5 Common Reasons Why Your Airbag Light Is On (or Flashing)

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An illuminated or flashing airbag warning light is a legitimate cause for concern. Does it mean this essential safety feature has suddenly stopped working?

Learn the most common reasons that set off an airbag light so you can get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. This isn’t a warning light you want to ignore. If your airbag fails to deploy when you need it most, the consequences could be severe.

airbag light on

Related: Average Airbag Replacement Cost

Table of Contents

What Does an Airbag Light Look Like?
Reasons Your Air Bag Light is On or Flashing
- #1 – Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Failure
- #2 – Drained Backup Battery or Low Voltage
- #3 – Faulty Seat Belt Buckle or Pretensioner
- #4 – Worn or Damaged Clock Spring
- #5 – Loose or Corroded Wiring Connections
- #6 – Minor Impact or Bumper Damage
- #7 – Sensor Malfunction
- #8 – Water-Damaged Control Module
- #9 – Recalled Airbag Components (Vehicle-Specific)
- #10 – Previous Accident (Without Proper Repairs)
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Airbag Light
- Airbags May Not Deploy in a Crash
- Small Problems Can Become Bigger Ones
- You Could Face Higher Repair Costs
- You May Not Pass Vehicle Inspection
Can You Reset the Airbag Light Yourself?
How Mechanics Diagnose and Fix Airbag Problems
- #1 – Read the Fault Codes
- #2 – Check for Physical Damage
- #3 – Perform System Tests
- #4 – Disconnect the Battery
- #5 – Replace Faulty Parts
- #6 – Clear Codes and Verify the Fix
- #7 – Test Drive and Final Check

What Does an Airbag Light Look Like?

The airbag light most often appears as one of three different warning lights on your vehicle’s dashboard. It will either be:

An icon of a person sitting with a large ball in front of them that represents the airbag (see image above)
The word “AIR BAG” (see image below)
The letters “SRS” (which stands for Supplemental Restraint System)

They all mean the same thing: there’s a problem with your airbag system which may cause the airbags to not deploy when they are supposed to.

Reasons Your Air Bag Light is On or Flashing

Here are some of the possible causes for an airbag light to start flashing or stay on. This information will also help you fix the problem, since you need to know what the problem is before you can solve it.

#1 – Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Failure

The passenger seat contains a weight sensor (sometimes called an occupancy sensor or passenger detection system) that detects whether someone is sitting there. This tells the airbag system whether to deploy the passenger airbag in a crash.

These sensors can fail or give false readings, especially if you regularly place heavy objects on the passenger seat or use aftermarket seat covers. The added weight or pressure can confuse or damage the sensor. Water spills that seep into the seat can also damage the sensor mat underneath.

This is one of the most common causes of an airbag light, particularly in vehicles that are 5-10 years old where the sensor has experienced normal wear and tear.

#2 – Drained Backup Battery or Low Voltage

One of the more common reasons for your airbag light to come on is a drained backup battery in your airbag system. This often happens after your car’s main battery has been dead or disconnected.

Similarly, if your car’s battery is old or weak and not maintaining proper voltage (even while the engine is running), it can trigger the airbag light. The airbag system requires a certain voltage level to function properly.

The good news is this problem often fixes itself once your battery is fully recharged or replaced. However, you might still need to clear the fault code from the airbag control module using a scan tool to turn off the light (not all scan tools have airbag features).

#3 – Faulty Seat Belt Buckle or Pretensioner

Your seat belts have built-in sensors in the buckles that detect whether they’re fastened. They also contain pretensioners (devices that automatically tighten the belt during a crash). If either of these components malfunctions, the airbag light will come on.

Seat belt buckle sensors are particularly prone to failure. Dirt, debris, or wear from repeated use can cause them to stop communicating properly with the airbag system. Similarly, if a pretensioner has been damaged or is starting to fail, it will trigger a fault code.

You can’t diagnose a bad seat belt buckle without a scan tool to read the specific fault codes. Both the buckle and pretensioner are safety-critical components that should be replaced by a professional.

#4 – Worn or Damaged Clock Spring

The airbag clock spring is a coiled ribbon of wires inside your steering column that maintains the electrical connection between your steering wheel components (like the airbag and horn) and your car’s wiring. It allows your steering wheel to rotate freely while keeping everything connected.

Over time with normal steering wheel rotation, these thin circuit bands can wear out or become brittle. When this happens, the driver’s airbag loses its connection and sends a fault code to the airbag control module, which turns on the airbag light.

You can’t diagnose a clock spring problem without the help of a quality OBD2 scan tool which helps pinpoint the issue. Even if you can confirm you have a bad clock spring, we strongly recommend taking it to a professional for replacement.

Serious injury can occur if you attempt replacing components of an airbag system on your own without following proper safety procedures.

#5 – Loose or Corroded Wiring Connections

The airbag system relies on secure electrical connections throughout your vehicle. Many of these connectors are located under the seats where they can be bumped, pulled, or exposed to moisture from shoes, spills, or even when having your vehicle professional detailed.

Over time, these connectors can work loose from vibration or get corroded from exposure to moisture. Even a slightly loose connection can interrupt communication within the airbag system and trigger the warning light.

This issue becomes more common as vehicles age. A technician can often resolve the problem by simply cleaning the connectors and ensuring they’re properly seated, though corroded connectors may need replacement.

#6 – Minor Impact or Bumper Damage

You don’t need to be in a major accident for the airbag light to come on. Hitting a deep pothole, striking a curb, or a minor fender bender can damage one of the impact sensors located in your front or rear bumpers.

These sensors are designed to detect sudden deceleration that would indicate a collision. If a sensor gets knocked out of position, physically damaged, or its wiring harness gets pulled, it will send a fault code to the airbag control module.

Even if the damage seems minor and your airbags didn’t deploy, it’s worth having the system checked if your airbag light came on after any kind of impact.

#7 – Sensor Malfunction

Modern vehicles have multiple sensors as part of the airbag system (also called the supplemental restraint system or SRS). These sensors detect things like sudden deceleration, impact location, and seat occupancy. They all connect to your car’s main computer (the ECM or PCM).

When one or more of these sensors malfunctions, the car’s computer will recognize this and in turn illuminate the airbag warning light.

#8 – Water-Damaged Control Module

The airbag control module is usually located underneath the driver’s seat or front passenger seat. If your vehicle has been in a flood or driven through deep water (even for a little bit), the module can get wet, which may cause it to short out or corrode over time.

A shorted or corroded airbag control module will immediately generate a fault code, triggering the airbag warning light.

Related: Water Leaking Into Your Car When It Rains? (Most Common Causes)

#9 – Recalled Airbag Components (Vehicle-Specific)

Millions of vehicles have been affected by airbag-related recalls, most notably the massive Takata airbag recall that began in 2013 and continued for years. These recalled airbags can malfunction and even explode, causing serious injuries.

If your vehicle has an open recall for airbag components and the parts haven’t been replaced yet, the airbag light may illuminate. Even if the light isn’t on, you should check if your vehicle has any open recalls at NHTSA.gov using your VIN.

Recall repairs are performed free of charge by dealerships. DO NOT ignore recall notices. These are serious safety issues that need to be addressed ASAP.

#10 – Previous Accident (Without Proper Repairs)

This is often the case when buying a used car from a private party or car auction. If the vehicle was previously involved in an accident where the airbags deployed, there’s a chance it wasn’t repaired correctly.

Many SRS components are designed one-time use only, and once they deploy, they need to be replaced. It could be a clock spring, crash sensor, seat belt tensioner, or other component.

Even if all the damaged components were replaced, the car’s computer needs to be reset to clear the airbag system fault codes. If this reset hasn’t been done, the airbag light will stay on until that’s done.

Related: Salvage vs Rebuilt Title (What’s the Difference?)

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Airbag Light

Driving with an illuminated airbag light puts you and your passengers at serious risk. Here’s what can happen if you ignore it:

Airbags May Not Deploy in a Crash

The most dangerous consequence is that your airbags may not inflate at all during an accident (or they might deploy incorrectly)
Airbags are designed to work together with seat belts to prevent severe injuries in collisions
Without properly functioning airbags, you’re relying solely on your seat belt for protection

Small Problems Can Become Bigger Ones

A minor issue like a loose connector under your seat can worsen over time if you ignore it
For example, a slightly damaged wire from a minor fender bender can deteriorate into electrical shorts or complete system failure
What might be a simple, inexpensive fix now could turn into a major repair later

You Could Face Higher Repair Costs

Catching and fixing airbag problems early is almost always cheaper than waiting
Ignoring warning signs allows damage to spread to other components in the system
The airbag light is your early warning system (it’s telling you to get service before things get worse)

You May Not Pass Vehicle Inspection

In many states, an illuminated airbag light is an automatic inspection failure
You won’t be able to register or renew your vehicle registration until the problem is fixed

Can You Reset the Airbag Light Yourself?

Yes, you can clear the airbag light using an OBD2 scanner that’s compatible with airbag systems. Many basic code readers can’t access airbag codes, so you’ll need a scanner that specifically supports SRS/airbag diagnostics. Simply connecting the scanner and clearing the codes will turn off the light.

BUT, here’s the problem… clearing the code doesn’t fix what caused the light to come on in the first place. If there’s still an actual problem with your airbag system, the light WILL come right back on (sometimes within seconds, sometimes after a few drives).

How Mechanics Diagnose and Fix Airbag Problems

When your airbag warning light comes on, a professional technician will need to diagnose and repair the problem. Even if you’re comfortable working on cars yourself, airbag issues are best left to professionals due to safety concerns. Here’s what a mechanic will typically do:

#1 – Read the Fault Codes

The first step is connecting an OBD2 scanner to your vehicle to access the airbag control module and pull any stored fault codes. These codes will point to the specific problem (e.g., sensor issue, wiring problem, or component failure).

If you have your own scan tool, you can read these codes yourself to get an idea of what repair costs you might be looking at. However, keep in mind that not all basic code readers can access airbag system codes. You may need a more advanced scanner for SRS functions.

See Also: Best OBD2 Scan Tools (for DIYers and Professionals)

#2 – Check for Physical Damage

With the fault codes indicating the likely problem area, the technician will visually inspect the relevant wires, connectors, sensors, and control modules. They’re looking for obvious signs of damage like frayed wires, corroded connectors, water damage, or loose connections.

This step often reveals issues that the codes alone can’t fully explain, such as a wire that’s been chewed by rodents or a connector that’s come unplugged from being bumped.

#3 – Perform System Tests

For issues that aren’t visually obvious, technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to test specific components. This might include testing the resistance of clock spring circuits, checking voltage at sensor connections, or verifying that the seat occupancy sensors are reading correctly.

These tests provide definitive confirmation about which parts have actually failed and need replacement versus parts that are working fine but triggered a code due to another issue.

#4 – Disconnect the Battery

Before replacing any airbag system components, the technician must disconnect the vehicle’s battery and wait several minutes for the system’s backup power to fully discharge. This prevents the airbag from accidentally deploying during the repair, which could cause serious injury.

This is one of the main reasons DIY airbag repairs are dangerous. Even with the battery disconnected, stored electrical energy in the system can still deploy an airbag if proper procedures aren’t followed.

#5 – Replace Faulty Parts

After taking proper safety precautions, any damaged or malfunctioning components are replaced. Only manufacturer-certified parts or high-quality OEM equivalents should be used for airbag system repairs. This isn’t the place to cut corners with cheap aftermarket parts from Temu or other discount online marketplaces.

Common replacements include clock springs, seat belt buckles, occupancy sensors, control modules, and various sensors throughout the vehicle.

#6 – Clear Codes and Verify the Fix

Once repairs are complete, the technician clears the fault codes from the airbag control module and verifies that the airbag light stays off. They’ll also perform a final system check to confirm all components are communicating properly.

If the light comes back on immediately or shortly after clearing the codes, it indicates either an incomplete repair or a different problem that needs addressing.

#7 – Test Drive and Final Check

The final step is a test drive to make sure the airbag light stays off under normal driving conditions and that all repairs are holding up. The technician will also verify that no new codes have been set during the drive.

This confirms the problem has been fully resolved and you can safely drive your vehicle.

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Mark StevensOwner at Car TreatmentsMark is a veteran auto technician who has honed his skills with over 19 years of service working at various independent shops. While Fords and Mazdas are his specialty, he enjoys working on practically any vehicle (except a Nissan 300ZX).He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.