The most frequent problem that sets off the BMW airbag light is a broken passenger seat weight sensor.
If the passenger weighs more than a specific amount, the sensor that is put under the passenger seat cushion will alert the driver. In the event of a collision, the passenger airbag won’t activate if the individual is under the weight limit (for example, a child), as it could harm the youngster.
You will typically receive a warning on your iDrive screen with a message indicating a passenger airbag problem or passenger airbag off if the seat occupancy sensor in your BMW is broken.
The seat and cushion must be removed in order to correct this issue. The cost of this issue at the dealer will be $500+. The passenger seat sensor can be changed on your own if you are handy.
Online retailers offer replacement passenger seat mat sensors for under $200. Look at this eBay listing for a BMW Passenger Weight Sensor.
You will require a few simple tools, two hours, and the passenger weight sensor to change it yourself.
BMW Passenger Sensor Bypasses are commonly installed by BMW owners. It deceives the airbag system into believing that the sensor is operational.
The passenger airbag will deploy even if there is no one in the passenger seat if you install a BMW weight sensor bypass and are involved in an accident. It might be against the law to change the restraint system in some nations.
In This Article...
Two Causes of the Airbag Light Remaining On in Your BMW
Nothing is more aggravating than a dashboard warning light that remains on inexplicably. It could be tempting to disregard your airbag warning light if it suddenly started flashing one day and won’t go away. However, it’s crucial to look into and fix the issue since if you get into an accident, your airbags might not deploy. Here are two potential causes of this issue, along with solutions.
It’s possible that something interfering with the seatbelt/person sensor is the most frequent cause of the airbag light remaining on. You are informed that the SRS (supplemental restraint system) is off by the airbag light. The car detects a person sitting in the seat and/or fastening their seatbelt, and when it activates the SRS to protect the occupant, it turns off the airbag light.
Even though there is plainly someone seated in the seat, if the airbag light continues to illuminate, there may be an issue with the seatbelt or seat sensor. Simple obstructions like a penny or other small object getting stuck in the seatbelt buckle and interfering with the sensor could be the cause of this. So, the first thing you need do is make sure the buckles are clear of any foreign objects.
However, faulty seat wiring that cannot transmit data to the vehicle’s monitoring system may potentially be the root of the problem. While you can use a flashlight to visually inspect the area behind the seats to see if there is a problem, you’ll probably need to take the car to the mechanic to have this specific issue identified.
The possibility that the BST sensor may have been activated is another issue specific to BMWs. If you ever experience an accident, the Battery Safety Terminal is a safety device created to cut off the positive cable to the battery. Although this can prevent an explosion or other battery-related risk from making a bad situation worse, the BST has a horrible habit of getting activated by little impacts, such as running over a really awful pothole.
The BST can stop the car from starting when it is activated. It may also result in the airbag light turning on and staying on, which would prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of an actual collision.
To address this specific issue, you’ll need to take your car to the mechanic. However, as it can be seen as a maker’s defect, the repair might be covered by warranty. For details, it’s best to get in touch with the business.
Contact a BMW service center for help with repairing any additional problems that might be interfering with your airbag sensor.
Resetting the Airbag Light
The airbag light connects the seat belt system and the airbag system as part of the Supplement Restraint System (SRS) in automobiles. When you turn on your automobile, the airbag light comes on for around seven seconds before going out, signifying that the internal system check was successful and finished. When the airbag light either never turns on or stays on while blinking, an issue exists. The airbag light needs to be reset at this stage.
Examining seat belt components, fixing bad clock springs, and replacing faulty sensors are a few techniques for turning off an airbag light. New bulbs or a fully charged battery are other options. While most repairs can be done without a professional, others may.
The following 10 steps will reset your airbag light:
- Turn on and off your ignition.
- Test drive your car when it has been restarted.
- Check the airbag switch for the passenger.
- Check to see if the seat belts are in place and functioning properly.
- Check to see if the passenger seat sensor is off.
- Use a scanner with the ability to reset the SRS or airbag light.
- Fix the broken airbag sensors.
- Replace or repair a broken clock spring.
- Check to see if the airbag is working properly.
- seek for a specialist’s help.
Although not exhaustive, the list above includes tried-and-true methods for tackling the problem. Some of them might not apply to your vehicle because compatibility is always based on the year, make, and model. It is recommended that you have your service manual on hand when carrying out any of these fixes. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, too. Let’s get started on resetting your airbag light right away.
Why is my BMW’s airbag light on?
What it appears to be: A passenger seated in a chair with a seatbelt fastened holding a circle in their lap. The “SRS” symbol is illuminated in the dash of some cars.
What it means is When a problem is identified by your BMW’s computers within the airbag control unit, the airbag system, or supplemental restraint system (SRS) light will illuminate. If the SRS warning light is on, the system has been turned off, and the airbags won’t inflate in the case of a collision.
What to do if it comes on: When a car starts up, this light will briefly illuminate in the dash before going off, signaling that everything is working as it should and making it safe to drive.
Check to see if anything is obstructing the seatbelt click switch or if anything is piled up behind the seat, which could harm the wires, if the SRS light remains illuminated after starting the car or while it is in motion. If nothing is discovered, visit a local independent BMW repair facility as soon as possible to have a professional inspect and identify the issue. This is not something to be taken lightly, and it is safer to get this issue looked at by a certified BMW mechanic than to jeopardize your safety and the safety of your passengers by driving while it is still active.
How to turn the light off: After you bring your BMW to your neighborhood BMW shop, your mechanic will examine the component and the wiring, run code checks, and perform any necessary repairs.
An illuminated SRS light may indicate a sensor issue, the need to reset your airbags (for instance, if you were recently in a collision and the sensors were activated but the airbags did not deploy), or an issue with the seatbelts. Checking car bulletins is a good idea because there may be other instances when your airbags need to be recalled.
How does a BMW airbag reset work?
Could you please explain how to turn off the airbag light on my BMW X5? Every time I turn on my car, it has been coming on, and I have no idea how to turn it off. I’m hopeful that resetting the light will solve the problem.
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
Unquestionably, resetting your airbag light is a solid first move. Observe these steps to reset the airbag light on your BMW X5:
- Upon starting your automobile, check to see if the airbag light is on.
- Then, after seven seconds, restart your vehicle.
- Two more times, repeat this procedure. Your airbag light ought to disappear.
It is advisable to have someone check over your car for you if the airbag light starts to illuminate once more. Given that sensors are frequently the subject of auto recalls, there may be an issue with the sensor or the airbag itself. The airbag will protect you and any passengers in the event of an accident.
The Jerry app makes sure you are prepared for the aftermath while airbag maintenance makes sure you are prepared for an accident.
The Jerry app, a registered broker that provides end-to-end support, compiles reasonable rates, assists you in switching plans, and even assists you in terminating your old policy.
Why won’t my airbag light activate?
The backup battery is dead. It is the most frequent cause of an airbag light that won’t go off. It might take place if your car’s battery is running low or has been depleted for any other cause. Once the battery is fully recharged, the issue will be resolved. But the battery might still be in place.
What could turn on the airbag light?
The spring is intended to preserve continuity between the wiring and the driver’s airbag and coils throughout your steering wheel. The spring may wear out and fail over time, turning on the airbag warning light. Older autos are more likely to have this flaw.
The important line is that you must stop driving as soon as your airbag light illuminates and have your automobile inspected by a repair as soon as possible. Your airbags won’t activate until the issue is identified and remedied. Never disregard your airbag light since your safety and the safety of your passengers are top priorities.
Dashboard Warning Lights Explained, which offers guidance on a variety of lights and their meanings, is a good resource if you want to learn what additional warning lights represent and what to do when they illuminate.
How much does a BMW airbag repair cost?
Best in Automotive Repair Replacement air bag control modules for the BMW 328i typically cost between $996 and $1,067. While parts are priced at $724, labor expenses are predicted to range between $272 and $343. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.
Why does the light on my passenger airbag remain on?
A problem with the seatbelts or airbags is indicated by the airbag light. Therefore, it’s usually not a good idea to drive when the airbag light is on. We advise having it towed to the dealership rather than driving it yourself if it remains illuminated in your car.
What is the cost to repair the airbag light?
Reset Airbag Light, at No. 1 Although it typically costs a few hundred dollars and takes several hours, depending on the type of automobile it might cost as much as $600.