What to Do If Your Car Airbag Light Comes On

The airbag warning light is an important part of your car's computer system. Ordinarily, it will come on when the system starts up and runs its initial checks. However, it shouldn’t stay on for more than a couple of seconds. If it does stay on, there could be a problem with the car. So why might an airbag warning light stay on, what should you do about it, and is it safe to drive?

What Can Cause The Airbag Warning Light To Stay On

There are several possible issues to deal with here, one far more dangerous than the other.

• There is a fault with the bulb
• There is a fault with the sensor
• There is a fault with the related wiring
• There is a fault with another system, nothing to do with the airbag
• There is a fault with the airbag

The worst-case scenario here is a fault with the airbag. The light may indicate a problem where the airbags won’t deploy in the event of a collision. It could also mean that an airbag was recently deployed, hasn’t reset properly, and may be unreliable.

Ideally, the constant indicator light is no more than a fault with the system, and something easily fixed by a professional. In some cases, damaged sensors and wiring can trigger false alarms. This could be due to corrosion due to water damage, some dislodged wiring, or perhaps a depleted airbag backup battery.

Another fault that drivers sometimes deal with is an issue with the seat belt sensor. This can trigger the airbag light as well. So, if you have just started the car and noticed the light, it might help to unfasten all the seatbelts and refasten them to try and reboot the system.

While none of these system issues are dangerous on their own, you still need to diagnose the problem and fix it to prevent future issues. Even if the light disappears when resetting the seatbelt, it helps to have someone go over the whole system.

How To Fix An Airbag Warning Light

Don't assume that this is something that will fix itself, or that you can handle on your own. It is impossible to know exactly what is going on with your car’s airbag system unless you take your car to see a mechanic and get it checked out. They will examine everything highlighted above, from the bulbs and wiring to the sensors and the bag itself. This comprehensive diagnostics check will then locate the precise cause so you can find a solution and get your car safe and secure once more. Remember that the sooner you do this, the better. You don’t want to put anyone at risk.

Is It Safe To Drive With Airbag Light On?

No. You should avoid driving with the airbag light on because there are serious safety concerns. Until you see a professional for that diagnostic check, you don’t know whether the airbags will work or not. You don’t need that risk or stress while driving, especially when traveling with family members in the car or on our dangerous South Floridian highways. Call a mechanic ASAP and get it checked.

If the light comes on while you are driving, take care to find a safe place to stop your car. You could head to a nearby garage if you are incredibly careful, but it is safer to pull over in a safe place, put on your hazard lights, and call your breakdown service. Don’t feel embarrassed if it turns out to be a faulty sensor or bulb. Better safe than sorry.

Don’t Ignore An Airbag Warning Light

There is a good chance that a consistent airbag warning light simply means you have to replace a bulb or sensor, and the airbags are fine. But, the uncertainty shows just how important it is to take care of your car, understand its systems, and keep everything in perfect order.

At Parts Max, we proudly call ourselves the largest auto parts distributor in South Florida. We can help you find aftermarket parts to keep your car safe and roadworthy. So, why not check out our range online or pop in and see the team. We are always happy to help.