It is surprisingly common for the airbag light (or SRS light) to illuminate. However, unfortunately, most people do not know what it indicates or how serious it can be.
When your airbag light is on your instrument cluster, it means that there is an error in your airbag system.
What does the airbag light mean?
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The SRS light is a warning light that indicates an issue with the airbags system. Since it’s linked to the airbags, it’s also commonly known as the airbag light.
In most cars, it looks like a side view of the driver or passenger in a seat with the seat belt on. There is also a large circle in front of the passenger, which indicates the airbag.
What does the SRS do?
Your car has several systems, each performing a specific job. While the SRS is not vital to the overall performance of your vehicle, it is crucial to ensure safety and protection.
Shortened for Supplement Restraint System, the network is designed to add to protection by supplementing the seatbelt system and liking it to the airbags.
Credit: upload.wikimedia.org
It ensures the airbags get deployed if the car gets into an accident. The system works with the help of sensors installed in different parts of the vehicle including the door and seats. The airbag may not deploy if the SRS light is on, thus increasing the risk.
This is very important as the airbags can reduce driver fatalities by 29% and passenger fatalities by 32%. They take less than one-tenth of a second to deploy and are very important for safety.
Why is my airbag light on?
If you see the SRS light on, you must work to know why. It can be due to a variety of reasons including:
● The malfunctioning of airbag sensors: It is common for the sensors to fail. This may cause the sensor to activate all of a sudden for no reason, causing the airbag light to stay on. Replacing the sensors may do the job.
● Issues with the seat belt: Poorly strapped or loose seatbelts can also cause the SRS light to go on. Since the seatbelt is important for security, the SRS light also deals with it.
Seat belt buckles have built-in sensors that help ensure they’re properly buckled. It is important to ensure all passengers wear their seatbelts in the right manner.
● Broken or damaged parts: The Airbag light may illuminate due to one or more damaged components. It can happen due to a variety of reasons including old or worn-out components mainly due to poor maintenance and water seeping into the vehicle.
One of the major components that may cause the light to turn on is the clockspring. It’s found inside the steering wheel and can lead to the SRS light going on.
Clockspring
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The airbags may not get deployed if the SRS light is on, resulting in severe consequences in the case of a collision.
Credit: live.staticflickr.com
How to reset the airbag light?
You can get rid of the SRS light in one of the following ways:
By using a scanner with SRS reset option
If you do not like the idea of taking your car to a mechanic then you can buy a scanner with SRS capability and use it to reset the light.
Make sure to find a tool that supports this feature as not all OBD-II devices may have this option.
Credit: live.staticflickr.com
The scanner will come with a guide on how to use it. In most cases, it will display an error code with an explanation to help you figure out the issue. You will be able to reset the light after solving the problem.
However, you may have to take your car to a professional if it is a complex issue.
By seeking professional help
You have the option to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to look into the matter.
The mechanic will find the cause and also solve the problem. You can also be a bit smart and use the OBD2 diagnostic tool to find the problem and hire a mechanic to solve it for you.
This way you will be able to save on expenses as most mechanics charge extra to identify the cause of the problem. Doing so on your own can help you save money.
Doing it manually
While it is possible to check the cause manually, it is not the best option as it’s quite complicated and also time-consuming.
You will have to check for all potential causes and then look for a solution. For example, you will have to manually and individually check all the sensors to find and replace the faulty one.
We suggest you invest in a scanner or take your vehicle to a professional instead.
It can cost as low as $100 or as high as $1000 to reset the light, depending on the cause.
FAQs
❓ Why is it not safe to drive when the airbag light on?
💡 The airbags may not get deployed if the light is on, resulting in severe consequences in the case of a collision.
It is not worth taking the risk so make sure to get rid of the illuminating SRS light before you go behind the wheel.
❓ Will my car work if the airbag light / SRS light is on?
💡 Since the SRS light is not related to the engine or other components necessary to make the car work, you will have no trouble in starting and driving the vehicle. However, it is best not to drive the car if the SRS light is on.
Bottom line
Do not drive the vehicle if the airbag light / SRS light is on. Consider using an OBD2 scanner to reset it or take your car to a professional to take care of the matter.