When your airbag light is on every time you start your car, you can tell that the sensor is functioning as it should. But what if the airbag warning light stays on long after you started the vehicle?
Well, that is a sign that you’ve got an airbag sensor problem in your hands. Here’s everything you need to know about airbag sensor issues:
What Causes Problems with the Airbag Sensor?
Ever since the advent of airbags, there have been some problems with them that have been reported.
Issues with the airbag sensors can be caused by the following:
- Faulty wiring in the vehicle
- A loose connection
- A blown fuse
- A circuit that has been damaged by excess heat
If any of these situations described above happen, you will be rewarded with an airbag warning light that remains on at all times.
It is important to note that airbag sensors are important parts of your vehicle. As such, if you’re looking for a cheap DIY repair, we wouldn’t recommend it.
Can I Continue Driving My Car When the Airbag Light Is On?
As mentioned earlier, airbag warning lights that stay on indicate a problem in the system.
Even though you might occasionally be able to clear the airbag warning light by turning the car off and then starting it again, you shouldn’t assume that you can do that every time.
This is because the airbag warning light might reappear again in a short amount of time.
Also, if you start driving your vehicle again when the airbag light is still on, you’re putting yourself and your passengers in a lot of danger. You wouldn’t want to risk your safety, would you?
How Does One Fix an Airbag Sensor?
The ideal solution is to take your car to a professional. It’s the only way you can be sure that the job is done properly. In any case, we discourage you from attempting this repair yourself.
If you’re determined to go ahead and take the risk, though, here are the steps:
- Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable before working on the car.
- Remove the steering wheel.
- Remove the airbag.
- Look for the airbag sensor on the steering column, and replace the part.
- Now, with the airbag replaced, start your vehicle. If the airbag light is still on, you’ll have to replace the airbag sensor again.
Can I Reset an Airbag Sensor?
No, you can’t reset the airbag sensor. An airbag sensor that keeps giving you problems can be replaced by a professional.
How Long Will It Take to Replace the Airbag Sensor?
If you take your car to a proper auto repair shop and let them know that you’re having problems with the airbag sensor, they can probably get it done in three to five hours, that is, if they already have the replacement parts. Otherwise, you might have to wait a couple of days.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve got an airbag light that stays on at all times or one that keeps coming on randomly, you should always check whether the airbag sensor is working properly.
If you are having trouble with your airbag light, it’s best to take it to a professional who can check it for you, and if necessary, replace your airbag sensor. Safety Restore is here to do that for you, as one of the leaders in post-accident restoration in the US. Contact us today to know more about our services!
