If your airbag light (often labeled SRS, for supplemental restraint system) stays on after you start the car, the system has found a fault and has likely switched off some or all of the airbags until it's fixed. That means they may not deploy in a crash. The car usually still drives normally, but it's a safety issue worth checking soon. Hillside Auto Clinic at 26122 Western Ave, Lomita, CA 90717 can read the codes and find the cause; call (310) 956-5794 or schedule.
What the airbag light normally does
Every time you turn the key or press the start button, the airbag light should come on for a few seconds while the system checks itself, then go out. That's normal. A problem is when:
- The light stays on after the self-check.
- The light flashes, which on many cars means a stored fault.
- The light never comes on at all during startup, which can mean the bulb or warning circuit has a problem and you wouldn't be warned of a fault.
- The light comes and goes while driving, which often points to a loose or intermittent connection.
What the SRS system includes
The airbag system is more than the airbags themselves. It also includes:
- Crash sensors around the car that detect an impact.
- The airbag control module, which decides when to deploy.
- Seat belt pretensioners, which tighten the belts in a crash.
- Seat belt buckle sensors and, on many cars, a passenger seat occupancy sensor that decides whether the passenger airbag should be active.
- The clock spring, a coiled ribbon cable inside the steering column that keeps the driver's airbag connected while the wheel turns.
- Wiring and connectors, many of them under the front seats.
A fault in any of these can turn the light on.
Common causes of an airbag light
- A worn clock spring. This is a common one. Signs that point to it include the horn not working, steering wheel buttons not responding, or the light coming on when you turn the wheel.
- Loose connectors under the seats. Moving the seats, cleaning under them, or items getting stuffed under the seat can tug on wiring.
- Seat belt buckle or pretensioner faults.
- Passenger occupancy sensor problems, including a passenger airbag indicator that acts up when someone sits in the seat.
- Low battery voltage or recent battery work. On some cars, a weak battery or a jump start can set a fault that needs to be checked and cleared.
- A previous collision. Deployed airbags, pretensioners, and some sensors need to be replaced, and the module may need to be reset or replaced after a crash.
- Water damage or corrosion in wiring or connectors.
- An open safety recall on the airbags or related parts.
Is it safe to drive with the airbag light on?
The car will usually drive the same, but you should assume the airbags might not protect you in a crash. Get it checked soon, especially if you carry passengers or children. Until then:
- Make sure everyone wears a seat belt.
- Keep children in the back seat in the right car seat or booster for their size.
- Don't try to repair airbag parts yourself. Airbags are explosive devices, and unplugging or probing them without the right procedure can set them off or cause injury.
Can I just clear the code?
Clearing the light without fixing the cause doesn't make the airbags work. If the fault is still there, the light will come right back. The right fix is to read the stored SRS codes, find what caused them, repair it, and then clear the codes and confirm the light goes out.
Check for recalls
Airbag recalls have affected many vehicles over the years. You can look up your VIN at NHTSA's recall site. Recall repairs are done by the vehicle's dealer, so if your VIN shows an open airbag recall, contact a dealer for your brand.
What we check
A technician connects a scan tool that can read the airbag system, which a basic code reader often can't do, and pulls the stored SRS codes. From there we check the related parts the code points to: connectors and wiring under the seats, the clock spring and horn function, seat belt buckles and pretensioners, the occupancy sensor, and battery voltage. We'll explain what we found and your options before any work is done.
Hillside Auto Clinic is open Monday–Friday 8 AM–6 PM and Saturday 10 AM–3 PM (closed Sunday). Visit us at 26122 Western Ave, Lomita, CA 90717, call (310) 956-5794, or email hillsideautoclinic@gmail.com.
Call or schedule
Airbag or SRS light on in Lomita, Torrance, Harbor City, or anywhere in the South Bay? Call (310) 956-5794 or book online.
FAQ
What does SRS mean on my dashboard?
SRS stands for supplemental restraint system, which is the airbag system along with the seat belt pretensioners and related sensors. An SRS light means that system has found a fault.
Will my airbags work if the airbag light is on?
You can't count on it. When the system finds a fault, it often turns off some or all of the airbags until the problem is repaired.
Can a weak battery cause the airbag light to come on?
On some cars, yes. Low voltage or a jump start can set an SRS fault. If the light stays on after the battery is fixed, the codes still need to be read and cleared.
Why did my airbag light come on after I moved my seat?
Moving the seat or stuffing items under it can pull on the connectors and wiring under the seat. A technician can check those connections safely.
Does the airbag light affect a California SMOG check?
The SMOG check looks at emissions, not the airbag system, so an airbag light by itself isn't part of it. It's still a safety problem worth fixing.
