If your airbag light is on long after starting your vehicle or even if your airbags don’t deploy, this is a serious automobile concern; either the light or the airbag itself is faulty, so you must learn how to isolate this particular problem.
The airbag light should only be on when there’s a problem with the airbag system in your car. Each time you turn on the vehicle computer, it checks the system to ensure that everything is working correctly. The airbag light turns on for a few seconds to show that the system is functioning commonly, then turns off before ignition. If it remains on, there is a problem with the airbag system, and the airbag can’t deploy in an accident.
The airbag light in your car can indicate a few different things. If an airbag has been deployed and not reset, it will be lit up. If the airbag didn’t deploy, then the warning light will show when the system cannot activate the airbag for some reason; there is a problem with your car’s airbag system. You’ll need to reset this warning light. In any case, here are the best practices for when your car’s airbag lights remain on for no reason.
Do Not Drive the Vehicle
This first step is crucial. If the airbag light remains lit, it means that the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. While your seat belts will activate and protect you from being launched out of the car, you will still suffer significant head, neck, and spinal damage without the airbag.
This is dangerous, and it means that you should avoid driving if at all possible in that vehicle. If this light stays on after resetting the indicator, you should take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible.
Get Clearing
The airbag ECU has to be cleared before using the airbag, and the airbag warning light can shut off. To do so, turn the key in the ignition until you hear a click. Remove the ECU fuse for 10 seconds and then replace it.
If you’re sure there’s no problem in the system after doing the above step, take the airbag ECU to a mechanic or service that does this kind of service, so they do the clearing. Your car’s manufacturer or dealer should also be able to perform this. However, they might install a brand new airbag ECU instead of clearing it for extra safety. The airbag light should remain off after this process.
Do Some Troubleshooting
Do not panic and, instead, retrace your steps. Troubleshooting or determining the problem of an airbag warning light is not simple. Much like the Check Engine light, vehicle owners should not ignore this. If you’re familiar with how car systems work, check your airbag ECU or electronic control unit for an error, where all the data is stored.
However, suppose your airbags have not been deployed or discharged but still see an airbag light. There is likely a computer problem—either the entire airbag system has deactivated and malfunctioned for some reason, or the computer has simply made an error.
Take the Problem to a Mechanic Today
If the airbag light comes on, the best thing to do is take the vehicle to a mechanic. A mechanic can inspect the airbag sensor and other parts of the system using the diagnostic software in the car. If a fault is found in one or more components, the mechanic can examine each and adjust.
Get that pesky airbag light repaired at Safety Restore today! We expertly handle post-accident restorations specializing in seat belt repairs and airbag modules. We also provide webbing replacements and instrument cluster repairs. Learn more by visiting our website!
