When your airbag warning light turns on, what happened to it?

Airbag Warning Light Turns On

When your airbag service light illuminates, it can indicate several potential issues — but all of them mean there is a malfunction within the airbag deployment system. This malfunction could endanger the safety of you and your family in the event of an accident due to airbag failure.

Airbag Service Light

The airbag service light is one of the three major warning indicators on your dashboard. It appears when the vehicle’s diagnostic system detects a problem in the airbag system. Depending on your vehicle model, this light may appear as an icon, code, or text warning.

The airbag warning light signals that there is a problem within the airbag system and serves as a warning that airbags may fail to deploy during an accident. Until the issue is resolved, the warning light may remain illuminated, flash continuously, or turn on and off each time the vehicle is started.

It is unwise and unsafe to drive your vehicle when the airbag warning light is on. Do not drive until the issue has been diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician.

Common Reasons Why the Airbag Warning Light Turns On

Although there are many possible causes, the following are the most common:

1. Sensor Malfunction
   A faulty sensor is a frequent cause of an illuminated airbag light. This may occur after a minor collision in which the crash sensor was triggered but the airbags did not deploy.
   Airbag sensors are not designed for multiple uses and are extremely sensitive. They must be replaced after any minor or major accident.

2. Loose Connections
   Poor wiring, loose connectors, or faults in the computer system can also trigger the airbag light. These problems may result from normal wear and tear or long-term corrosion.

3. Airbag Control Module Failure
   The airbag control module receives data from all crash sensors. When it fails, your safety system cannot function properly and may even fail to detect a collision.
   These modules are typically located under the driver’s or passenger’s seat and can easily become corroded or damaged by high humidity or water exposure.

4. Clock Spring Issues
   A worn-out airbag clock spring is another common reason for the airbag service light to appear.
   The clock spring maintains the electrical connection between the vehicle and the driver’s airbag. As you turn the steering wheel, it continuously winds and unwinds.
   Over time, this repeated motion can wear out the spring, reducing its ability to trigger airbag deployment and increasing the risk of airbag failure.