Why Is My Airbag Light On?

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Why Is My Airbag Light On?

The airbag light on the dashboard is part of the car’s monitoring system that warns the driver to check for a problem with the vehicle's airbag system. When the airbag light is on, it means that there is a problem with one or more of the airbag system parts such as a defective sensor, module, or wiring, which is frequently the cause of the problem.

Why Is My Airbag Light On?

The airbag light indicates a fault with the seatbelts or airbags. Hence, it's usually not an ideal choice to drive when the airbag light is on.

We suggest getting it towed to the dealership rather than driving it yourself if it keeps on flashing inside your car. After all, you'll be far more likely to get injured or get into an accident if the airbags don't deploy and you're traveling to have it mended. It's preferred to leave the diagnosis to the experts as identifying the cause isn't always simple. However, there are three usual problems that could turn on this light:

Computer Issues With Airbag Light

There are plenty of computer problems that could be the cause of the issue we've stated as a possible reason your airbag light is on. The mechanics will connect your car or vehicle to experts when you bring it in for service. They'll be able to identify the exact issue, the computer will brief them on what exactly the issue is.

Your Seatbelt Fasteners Are Improper

Modern automobiles have sensors that can tell when you've fastened your seatbelt. Even if your seatbelt feels secure, the sensor will turn up the airbag light if it doesn't seem buckled all the way.

Evidently, you'll see this identical warning light if your seatbelt has been entirely unbuckled. Never forget to fasten up belts in cars.

A Collision Has Occurred With Your Vehicle

Most likely, the airbag light will be on if your car has been in an accident. This usually happens for big accidents where the airbags have deployed; if this has happened and your car has been set it's likely that the mechanics missed resetting the system. However, it can also occur in smaller accidents that occur at slower speeds. Even if the airbag did not deploy, the crash sensors might have been activated. As their name suggests, crash sensors are sensitive, and if they trip, they must be reset.

How To Reset Airbag Light?

Below are the details of how to reset an airbag light:

1. To Start And Stop The Ignition

The ignition switch needs to be switched on first. Next, keep watching out for the airbag light to turn on; it generally does so after seven seconds and stays on until it turns off on its own. After that, quickly flip the switch to the off state and wait for three seconds.

Repeat the fundamental steps a few times before starting the engine. If everything has been carried out completely, the airbag light on your automobile should flash for seven seconds before going off entirely.

2. Go For A Brief Test Drive

Start your engine again, then go for a brief test drive. Before starting the car again, check the electrical system under the driver's and passenger's seats. Check for corrosion and lose wires on the connecting plug.

If none, clean the connecting plugs with an electronic cleaner. Drive for three to five minutes to check if the light turns off automatically. In some kinds of vehicles, the airbag light may turn on after a while of driving.

Either the light is meant to stay on until the systems come online, or the sensor that detects whether someone is in your passenger seat needs to run through multiple times to get an accurate reading.

3. Find The Passenger Airbag Switch And Inspect It

One of the items to check when attempting to turn off the airbag light is the passenger seat airbag on/off button, which is only found in selective vehicles. It's possible that someone unintentionally left the airbag light on when switching it off. This button, which tends to be on the passenger-side dashboard, will be available when you open your glove compartment or passenger door.

4. Make Sure The Seat Belts Are Functioning Properly By Checking Them

A seat belt that is broken may cause your airbag light to illuminate. Before pressing the button to take off a seat belt while your car is running, ensure that each one has been plugged in individually to confirm that it clicks.

If any of the seat belts are broken or fail to latch tightly, the vehicle may assume that a seat is occupied and that the light should stay on.

5. Check to see if the passenger weight sensor is activated

The majority of cars contain a sensitive passenger weight sensor. The problem with these specific cars is that all it takes for the sensors to be activated is for a hefty box or container to be placed on the passenger seat. As a result, the airbag light switched on.

To fix this issue, either take the item out of the passenger seat or fasten your seatbelt. If either fixes the problem, it will show that the sensor was active and the airbag light was activated.

6. OBD-II Scanners Can Be Used To Reset The Codes

If you're mechanically minded, you can purchase a scanner with SRS capability to reset your airbag light. Just keep in mind that not every OBD-II gadget is capable of turning the airbag light off. Before buying an OBD-II scanner with the features that you need, it is a good idea to do some research.

You should connect your OBD II scanner to the diagnostic link connector (DLC) located under your steering wheel. Run a scan and look at the code that displays on the screen to identify the root cause.

Where To Get Airbag Light Checked?

A mechanic can assist you in dealing with the airbag light by examining the system using the internal diagnostic system of the car. The airbag sensor will then be adjusted, or he will determine whether there is another possible problem with the airbag system.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, if the airbag warning light on your car illuminates, you must get immediate help from an experienced mechanic to determine the cause of the problem. A vital safety component for safeguarding people in the case of an accident is the airbag system. An airbag light that is illuminated suggests a possible problem that might prevent the airbags from deploying correctly when needed. In most countries, it's unlawful to disobey traffic signals, and doing so thus increase the possibility of severe damage or harm in an accident that could have been prevented with the right airbag deployment. Therefore, avoid driving the car until an expert technician has identified the exact cause for the light and performed the necessary fixes to make sure that it is functioning properly.