Last updated on July 20th, 2023 at 07:21 pm
As a remarkable safety feature, the airbag helps to detect issues using the vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System SRS. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, frontal airbag reduces driver and passenger fatalities in crashes by as much as 29% and 32%, respectively.
If you have your airbag light on, you might be wondering how to reset it. Be rest assured that it is rare that the airbag becomes damaged. But when it does, the light won’t turn off because of the lousy sensor.
Sometimes, your seatbelts are defective too. Other issues, such as faulty wiring, and computer issues, also triggered it to come on. Luckily, several easy methods exist to diagnose and fix this issue.
Also, this article will cover these typical queries ranging from; what the meaning of the airbag light, why is it that the, airbag light won’t turn off, can you reset the airbag light without a tool, will disconnecting battery reset airbag light, how to turn off airbag light after accident, can you reset airbag light without a tool, how to bypass airbag light, in BMW, and more.
Be patient; let’s get started right away!
Related:Is It Illegal To Drive With Airbag Light On?
What The Meaning Of The Airbag Light?
The airbag light means the vehicle’s computer system has detected a malfunction. This airbag system malfunction could result from a defective sensor showing that your airbags may not engage in a sudden collision. This light can save a life when you cautiously approach it or even cause a fatal accident if neglected.
However, for user safety, warning signals such as lights and sounds are programmed in almost all vehicles. Airbag light is a severe warning that even the best world driver shouldn’t ignore.
Why Is it That The, Airbag Light Won’t Turn Off?
Your airbag light won’t turn off or blinks steadily could be due to the following issues with your airbag system. They are;
- Seat Belt Pretensioners
- Defective Clock Springs
- Poor Wiring
- Computer System Malfunction
- Lousy Airbag Sensors.
- Depleted Battery
Let’s explore them below;
Lousy Seat Belt
In Supplemental Restraint System SRS, airbag sensors help to detect a faulty seat belt. If the seat belt becomes lousy, it will trigger the airbag light.
Defective Clock Springs
Suppose the spring coils/ clock inside the steering wheel fails to maintain the wiring and the driver’s airbag. Then, the airbag light would illuminate and won’t turn off.
Poor Wiring Due to Dislodge
When the airbag wirings dislodged because of the movement of the passenger seat, it will trigger the airbag light to stay on as such, most familiar to vehicles with side airbags. When you observe this, take your car to the nearest mechanic.
Computer System Malfunction
If the computer system malfunctions due to an error, it could trigger the airbag light to stay on. This case will exist if the airbag fails to deploy in an accident. However, resetting the system is vital.
Lousy Airbag Sensors
Suppose an error occurs in the system due to corroded or damaged sensors. The airbag light would come on and won’t turn off.
Depleted Battery
A drained battery will cause the airbag backup battery system to deplete, thereby causing the illumination of the airbag light.
Note: It would be a wise practice to check these components before resetting any problem related to the airbag. I recommend you visit a certified mechanic or your dealership for help.
Can You Reset Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Yes, you can reset the airbag light without a tool. That said, it is possible mainly in older vehicles where you need to disconnect the battery terminals. You will do another manual check on airbag components and clean, replace, and reset the system.
Similarly, most modern cars have their airbag reset without using a scan tool. Hence, a fault inspection will commence when the airbag light is on.
Will Disconnecting Battery Reset Airbag Light?
Yes, to an extent! The disconnecting battery will remove all dashboard warning lights, including the airbag light. To do this, put off your vehicle and remove the negative battery terminal for about 30 seconds. The airbag sensor should reset, reconnect the battery terminal and start your car.
On the other hand, the airbag system has large capacitors that would store energy for some time. So, removing the battery for fewer seconds wouldn’t drain the battery energy. But could drain within a few minutes.
How To Turn Off Airbag Light After Accident?
To turn off the airbag light after an accident, check the steps below;
- Turn on the ignition.
- Push the switch button to the ON position.
- Within a few seconds, the airbag light should come on. It should automatically go off, then quickly push the switch button OFF.
- For 2 to 3 times, test the preceding step again.
- You should start your vehicle. The light should come on for a few seconds and go off.
- Be assured that the vehicle’s airbag reset is complete.
Can You Reset Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Of course, yes, you can! Although, this depends on the vehicle’s brand. As regards safety measures, some vehicles’ airbag lights can go off when you might have fixed the problem.
Conversely, some would require scan tools to quickly find the faulty and quicker resetting.
How To Bypass Airbag Light, In BMW?
Bypassing the airbag light in a BMW involves bridging the system with a resistor or bypass kit.
- Put the ignition in on.
- Access the wire at the back of the front passenger seat as you raise it a bit.
- Disconnect the cable of the airbag system.
- Install the bypass kit as it clicks.
- The airbag system should be dead.
- Turn the ignition on and reset the code using a scan tool.
- Restart the vehicle, and the light will not come on.
- Install the seat belts, and the light will go away.
- You have bypassed the airbag light.
To access the vehicle’s computer security, employ the services of a professional.
I strongly suggest you fix the issues rather than bypassing or kids shouldn’t sit in the front passenger seat. The purpose of fixing is that you might need the airbag when a severe accident occurs.
How To Reset Airbag Light?
Resetting the airbag is a professional job. Suppose you are knowledgeable; you could also do it.
Check out the steps here;
- Check the passenger airbag switch if your vehicle has a seat airbag button. This switch is usually on the dashboard of the passenger side or the glove box. Then you can put off the light from there.
- Use a scanner tool with SRS or airbag reset option to read and interpret the trouble codes. Before fixing the issue, don’t clear the codes as you continue the diagnosis.
- Repair the faults in the airbag system.
- After repair or replacement, clear the trouble code. Use the scanner tool to reread for any codes if the airbag light doesn’t go off.
- Restart your vehicle and go for a test drive. The light should go off after the test drive, and the problem is solved.
BMW & VW Airbag Light Reset Without The Tool?
Without any tool, the simple steps below are necessary to reset the airbag light of BMW & VW vehicles.
Here you have them;
- Put your vehicle in position.
- Wait and watch for the airbag light to illuminate. It would stay on for about 7 seconds, then put off your vehicle.
- Quickly turn it on after 3 seconds.
- Repeat the two preceding steps more than twice.
- Restart the engine. The SRA light would come on for about 7 seconds and then should go off. Then, the reset is complete.
How To Reset BMW Airbag Light Without Tool?
Resetting the airbag light of your BMW requires the following simple step;
- Park your vehicle once you notice the illumination on your dashboard.
- Allow your car to stay on as you ensure the airbag light is on.
- Wait about 7 seconds for the airbag to turn off, then immediately put off your vehicle.
- Start your car back on after about 3 seconds.
- Repeat steps 2 & 3 for about 2 to 3 times more.
- Your airbag should turn off after the above steps.
On the contrary, if it doesn’t, get to your dealer or any nearby mechanic. Apply the steps above or you can read this post too on the guide for VW Airbag Light Reset Without The Tool.
Conclusion
Finally, an airbag is a crucial technology in today’s automobile world. The illumination of the airbag light on your vehicle’s dashboard indicates that you need to reset it.
Always endeavor to use an appropriate scan tool with the SRS feature to read the trouble codes. It would help if you didn’t attempt resetting the airbag light when you have not fixed the problem.
Ignoring the airbag light isn’t proper for your safety and your passenger.
Do well to share this insightful guide with others!
Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
