Why Is My Airbag Light On?
- Tyler Ellis
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
If the airbag (SRS) warning light stays on or flashes, your vehicle is telling you the supplemental restraint system isn’t ready to protect you in a crash. Many drivers ask, “Why Is My Airbag Light On?” and the answer usually comes down to a sensor, wiring, or control-module issue that needs diagnosis right away.
At Round Rock Auto Center, we scan the SRS system, pinpoint the fault, and repair it correctly so the light turns off—and your safety systems are fully active again.
Why Is My Airbag Light On? Common Causes
Seat belt buckle or pretensioner fault – Worn or contaminated buckle switches and pretensioners can trigger the SRS light.
Clock spring in the steering wheel – A broken ribbon cable can interrupt the driver airbag and horn/controls.
Seat occupancy (weight) sensor issues – Faults or bad connections under the passenger seat disable that airbag circuit.
Impact/crash sensor problems – Corrosion or damage at front or side sensors throws an SRS code.
Low voltage or weak battery – Voltage dips during start-ups can set SRS faults that won’t clear on their own.
Wiring/connectors under seats – Movement of the seat can stress connectors; moisture can corrode them.
Airbag control module fault – Internal failures or stored crash data after a prior event keep the light on.
Aftermarket accessories – Incorrectly wired stereos or steering-wheel changes can disturb SRS circuits.
What Causes This Problem?
Your SRS runs constant self-checks. If resistance in a circuit is too high/low, or a sensor reports an error, the system disables one or more airbags and turns the warning light on. That’s why the same complaint—Why Is My Airbag Light On?—can come from many different components. A proper scan with SRS-specific tools is the fastest, safest way to find the root cause.
How to Fix It?
Quick, safe checks you can try:
Make sure nothing is stored under seats that could tug on yellow SRS connectors (ignition OFF before moving wires).
Verify the battery is healthy; weak batteries and poor grounds can set persistent SRS faults.
Ensure passengers aren’t resting heavy bags on the seat in odd ways that confuse the occupancy sensor.
What we do at the shop:
Manufacturer-level SRS scan to read codes, freeze-frame data, and live resistance values.
Connector and harness inspection—especially under seats and in the steering column—for corrosion or broken conductors.
Component testing for seat belt buckles/pretensioners, crash sensors, and the clock spring.
Module evaluation to clear crash data (when allowed) or replace/reset a failed control unit.
Final verification to confirm all airbags/pretensioners are online and the light stays off.
Skip the guesswork. Book an SRS diagnostic at Round Rock Auto Center and we’ll handle the testing and repairs end-to-end.
How to Fix It? (Is It Safe to Drive?)
If the SRS light is on, one or more airbags and pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. While the car may drive normally, you’re missing key protection. If the light started after a bump, wiring repair or sensor replacement might be needed before the system will arm itself again.
Why Act Now
Safety first: Airbags and pretensioners save lives and reduce injury severity.
Inspection readiness: Many states fail vehicles with active SRS warnings.
Prevent escalation: Moisture or corrosion that starts in a connector can spread to the harness or module.
Get Professional Airbag Light Diagnosis
Still asking “Why Is My Airbag Light On?” Let our ASE-certified technicians scan the SRS, find the exact fault, and restore full protection. Contact Round Rock Auto Center to schedule your airbag light diagnostic today.
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