Airbag Light On – Will the Airbags Still Deploy?
An illuminated airbag light usually means a fault has been detected in the SRS system, which covers the airbags and related components. With an active fault, some of the protection may not work properly in a crash. The car may drive normally, but the problem needs urgent diagnostics.
If the airbag light is on, you can usually drive carefully to a workshop, but don't put off diagnostics, as the SRS system may not work fully.
What does the airbag light on the dashboard mean?
The airbag light usually shows a seated figure with a circle representing the airbag. Depending on the manufacturer, it's most often red or amber. Some cars show the words SRS or AIRBAG instead.
When you switch on the ignition, the light normally comes on for a few seconds while the system runs a self-test. If it goes out, the control unit isn't reporting a detected fault at that moment. That's not a guarantee that every component is in full working order, though.
If the light stays on, comes on while driving or behaves unusually, the stored fault codes need to be checked. On some models a flashing light can convey additional diagnostic information.
You also need to tell the SRS fault light apart from the passenger airbag deactivation indicator. A Passenger Airbag OFF message may mean the airbag has been deliberately switched off and doesn't necessarily indicate a fault.
Can you drive with the airbag light on?
- Light comes on and goes out with the ignition: usually a normal self-test.
- Light stays on: fault detected or part of the system unavailable.
- Light flashing: meaning depends on the model – check the owner's manual.
- Passenger Airbag OFF: the passenger airbag may have been deliberately switched off.
- Light on after a collision: the relevant SRS components all need checking.
An SRS fault usually has no direct effect on braking or steering. That doesn't mean the car offers full protection in a collision, though.
Depending on the design and the type of fault, some airbags, seat belt pretensioners or other safety functions may be unavailable. Without diagnostics it's impossible to say which components would work in a crash.
If the car has been in a collision, the airbags have deployed or the seat belts are damaged, a check is especially urgent. Don't disconnect SRS connectors yourself or take measurements with a random multimeter.
Most common causes of an airbag warning light
| Cause | Other symptoms | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Seat electrical connector | Fault after moving the seat | High – diagnostics |
| Clock spring under the steering wheel | Possible horn or button problems | High |
| Seat belt pretensioner | SRS fault, possible signs of a previous collision | High |
| Passenger occupancy sensor | Incorrect passenger airbag message | High |
| Supply voltage drop | Faults after the battery went flat | High – verify |
| SRS control unit or sensor | Light stays on, stored fault codes | High |
The SRS system monitors electrical circuits and selected safety components. A fault indication doesn't always mean the airbag itself is damaged.
What to do when the airbag light comes on
- 1Check whether the light goes out after the normal self-test.
- 2Tell an SRS fault warning apart from the passenger airbag OFF indicator.
- 3Note whether the problem appeared after moving a seat, a flat battery or a repair.
- 4Don't disconnect airbag, pretensioner or control unit connectors yourself.
- 5Book computer diagnostics and tell us the circumstances in which the light came on.
Don't try to clear the warning by randomly disconnecting wires. SRS components require special safety procedures.
Don't fit resistors or other parts designed only to turn off the SRS light. This can hide a fault in a safety system.
How we diagnose the airbag light at Pulsecar
Computer diagnostics at Pulsecar costs 100 zł. We check the available SRS control unit fault codes and determine which circuits need further inspection.
Further work may include checking the wiring, connectors and related components. Work on the airbag system must follow the manufacturer's procedures and shouldn't be done by trial and error.
If the cause is the electrical wiring, the scope of repair is based on the inspection results. Information on related services can be found on the auto electrician page.
How much does an SRS system repair cost?
Computer diagnostics costs 100 zł. The cost of repairing a connector, the clock spring, a seat belt pretensioner, a sensor or the SRS control unit is set after diagnostics.
Don't replace an airbag just because the light is on. In many cases the cause is another part of the system. On the other hand, simply clearing the fault without fixing it is not a repair.
Before starting work we present a cost estimate for your approval. Labour comes with a 6-month warranty. You can pick a time via online booking.