The airbag light on your dashboard is an important safety indicator of a problem in the airbag system. If the light persists, it is false that you can safely ignore it.
A problem with your airbag system may mean that your airbags may not be deployed to protect you in a collision. But why does my airbag light keep coming on?
In this post, we’ll look at the most likely reasons why your airbag light will continue to come on and what you can do to solve the problem.
Article Summary
Reasons Why Does My Airbag Light Keep Coming On
Airbag light keeps coming on for several reasons. Some of them are given below:
1. Faulty Sensors
Most frequently, the cause of the airbag light illuminating is a bad sensor. The airbag system utilizes several sensors at various locations in the vehicle to determine when to deploy the airbags.
If a sensor goes bad, it will tell the computer that something is wrong, and the airbag light will come on. You will typically have to replace the bad sensor to get it working again.
2. Loose or Damaged Wiring
Wires connect your vehicle’s various bits of the airbag system. Over the years, these wires get loose, frayed, or fall off near the driver or passenger seat, sometimes from sliding over things.
Loose wires can cause a miscommunication between the sensors and the airbag control unit, which leads to the airbag light being turned on.
Go to your mechanic, and he/she should be able to look at it and tighten up or replace the damaged wires.
3. Airbag Module Issues
The airbag control module manages the entire airbag system. If it’s faulty or has water damage, the airbag light will be on and reset, or the set or the control module will need to be replaced.
4. Seat Belt Buckle Problems
The airbag system also shares wiring with the seat belt system and can trigger the airbag light if a fault involves a seat belt buckle sensor.
An airbag system can sense if the seat belt is not ‘latching’ properly, affecting airbag deployment in a crash.
Check the seat belt latch area of the buckle for debris or apparent mechanical issues, and have it repaired if necessary.
5. After-Accident Deployment
If your car has been involved in a minor accident in which the airbags did not deploy, it’s possible that the airbag system sensed the impact, causing the airbag light to come on.
Even if the airbags did not deploy, an effect can cause the control module to need to be reset by a professional.
6. Low Battery or Electrical Problems
Bad, failing, or dying batteries may cause a number of electrical gremlins, including airbag problems.
If your airbag light went on around the same time you noticed other electrical problems (e.g., dim headlights), you probably have a bad battery. Replace it.
What Should You Do If The Airbag Light Stays On?
If your airbag warning light comes on, you must immediately get your car to a garage. It is not something to ignore, even if it is a relatively minor issue.
If there is a fault in the airbag’s electronics, it might not work properly in the event of an accident.
With any luck, your mechanic can plug a diagnostic tool into your car’s electronics system and download the error code that identifies the fault.
Is It OK To Drive With Airbag Light On?
Not at all. If your car’s airbag light is on, it tells you your system is not working. It might be because there’s something wrong with the airbag, but it could be something else, such as a problem with the crash sensors.
The code for why the system is not working should be stored on your car’s computer. But if your airbag light is on, it tells you there is some kind of issue and that you must check it out.
Airbags can be a very important part of keeping you safe and alive if you have an accident in your car.
Driving a vehicle with malfunctioning airbag system can present a potentially safer risk because, if an accident happens, your system’s failure to deploy or its premature deployment increases your risk of injury.
The vehicle may still be considered roadworthy, but you need to have it diagnosed by an experienced mechanic and repaired immediately.
Don’t keep driving it, ignoring that airbag light, because you risk your safety. If that airbag light is on, take it in for a checkup.
How To Fix Airbag Light Keep Coming On
To fix the issue of an airbag light staying on, follow these steps:
1. Check The Seat Belt Sensors
- Inspect the seat belt buckles for debris or damage.
- Make sure they are in working order. If the buckle sensor is faulty, it must be cleaned or replaced.
2. Inspect The Airbag Sensors
- Have a mechanic check for faulty airbag sensors using a diagnostic tool.
- Replace any damaged or malfunctioning sensors to restore proper functionality.
3. Check For Loose or Damaged Wiring
- Inspect the wiring for any loose connections or frayed wires, especially under the seats.
- Reconnect or replace any damaged wiring components.
4. Reset or Replace The Airbag Control Module
- If an airbag was deployed following an accident, it may need to be reset. If it fails due to moisture or damage, it must be replaced.
5. Test The Battery
- Replace your vehicle’s battery immediately. A weak or dead battery can cause an electrical malfunction with the airbag system.
Of course, have any unexplained warning lights checked by your mechanic, as there may be more serious problems than just a window demister that needs adjustment.
FAQs on Why Does My Airbag Light Keep Coming On
Why is My Airbag Light On?
If your airbag light is on, there is a problem with your vehicle’s airbag system. It is probably caused by faulty seat belt sensors, damaged or loose wiring, the airbag Control Module, or the system itself.
Is It Safe To Drive With The Airbag Light On?
Whether the airbag warning light is on or off makes a substantial difference to your driving safety. With the light on, you don’t know whether the airbags will work properly if you are involved in an accident.
Can I Reset The Airbag Light Myself?
You can manually reset the light by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes or using an OBD-II scanner. Still, you shouldn’t do so until a mechanic has diagnosed and repaired the underlying cause.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix an Airbag Light Issue?
The type of problem is also a factor in the price. It might be a loose wire or a bum sensor that costs $100 to $300, an airbag control module, or a complicated computer that costs between $400 and $1,200.
What Should I Do If My Airbag Light Comes on After an Accident?
If you had an accident and the airbag light came on, even if the airbags didn’t deploy, you should have your system checked and reset by an automotive technician.
Conclusion
An on-airbag light that is lit up should never be neglected. If the light stays on or is lit up as soon as you turn on your car, it could mean that something is wrong with your vehicle’s airbag system.
This can be caused by a faulty sensor, loose wires, or something wrong with the control module. Regardless, you should get the issue diagnosed and fixed promptly.
This way, your bag will work properly if you have an accident. Drive safe!