In the first part of this article, we discussed what SRS light is and some possible reasons it is lighting up when it shouldn’t. Now, in the second half of the post, we’re going to dive deeper into the topic and determine whether it’s safe for you to use your car while having this problem, along with some things that you can do if you encounter an SRS indicator issue:
Can You Drive Your Vehicle Even with the SRS Light on?
Yes, you can drive your car even with the SRS light on, but it’s not the safest thing to do! The only reason you should drive your car while having this issue is to take it to your trusted service center to have a professional mechanic check your SRS computer.
But why is it not safe? Well, if your SRS light is on for an extended period, the possibility is high that if a collision happens, your airbags won’t go off as they should. In the end, this puts you and your passengers at risk of serious injuries that could even be fatal.
Additionally, there would be consequences from your insurance company. As you should know, the black box recorder in your car’s SRS will show information that the airbag indicator had been on and that it is an error on your part that you did not get it checked immediately. In this case, the insurance company could deny you coverage because of your negligent behavior.
What to Do if the SRS Light Is on
As mentioned, the smart thing to do is to have the issue resolved straight away. Here are some of the things that you should do:
Get your car checked by a certified mechanic, as they can diagnose the problem and let you know when your vehicle is safe to use again. If you have mechanical expertise, you can do the fix using an OBD2 scanner. This scanner has the ability to read SRS light codes and reset the system. In fact, most units that you’ll find in the market can work with models from 1996 onwards.
The scanner could be wired or wireless; just make sure that you get the one that suits your needs. It’s also advisable to double-check with your source if that particular tool can assess SRS problems on the exact make and model of your car.
OBD2 scanner can work by showing you the right error codes that will determine the culprit behind the problem. If you are not familiar with the codes, a simple search on Google can get you the answer you need.
The OBD2 scanner will be able to determine the problem, but it doesn’t necessarily solve the issue for you. If you think the fix is beyond your capabilities, you will want to take it to someone with the knowledge to do it, such as the experts at Safety Restore!
Conclusion
An illuminating SRS light on any vehicle is an indication that there is a problem with the SRS computer or the airbag system. It could be something minor, like just a spare coin stuck in the seat belt slot that a simple seat belt repair can fix, or it could be really extensive. For your peace of mind, be sure to have a professional check your SRS and airbag system before you hit the road!
If it turns out you need an airbag module reset, trust Safety Restore to do it for you. We are the trusted experts when it comes to post-accident restorations. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services!