Airbags are crucial for vehicle safety. They work with your seatbelt to protect your upper body or head during a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), from 1987 to 2017, frontal airbags saved 50,457 lives. But like other parts, airbags can develop problems over time. Fortunately, the airbag light on your dash will alert you when this happens.
A Quick Backgrounder on the Airbag System
Let’s begin by saying there are three systems that absolutely must never be modified by anybody, and the airbag system is one of those three. The other two are cruise control and anti-lock brakes (ABS). These systems should always be restored to the original design and function.
The airbag system on just about every vehicle is deployed by a dedicated electronic module taking input from crash sensors. Many airbag modules have crash sensors built into the module. Older airbag systems had crash sensors feeding both the power and ground side of each “squib,” which is the explosive part of the airbag. The crash sensor for the forward airbag is a different sensor from the crash sensor(s) that cause curtain and seat airbag deployment.
Why Is My Airbag Light On?
The airbag light will turn on briefly when you start and turn off the engine as part of the system’s self-test. But if it stays on, there might be a problem that can keep your airbags from deploying.
The airbag system will sometimes be named “supplemental restraint system,” or “supplemental inflatable restraint,” etc. Just about every vehicle’s airbag control module is connected to the network so that diagnostic trouble codes can be retrieved when the airbag light is illuminated.
Here are some of the reasons why your service airbag light may be on:
Faulty Airbag Squib or open Sensor Wiring
The airbag deployment loop in each airbag (and in the seat belt pretensioners where equipped) is constantly monitored by the airbag module. An open deployment loop can be a bad airbag, wiring, or a connector issue.
Crash Sensor Issues
The crash sensor sends a signal to the SRS when it detects rapid deceleration, which usually happens in crashes. The SRS then uses the data to deploy airbags.
If the airbags didn’t deploy after the crash sensor was triggered, the airbag warning light would turn on. In that case, you must replace the crash sensor because it’s only meant for a single use. It won’t work again the next time you’re in a crash.
Seat Belt Problems
Your airbag light can turn on if your seatbelt is not secure, so make sure you fasten it correctly before driving.
Most seats have occupant restraint sensors that will turn off the passenger side airbag if there is weight on the passenger seat and the seat belt is not buckled, or if the seat belt is buckled and there’s no weight on the seat. Faulty buckle switches or wiring or faulty seat occupant sensors or wiring can also be the cause of an airbag light or a passenger airbag off message on the dash.
If adjusting the buckle doesn’t resolve the airbag light, one of the sensors that connect the seatbelt to the airbag system might be malfunctioning. A trip to an auto repair shop will give you an accurate diagnosis.
Bad Airbag Clockspring
The airbag clockspring lets you turn your steering wheel while keeping a steady connection with the driver airbag. Unfortunately, it can wear out over time, causing poor electrical connection and airbag issues that could turn on the warning light. This is a fairly common issue, but make sure you carefully read the instructions while installing the clockspring and always disconnect the battery when replacing it.
If you’ve disconnected the steering column from the steering gear, make sure the wheels are centered and the steering wheel is locked or you can damage your clockspring when you reassemble. The clockspring can be pricey.
Battery Issues
The airbag module is sensitive to battery voltage levels. If for some reason the charging system isn’t keeping the system voltage within the window the airbag module expects, a light may be illuminated. The module has some heavy capacitors that are designed to deploy the airbags if an accident is bad enough to interrupt battery power.
Water Damage
Water can harm various systems in your vehicle—including your airbags. The moisture can cause corrosion and damage your airbag module, which might activate the warning light. It can also cause a short circuit, which can cause issues with the system’s electrical wiring.
Dislodged Wiring
Moving the passenger seat backward and forward can dislodge the side airbag wires, which could trigger the warning light. If you think your warning light turned on due to this issue, take a trip to an auto repair shop to fix it.
More on Airbag Systems
An airbag is an inflatable safety device that helps protect the driver and passengers during a collision.
Front airbags have been required by the government since 1999. While side airbags aren’t mandatory, there’s a federal regulation that requires side-impact protection for the head and torso, which side airbags can provide.
The airbag inflates when the arming sensor and discrimination sensor trigger at the same time. The arming sensor provides power, while the discrimination sensor provides ground connection.
The airbag system’s sensors start measuring impact force as soon as a crash occurs. If it’s devastating, the sensors activate the inflators to quickly blow up the bags with gas.
Can I Drive With The Airbag Light On?
You can technically drive your vehicle, but it’s not recommended. After all, an airbag warning light indicates something is wrong with the system, so there’s a possibility your airbags won’t deploy during a collision.
Get your ride checked by a trusted professional once you notice the airbag warning light on your dash.
How to Fix an Airbag Warning Light
To perform repair work on your airbags, you must disconnect them temporarily. If you’re not confident doing this, let a licensed mechanic resolve the issue. Otherwise, you can do it on your own.
Note that airbag system components and design can vary per manufacturer. Some airbag systems even require special testers for their circuits. So make sure you use vehicle-specific manuals on how to disable airbags.
Aside from your airbag system, regularly check your seatbelts and other safety components to reduce risks on the road.
Shopping for Repair Parts Related to an Activated Airbag Warning Light
As mentioned, your airbag warning light can activate due to many reasons. Luckily, it’s easy to get replacement parts for all types of repairs here at CarParts.com.
You don’t even have to go outside just to get replacement parts like clock springs and wirings. All you have to do is check out our website and browse through our selection of airbag components sold at unbeatable prices.
Enter your ride’s exact details into our easy-to-use vehicle selector to check for fitment. You can also filter your search according to your desired brand and price range. Need to check whether a product matches your vehicle’s specs? Our lines are open 24/7, and we have team members ready to assist you with your order.
Check out our selection and order today!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
