When Your Air Bag Light Comes On (Illuminated Air Bag Light)
December 27, 2020
There are some dashboard lights you should pay more attention to than others. One is the air bag light. If it's on and your vehicle is in an accident, your air bags probably won't do their job.
Automakers began installing air bags in the late 1990's since they were mandatory in the United States, and manufacturers have included them in Canadian vehicles as well. Safety experts say using a seat belt in combination with an air bag gives passengers the best chance of surviving a crash and minimizing serious injury.
The air bag warning light takes a few different forms. Some look like a picture of a belted passenger with an inflated air bag from a side view. Or there may be a warning light that says something like "Air Bag," "SRS" (for supplemental restraint system), "Airbag Deactivated" or "Air Bag Off."
Different things cause the air bag light to come on. Your vehicle may have been in an accident during which, while the air bags didn't inflate, crash sensors were activated. Some of them may be connected with your vehicle's seat belts. A technician can reset the air bag if this has happened.
Fuses can also blow which will cause the air bag light to come on. Another possible cause? A sensor that tells the vehicle's computer whether or not there is someone riding in the passenger front seat may be malfunctioning.
Air bags are not for the do-it-yourselfer. They are sophisticated systems that require specialized training and equipment to diagnose and repair. If an air bag light is on, take it to a qualified service repair facility. One more thing: remember that safety experts have designed air bags to work in conjunction with seat belts for maximum protection in accidents. So always wear your seat belt.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer
Helping Your Engine Breathe Easier
August 23, 2026
You may have heard someone tell you its time to replace your vehicles engine air filter and thought, Its OK. Ill do it in a while. While its tempting to put that off, keep in mind that having your engine air filter replaced is one of the easiest ways to maintain your vehicles performance and ef... More
Wobbly in Turns? Your Sway Bar May Be to Blame
August 16, 2026
When you take a corner in your vehicle, its supposed to feel controlled and stable. But you might notice one day that your vehicle feels like it is unstable, or even like its floating. It can be a scary sensation that gets your attention. If you feel that as you change lanes or when turning a ... More
Don’t Ignore the Grind
August 9, 2026
Your wheel hub assembly is probably not one of those things on your vehicle you think about very often. In fact, you may not even have even heard of it. But its one of the most important components that keeps your vehicle stable, smooth and safe on the road. The hub assembly houses the wheel b... More