Why the Airbag Light of the Car Illuminated on the Dashboard?

The supplemental restraint system (SRS) of the car has an airbag light that can provide high protection to the car which is appeared in an accident. During the accidents, the airbags can inflate and deflate in milliseconds. But the faulty sensors of the car can activate the airbag light or turn on the SRS light. Many times, the SRS will be illuminated on the dashboard without triggering the airbags.

Through several processes, the drivers will determine the illuminated SRS airbag light in your car by going through the faulty error codes generated in the car's computer module. Thus, the illuminated airbag light will indicate several problems in your car. The mechanics will read the error code and determine the causes behind the malfunction of the airbag. The below points define the causes behind the illuminated airbag light on the dashboard.

Seat belts

All the modern cars have the seat belt switch inside the seat belt buckle that is commonly used for reporting the computer system of the car about the engagement of seat belts. When you start the car engine and the belt is not engaged properly, then the seat belt warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. Many of the cars also cause an additional sound with the warning light due to the problem in the seat belts. Problems with the seat belt will trigger the airbag light on the dashboard because the airbag depends on the seat belt to deflate.

Failed airbag backup battery

In general, the airbags of the car need electrical power for monitoring and activating the airbag system. But, most of the cars have an airbag system that is equipped with a backup battery in which the batteries are receiving a charge from the main battery to monitor the airbag system. When the main battery of the car is drained for any reason, then the airbag backup battery unable to get the charge for functioning the airbag system. Therefore, the airbag warning light is illuminated on the dashboard of the car.

Deactivated airbag

Many people experience that most of the airbags in a modern car may have deactivated airbags means they are not at all activated when your car is facing an accident situation. The airbag system can be deactivated due to numerous reasons such as failed connection, broken wires, and the defective airbag unit. Throughout the process, you will notice that the airbag light is illuminated on the dashboard. For fixing the issues, you need to replace the damaged part of the airbag system for the full protection of the car.

Broken wires

The airbag wiring system of the car is broken due to numerous reasons such as corrosion, common wear, and tear, especially in accidents. Thus, the airbag light can illuminate on the dashboard when the sensors of the airbag system have a poor connection. When you will notice a burning smell produced from the car, consult with a certified mechanic for diagnosing the airbag system of the car. If your car is facing accidents, then the airbags are deployed and damage the airbag wiring system.

Failed airbag sensor

The car has several airbag sensors to determine the rapid deceleration of the car and activate the airbag system when an accident has occurred. When the sensor activating the airbag system, the airbags are deploying in your car for protecting you and your family from serious accidents. But when the airbag sensor is failed you will notice that the SRS or airbag light will be illuminated on the dashboard. For safe driving, you need to check and repair the airbag sensor of the car.

Damaged airbag clock spring

Among the several safety components of the car, the airbag clock spring is placed inside the steering wheel for connecting the steering wheel and the airbag with the electrical system for powering the airbag system. Over a while, you will notice that the clock spring is damaged while turning the steering wheel constantly. Due to these reasons, the airbag light will trigger the airbag light on the dashboard.

Conclusion

When the airbag light is illuminated on the dashboard, make sure that the airbag system indicating some problem and generate some error code on the computer module for determining it as soon as possible by a mechanic. So, always check your car with an experienced mechanic for avoiding the airbag light issues in your car.

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