An illuminated airbag warning light might seem alarming, but it doesn’t always mean there’s a major issue. Sometimes, it’s just a reminder that the airbag system is switched off. But if it stays on, it’s a sign that something needs attention.
This guide will walk you through what the warning light looks like, the common reasons it comes on, and how to fix it.
What does the airbag warning light look like?
The airbag warning light typically looks like a person sitting with a seatbelt on, with a circle in front representing an airbag. Some vehicles use the word “AIRBAG” or “SRS” (Supplementary Restraint System) instead.
When you start your car, the light should briefly flash and then disappear – this is normal. But if it stays on, there may be a problem that needs fixing.
Why is my airbag light on?
Let’s take a look at some common reasons for an airbag warning light.
1. Faulty or damaged sensors
Your car’s airbag system relies on impact sensors to detect collisions and deploy the airbags. If a sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause the warning light to turn on even if there’s no crash risk.
A mechanic can diagnose this with a specialist tool that reads error codes.
Want to learn more about how airbags work? Check out this guide.
2. Damaged clock spring
The clock spring is found in the steering wheel column. It allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining an electrical connection with other devices, including the horn and airbags.
Identifying a broken clock spring is relatively easy because none of your steering wheel buttons will work, and the airbag light will stay on.
3. Faulty wiring
The airbag system is connected through an intricate network of wiring. If wires become damaged, corroded or loose, this can interrupt communication between different parts of the system, triggering the warning light.
4. Airbag switched off
Some vehicles let you manually disable the front passenger airbag when using a rear-facing child seat. If this airbag is off, the warning light will stay illuminated as a reminder.
This guide explains how to switch the passenger airbag on and off.
5. Seatbelt sensor issue
Seatbelts and airbags work together as part of the safety system. If a seatbelt sensor is faulty, it can activate the same warning light.
6. Corroded airbag module
If your car has been exposed to water (e.g. from flooding), moisture can corrode the airbag module, causing it to malfunction.
7. Warning light not reset
After a collision, the airbag warning light must be reset. Otherwise it will stay on even if the system is working fine.
Why is my airbag warning light flashing?
The airbag light should briefly flash when you start your car and disappear. If it keeps flashing, there could be an issue with your car’s battery or a genuine problem with the airbag system.
What to do if your airbag warning light comes on
It’s best to avoid driving until the issue is checked. Airbags and seatbelts are critical for safety – without them, you’re at a higher risk of serious injury in an accident.
When you see the airbag warning light, the first thing to do is check whether the front passenger airbag is switched off. If it is, this explains why the light has appeared. If not, book a diagnostic test and avoid driving until the problem has been investigated.
How to fix an airbag warning light
If a problem with the airbag system has triggered the warning light, you’ll need to book a repair. A mechanic will:
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Run a diagnostic test to find the fault code that triggered the light.
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Identify the faulty component (e.g. a sensor).
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Replace the broken part.
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Test the system.
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Reset the warning light.
How do you reset the airbag warning light?
You can try a few things before heading to a mechanic:
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Switch the car off and on again. A simple restart might fix any temporary issues.
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Check the seatbelts all work correctly. Passengers should have their belts fastened. Weight on any seat (e.g. from a suitcase) could trigger the warning light if the belt isn’t attached.
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Check if the airbag system is switched off. Older cars often have a simple button to deactivate the system that can accidentally be pressed. This is unlikely in newer cars.
Is your airbag light still on after trying to reset it? If so, there is likely a more serious issue with the system that requires a professional repair.
Can you drive with an airbag warning light?
Driving with an illuminated airbag warning light is technically possible. But should you do it? Let’s explore the issue from different angles.
Is it illegal to drive with an airbag warning light on?
It’s not illegal to drive with the airbag light on. Some cars allow you to switch the front passenger airbag off, and when you do this, the light will stay on to remind you that the system isn’t active.
Read about common driving offences and penalties in this guide.
It’s worth noting that a failed airbag deployment could invalidate your car insurance if you were found to be driving despite being aware of a potential problem.
Is it safe to drive with an airbag warning light on?
The airbag warning light stays on to indicate a problem with the system or that it is inactive. Without functioning airbags, you are at a much higher risk of serious injuries if you crash. For this reason, driving with an airbag warning light is generally considered unsafe.
Is an airbag light an MOT failure?
It depends why the airbag light is on. Here’s what the government’s MOT inspection manual says:
“The SRS MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) should only be failed if it is indicating a system malfunction. A lamp illuminated to indicate the passenger airbag is disabled is not to be regarded as a defect.
Warning messages on dashboard displays are not a defect in their own right, but may assist the tester in determining that the warning lamp is illuminated because a malfunction exists.”
Learn about common MOT fails and how to avoid them.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction | Major |
How much does it cost to fix an airbag warning light?
The average price of an airbag warning light repair on FixMyCar is £92.01. For an airbag repair, it’s £137.14.
The table below shows how average prices vary between different car makes.
| Make | Airbag light | Airbag repair |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £141.55 | £135.92 |
| BMW | £83.23 | £133.66 |
| Citroen | £117.03 | £227.67 |
| Ford | £74.63 | £164.57 |
| Kia | £84.44 | £61.06 |
| MINI | £102.17 | £117.23 |
| Mercedes | £71.46 | £120.11 |
| Nissan | £79.53 | £84.12 |
| Peugeot | £91.91 | £132.02 |
| Renault | £76.29 | £100.85 |
| Skoda | £96 | £173.54 |
| Toyota | £63.90 | £148.74 |
| Vauxhall | £88.18 | £92.89 |
| Volkswagen | £85.58 | £229.31 |
Book a diagnostic test
If your airbag warning light is on, don’t ignore it. It could be a minor issue – or it could mean your airbags won’t protect you in a crash. For peace of mind, book a diagnostic check and get it fixed as soon as possible.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
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Everything you need to know about airbags
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What car warning lights mean
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Why is my ABS warning light on?
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What to do after a car accident
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How to check if a car has been in an accident
Automobilių entuziastas ir technikos žinovas, rašantis apie įvairias transporto sritis: nuo naujausių automobilių apžvalgų ir charakteristikų iki motociklų bei vairavimo mokyklų rekomendacijų. Jo tekstuose gausu praktinių patarimų, techninių įžvalgų bei naujienų iš automobilių pramonės. Ypač domisi variklių technologijomis, autoservisų paslaugomis ir automobilių priežiūra, siekdamas padėti skaitytojams priimti geriausius sprendimus.
