Airbag Light On

 


What Does the Airbag Light Mean?

All modern cars now have multiple Airbags or Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS). These Airbags are now
standard features for drivers and passengers and are in the driver’s steering wheel, dash, pillars, and elsewhere.

Airbag warning light icons

Airbag warning light examples

Airbags are controlled by an Airbag Electronic Control Unit (Airbag ECU) sometimes called an Airbag Computer. The Airbag Computer must monitor many electronic sensors and actuators within your car in order to know when to deploy the Airbag in the event of an accident/crash.

When the airbag light is on, it means that the system may not deploy properly in the event of an accident. The airbag light is usually red or amber in color and appears as an icon of a person with a deployed airbag in front of them.

Some of the key Airbag sensors and actuators are:

    • Air bag module (with an inflator or gas generator and the actual air bag),
    • Crash sensors / gravity or G sesnors
    • Airbag Electronic Control Unit (Airbag ECU) / Airbag Computer
    • Clock spring steering wheel connecting coil,
    • Airbag warning / indicator light
    • Electrical wiring harness (usually colored yellow to indicate wiring for Airbags)

As the Airbag / SRS system is a critical safety feature of your vehicle, then if your Airbag light is on at Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection time, then your car will fail a WoF.

 

Causes of airbag light turning on:

There are several different reasons why the airbag light may come on, such as:

  • Malfunctioning Airbag Sensor: The airbag system includes sensors that detect impact and trigger the deployment of the airbags. If one or more of these sensors is faulty, it can cause the airbag light to come on.
  • Wiring Issues: The airbag system is connected to the car’s electrical system with wiring, and if there is a problem with the wiring or a loose connection, it can cause the airbag light to come on.
  • Malfunctioning Airbag Control Module: The airbag control module is the computer that controls the airbag system, and if it malfunctions, it can cause the airbag light to come on.
  • Faulty Clock Spring: The clock spring is a component in the steering wheel that allows the airbag system to communicate with the car’s electrical system. If the clock spring is faulty or not working correctly, it can cause the airbag light to come on.

Airbag Light Diagnosis and Repairs

We have come across many common causes of Airbag / SRS lights on. These include bad connections often under the front seats from corrosion, items being put under the seats which damage the connectors, and poor electrical contacts. We also see many faults where the clock spring in the steering wheel has an intermittent connection.

At Grimmer Motors our experienced, fully trained and qualified mechanics combined with the latest state of the art scan tools can quickly and cost effectively diagnose and repair any Airbag / SRS faults. This means you get complete peace knowing your car is safe to drive for you and your passengers / family.

Call us now to book in your Airbag / SRS scan for the light on your dash.

Please Note: Electronic Tests depend on the vehicle technology and may not be possible on some vehicles.


 

Live/work in any of the following areas? Grimmer Motors could be extra convenient for you.

    • Fairfield
    • Fairview Downs
    • Enderly
    • Claudelands
    • Peachgrove
    • Hamilton East
    • Chartwell
    • Chedworth
    • Central Hamilton
    • Forest Lake, Beerescourt
    • Frankton
    • Melville
    • Waikato

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Reviews

Grimmer Motors Ltd

4.7

Paul Johns

Booked the ol' Fuga in for a service this week. I dropped it off early to take advantage of the free clean and asked if I could have it ready at 3 pm. The service went well and they... pointed out things that would need attention in the future. I like the introduction of the vehicle service and repair log book. Which has all my previous services and fix ups recorded in it. And the Fuga was freshly cleaned and ready at 3pm, like they said. Thanks Team

Cinn Thornton

The team at Grimmer Motors are very friendly and have awesome customer service. My car needed scan as flashing light on dash. The problem was identified , easy to ... understand explanation given and quote for fix provided. Thanks team.

Pip Six

Awesome service. They communicated really well with me about what was going on and then fixed a few extras on the same day I took my van in. A great place.

Lincoln Fernandes

Fast easy reliable and much cheaper compared to dealerships

Hamish O'neill

Great customer service, good communication and works done on time. Thanks Grimmers

Sarah Bowers

Love leaving our car(s) in the friendly and capable hands at Grimmer Motors. Everything from drop off, reception, communication and the work done is of a high standard... and much apprecaited. Another happy customer - thanks Grimmers.