it.
Reasons Why Is The Airbag Light In Dashboard Might Be On?
Here are some reasons why your service airbag light might be on:
Faulty Airbag Components or Sensor Wiring
The airbag system continuously monitors the deployment loop for each airbag and seat belt pretensioners. If there’s an issue with the wiring, connectors, or the airbag itself, it can disrupt the loop and trigger the warning light. This might mean there’s a problem with the airbag squib, which is the device responsible for deploying the airbag, or with the sensor wiring that communicates with the airbag module.
Problems with Crash Sensors
Crash sensors are critical components that detect rapid deceleration during an accident and signal the SRS to deploy airbags. If these sensors fail or if there is an issue after a crash where the airbags did not deploy, the warning light will come on. This happens because crash sensors are designed for single use and need replacement after activation. Any fault in these sensors can prevent airbags from deploying in future accidents.
Seat Belt Sensor Issues
An unfastened or improperly fastened seatbelt can cause the airbag light to turn on. Many modern cars have sensors that deactivate the passenger airbag if the seatbelt isn’t buckled or if there’s no weight on the seat while the seatbelt is buckled. Problems with these sensors or their wiring can trigger the warning light. Faulty buckle switches or malfunctioning seat occupant sensors are common culprits.
Obstruction in Seatbelt Catch
If debris or objects get stuck in the seatbelt catch, it can prevent the seatbelt from locking properly. This can lead the car’s computer to incorrectly think that the seatbelt isn’t fastened, which can trigger the airbag warning light. Checking and clearing any obstructions in the seatbelt catch can sometimes resolve the issue.
Worn Out Airbag Clockspring
The airbag clockspring is a component that maintains an electrical connection with the driver airbag while allowing the steering wheel to turn. Over time, the clockspring can wear out, leading to a poor electrical connection and causing the airbag warning light to come on. This is a fairly common issue and usually requires careful replacement, including disconnecting the battery to ensure safety.
Battery Voltage Problems
A weak battery can cause more than just starting problems; it can also trigger the airbag warning light. The airbag module is very sensitive to the battery’s voltage levels, so when the battery is weak, it can set off the warning light.
If the charging system doesn’t maintain the voltage within the expected range, it can cause the airbag light to illuminate. This happens because the airbag module relies on specific voltage levels to function correctly. It has capacitors designed to deploy the airbags even if battery power is interrupted during a crash.
Water Damage to Airbag System
Water can severely damage the airbag module and its wiring. Moisture can cause corrosion or short circuits within the system, leading to the airbag warning light turning on. Water damage can occur due to leaks or flooding, and addressing this issue typically involves repairing or replacing the damaged components.
Dislodged Airbag Wiring
Moving the passenger seat back and forth can sometimes dislodge the side airbag wires, triggering the warning light. This can happen because the movement of the seat can put stress on the wiring connections. In my car, this was actually the culprit. After more than a couple of visits to the mechanic, we discovered that the issue was dislodged airbag wiring.
Each of these issues requires a proper diagnosis and repair by a professional to ensure your safety on the road.
How To Fix An Airbag Warning Light
If your airbag light is on, it means there’s a potential issue with your car’s airbag system, which is crucial for your safety. Here are some steps you can try to address the problem, but remember that these are temporary solutions. It’s best to get your car checked by a mechanic for a proper fix.
Simple Reset
Sometimes, the airbag light comes on due to a minor glitch. Try turning your car off completely, then restarting it. If the light goes off, it might have been a temporary issue.
Check Seatbelts
Ensure all seatbelts are functioning properly. Broken seatbelts can falsely activate the SRS warning system. Lock and unlock each seatbelt to verify they are secure.
Inspect for Loose Connections
Loose electrical connections under the seats can cause the airbag light to come on. Carefully check the connections under the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Important safety note: be sure to disconnect the battery before touching any electrical connections under the seats.
Restart Your Car with the Ignition
Try restarting your car by turning the ignition switch on, allowing the car to sit for 10 to 20 seconds, then turning it off. If the light turns off, your issue might be resolved.
Turn On the Passenger Airbag Switch
Some vehicles have a switch that determines whether the passenger seat airbag will deploy. If this switch is turned off, it may cause your vehicle to display the SRS airbag warning light. Turn the switch on or press the button while your car is running.
Buckle In Any Heavy Objects
Your vehicle relies on a system known as the front passenger occupant system to determine if someone is in a seat. Placing a heavy object in the seat may cause the car to believe it’s a person. Buckle in the object or move it to the trunk to avoid triggering the system.
Use an OBD2 Scanner
If you’re experienced with cars or know someone with an OBD2 scanner, use it to diagnose the issue. Plug the diagnostic link connector into the port under the steering wheel and wait for a trouble code. This can help identify the problem and guide you on the necessary steps to fix it.
Visit an Experienced Mechanic
If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, visit an experienced auto technician. The airbag system is complex and incredibly important. Ignoring an airbag light is dangerous because it means the system might not function properly in an accident. A professional can diagnose and fix the problem using the right tools and expertise.
Go on a Short Test Drive
After attempting any fixes, take your car for a short drive to verify the issue is resolved. Most manufacturers recommend driving for around 10 minutes. A short test drive can help reset the front passenger occupant system sensor if needed.
