The dashboard is built to provide drivers information about the state of their car, from the speed the car is going to its fuel levels. Dashboards are also equipped with symbols that can blink when something is happening. There are some cases where dashboards can light up for seemingly no reason, which can be perceived as a nuisance. However, there is always a reason behind these indicators. In most cases, something is wrong, and such is the case with airbag lights!
If your airbag light is blinking or on, it can be a minor fault or a severe problem. If you are confident in your auto-repair skills, read on. This article will talk about what you can do to address the issue. However, be sure to employ all the safety measures necessary, including having the right safety equipment and tools.
With no further ado, here is what you can do to fix the problem:
Step 1. Remove the negative battery cable
The first thing you should do when repairing your airbag light is to remove the negative battery cable from the terminal. Wait around fifteen minutes to ensure that the capacitors are fully discharged. Otherwise, the system will still have power.
Step 2. Unscrew the airbag
After fifteen minutes, straighten the wheels and steering wheel, then look for your airbag. Unscrew it and pull the airbag slowly out, removing the connectors to free the airbag.
Step 3. Loosen the steering wheel nut
With the airbag out, turn the steering wheel left and right to expose the screws that are holding the steering column trim. You can use two pieces of tape and place them on the steering wheel and column trim to act as a reference to put the steering wheel back to its correct position. Be sure also to lock the steering so that the wheels do not follow.
When that is done, use a breaker bar and loosen the steering wheel nut. Do not remove it! Simply loosen the nut and tug on the steering wheel until it comes off.
Step 4. Remove the clock spring
Once the steering wheel is off, you will find the clock spring—the cause of your flashing light in many cases. Remove the clock spring by disconnecting the harness behind it and install your new clock spring. Do not forget to break the tab by bending it.
Step 5. Reinstall everything
With the new clock spring installed, reinstall everything. This includes retightening your steering wheel back to the right position, reinstalling the airbags, and then finally reconnecting the power.
Conclusion
During your airbag repair, practice maximum safety! A mistake can cause the airbag to deploy. If it hits you, it can lead to severe injury or even death. If you are not confident in your ability to carry out this process or are uncertain about the cause of the blinking airbag light, be sure to reach out to professionals to fix the problem for you. They can quickly and effectively fix your airbag blinking light, address any issue, and ensure that your car is safe on the road.
Safety Restore is comprised of expert post-accident restorers, offering seat belt repairs, airbag module resets, and more. If you are looking for airbag reset services in Westfield, reach out to us today!
