When this light turns on, it means there is a problem with the airbags and crash sensors in your vehicle. When this light comes on, you must immediately take your car to a service center.
A service center can use a code reader to determine the cause of the warning light. The fix may be as simple as replacing a sensor or resetting the computer system.
What is the Airbag Warning Light?
You might wanna ask, “Why is my airbag light on”? The airbag warning light illuminates when there is a problem with the airbag system. The computer in your vehicle checks the system when you turn on your car, and it will keep the Airbag light illuminated if the system isn’t working correctly.
A few things can cause your airbag light to come on, including disconnected plugs or wires from removing the steering wheel airbag to fit an alternative wheel (be sure you disconnect the battery before even touching this) or damage to the sensors. It can also indicate that the seatbelt pre-tensioners have failed or that the airbag control module has a problem.
If your airbag light comes on, the best thing to do is to get it fixed as soon as possible before you start driving. Driving your vehicle without functioning airbags is unsafe, and you could be seriously injured if the airbag doesn’t deploy in a crash.
Suppose the Airbag Light doesn’t turn off after a few minutes. In that case, you can try resetting it by disconnecting all electrical connections under the seats and spraying them with an airbag resetting kit or by using a unique scan tool. If the airbag light doesn’t reset, you may need to replace the airbag control module. This can be expensive, but it’s better than the alternative.
How Do I Know If My Airbags Are Working?
Airbags are incredible safety devices that have saved lives and reduced injury to many drivers and passengers. However, it’s essential to take their function seriously and ensure they work correctly.
In an accident, the crash sensors in your car measure the force that hits the vehicle to determine whether the airbag should deploy and how quickly. This information is then relayed to the airbag indicator light, which illuminates if something is wrong with the system.
If you need clarification on what caused the airbag indicator light to come on, you can run a simple test at home to see if there’s any problem with your airbags. First, turn the ignition key to the first position and pause it. This is the indicator light test position, and all your airbags should light up momentarily and then turn off if they’re functioning correctly. If they remain on or start flashing, there’s a problem with the airbag sensor system that requires the attention of a professional.
The most common reason that an airbag might not deploy as it should is because the weight sensors are incorrectly calibrated. This can happen if you’ve recently transported a very light child in the front passenger seat or if a minor accident didn’t trigger airbag deployment but still triggered the sensor. Having a professional check the sensor threshold and calibrate it can solve this issue.
What Are the Different Types of Airbags?
Several different types of airbags can be found in modern vehicles. They are triggered by sensors that can detect rapid changes in speed, g-forces, and direction of movement. These sensors are often built into the steering wheel, instrument panel, body pillars, headliner, and other car parts. The sensors measure these forces; then, an airbag control module determines whether the vehicle has entered a collision that requires an airbag to deploy.
Front airbags are designed to inflate in moderate-to-severe frontal crashes to prevent a person’s head and chest from contacting complex structures in the vehicle. They are designed to work alongside seatbelts and usually deploy only if the people in the front seats wear their safety belts correctly. Some newer models also include seatbelt sensors that can decide whether to deploy an airbag depending on whether a person is wearing their seatbelt correctly.
Side airbags are triggered to inflate in side-impact and rollover crashes. They are designed to protect the driver’s head and torso from colliding with the window in a side-impact collision. These airbags can also be paired with a head restraint, which helps keep the driver and passenger safe by preventing their heads from hitting the dashboard or other parts of the vehicle in a rollover collision.
How Do I Know if I Need an Airbag Replacement?
Airbags are one of the most critical safety features in your vehicle. If they are not working correctly, you will be at a much higher risk for injury in the event of a crash. You can try a few things before you go to the garage for airbag replacement. For starters, check whether your airbag light has come on because the backup battery needs recharging. This will ensure the system is still operational in case your main battery dies. It is also worth checking whether you or another driver has pressed the airbag button. These buttons tend to be located close to the steering wheel and can easily get pressed accidentally. If this is the case, it can trigger a warning light. You should also check the airbag clock spring, an electrical connector that maintains contact between the computer and the driver’s airbag sensor as you turn your wheels. If it has become dislodged, this can also trigger a warning light.
If your airbag light stays on, this indicates a problem with the airbags or seatbelts in your vehicle. This can range from an electrical issue to a dislodged sensor or even corrosion in the airbag module. Whatever the problem, you should not ignore it and arrange a professional inspection as soon as possible.
