The airbag light (also known as the SRS light) should ideally only turn on after an accident, after the airbag has been deployed and filled with either argon or nitrogen. The airbag light can, however, remain on due to other conditions, such as a component or sensor problem. Having said that, automobile owners would benefit from using the following instructions and a handheld airbag light reset tool.
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Turn Your Ignition on and Off.
When you experience the same problem, you should start by following this technique, which is identical to resetting the airbag light on a Toyota Camry. It needs timing the airbag light and has four straightforward stages that are simple to complete.
First, activate the ignition. Wait for the airbag light to turn on next; it typically illuminates for seven seconds before turning off automatically. After waiting three seconds, immediately flip the ignition switch off. Before starting the engine, go through the basic procedures a couple of times. Your car’s airbag light should illuminate for seven seconds before turning off permanently if everything is done correctly.
Restart Your Vehicle and Do a Test Drive.
Your car can require a power cycle, just like your cell phone. But not all automobiles will be compatible with this. But it might for individuals who occasionally seem to experience issues. If the airbag light does not stay on for too long, you would be aware to do this action. Start your ignition again, then take a little drive. If the airbag light eventually stops flashing for good, the issue has probably been resolved. If not, carry out the remaining tasks on this list.
(TIP: Check the wiring system under the driver’s and passenger’s seats before starting your car. Check the connector plug for any corrosion or loose wires. If none, spritz an electronic cleaner on the connecting plugs.)
Examine the Passenger Airbag Switch.
When attempting to turn off the airbag light, one of the first things to check is the passenger seat airbag on/off button (only present in some vehicles). It is possible that someone turned it off erroneously, causing the airbag light to stay on. Normally located on the passenger side dashboard, this button can occasionally be seen by opening the glove box or passenger door.
Inspect Whether Seat Belts Are Fastened or Working Correctly.
Since the SRS is concerned with driver and passenger security, it can detect ill-fastened seatbelts and turn on the airbag light. The airbag can even be turned off automatically if the seatbelt is not used. To that end, make sure the appropriate operation of seatbelts and seat belt sensors is on your list of things to rule out. The same advice would be given by mechanics to those performing a Jeep Wrangler airbag light reset.
It may seem absurd, but even seemingly insignificant items like spare change can cause seat belt sensors to malfunction. A tiny bump or pothole can cause a small coin to fall near the seat belt fasteners and get lodged between the sensor and the buckle. When this occurs, the sensor might not detect when a seat belt is fastened, which could result in the airbag light turning on.
Check the inside of the buckle to see if anything is stuck there before replacing your sensors. Usually, it is not as expensive to remove any obstructions from inside the seat belt fastening as most car owners believe. If your seat belt’s components can’t be changed separately and the sensors are built into the seat belt, the opposite is true.
Verify That the Passenger Seat Sensor Is Not Applied.
Some cars contain a passenger weight sensor that is extremely sensitive. The issue with these particular vehicles is that placing a big box or container on the passenger seat is all it takes to trigger the sensors. The airbag light therefore comes on.
There are two ways to deal with this.
Either take the item out of the backseat, or fasten the seatbelt. If the latter fixes the issue, it will demonstrate that the sensor was used, resulting in the airbag light turning on. When the seat belt is buckled and the airbag light disappears but nothing is in the seat, the passenger seat sensor is likely malfunctioning. The decision to keep the seat belt fastened while driving or to replace the sensor is then yours to make.
Use a Scanner With an SRS or Airbag Light Reset Option.
If you enjoy working with your hands, you can get a scanner with SRS capacity to reset your airbag light. Just be aware that not all OBD-II gadgets can automatically reset airbag light. It’s wise to do some study before buying an OBD-II scanner with the capability you require. I’d suggest the Foxwell NT634 OBD-II Scanner (see on Amazon). This device shows error codes that assist you determine how to remedy the problem or when it’s best to have your car serviced.
Address Faulty Airbag Sensors.
Particularly with more contemporary vehicle makes and models, sensors are crucial to a car’s operation. For starters, sensors make sure airbags inflate in the case of a collision. In specifically, the SRS functions with the help of several sensors placed in various parts and/or components of the vehicle. You will undoubtedly notice the airbag light turning on if any of these sensors corrode, fail, or stop functioning.
Airbag sensors occasionally suddenly activate and for no apparent cause. If the automobile has experienced water damage, they may potentially malfunction and turn on the SRS light. Additionally, there are instances where the airbag system control unit may have just failed. If any of these things happen, the issue might be resolved by replacing the faulty sensors, control unit, or water-damaged parts.
Fix or Replace a Non-Working Clock Spring.
The clock spring, sometimes referred to as a spiral cable, coil assembly, contact reel, or cable reel assembly, is a significant part that, if destroyed or damaged, can result in the airbag light turning on. Not only is it one of the most frequent causes of a flashing airbag light, but it is also one of the most costly to fix (at least $400). If you change the clock spring yourself, you can save money as long as you use extreme caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you believe it to be the issue, you will need to gain access to the interior of the steering wheel(view on Amazon) to make the necessary repairs. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern because the full procedure just requires 10 stages and takes under 20 minutes to complete:
How to Fix a Clock Spring
- Wait for the capacitors to drain for at least ten to fifteen minutes after removing the negative battery line from the terminal. (Note that merely disconnecting the battery terminals from the car will not cause the airbag light to turn off.)
- Hold the center of the wheel (where the airbag is located) in place while the wheels are straight and look for the screws. After that, unscrew them.
- Pull the airbag away from you to remove it, then unplug the connectors (you may use a pick to slide the yellow clips out when doing this). The screws holding the steering column trim in place are also visible while turning the steering wheel from left to right.
- Mark the location between the steering wheel and steering column trim with two pieces of painter’s tape when the steering lock is activated. When later putting the steering wheel back in its original position, this reference point will be useful.
- With a breaker bar, loosen the steering wheel nut without taking it off entirely.
- Once the wheel is free, take off the nut and wheel to reveal the clock spring.
- Disconnect the harnesses at the bottom or back to remove the clock spring. Put a fresh clock spring in its place. Bend the tab until it snaps to release it.
- When reinstalling the steering wheel, use your tape marks as a guide to align it correctly.
- Install the harnesses and the airbag after tightening the steering column nut with a torque wrench (or your hands and a breaker bar).
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal and reinstall the trim piece on the lower steering column (see on Amazon). After completing the last step, your airbag light should stop flashing.
Make Sure the Airbag Is Not Defective.
Although uncommon, malfunctioning airbags do happen. It might be the cause of your inability to reset the airbag light. If it does prove to be the offender, be aware that you cannot solve this problem by yourself. It will cost several hundred dollars and professional assistance to solve this issue.
Replacing airbags normally costs between $200 and $1,000, depending on the type, model, and complexity of the SRS in your car (without labor fees). Depending on which airbag is broken, labor expenses change. Compared to side or passenger airbags, driver-side airbags have proven to be simpler to replace. As a result, working on the latter results in higher fees. Both can be pricey, but neither is something you should put off.
Seek Assistance From a Professional.
If everything else fails, have a mechanic work on your car. The cost of taking this path will be more, but the mechanic should correctly determine what is causing your airbag light to flash and fix the issue long-term. New vehicle owners, in contrast to tech-savvy drivers, would largely think about this as their first option.
Headlight indicator (U.S.A.)
informs you that the headlights, taillights, instrument panel lights, parking lights, license plate lights, and side marker lights are all on.
Low fuel level warning light
notifies you when the fuel is running low. For more detailed information on how much petrol is left in your Toyota, consult the owner’s manual.
Security indicator
When the ENGINE START STOP switch is turned off in a car equipped with a smart key system, the light flashes to indicate that the system is working. The light will flash on Toyota vehicles without a Smart Key System once the key is taken out of the ignition.
Slip indicator
The slip indicator will light up when your car starts to lose traction and slide. You will be informed that the VSC/TRAC systems are operational via this.
SRS airbag on-off indicator
You can tell if the passenger air bag is on or off by looking at the AIRBAG ON and AIRBAG OFF light, which lights. To properly activate or deactivate the airbag, this device senses the conditions of the front passenger seat.
TRAC OFF Indicator & VSC Off Indicator
informs you whether TRAC and/or VSC have been turned off. TRAC and BSC can reduce engine output to the wheels if your Toyota becomes stuck in fresh snow or mud. When the system is turned off, you might be able to liberate the car by rocking it back and forth. For information on how to disable this function in your individual model, contact our Toyota service team.
Can the airbag light be reset without a tool?
Without a scanner, most automobile models make it difficult to reset the airbag light. This is a safety warning since, when the airbag light appeared, you should always fix the problem. Fortunately, if you fix the issue, the airbag light will typically also turn off by itself in many automobile models.
However, in some older vehicles, the airbag light can be reset without a scanner by disconnecting the battery wires.
Make that there are no loose wires or rust in the connector plugs in the wiring system under the driver’s or passenger’s seat. Restart your car after spraying an electronic cleaner on the connecting plugs.
If you can’t detect any issues there, you should really invest in an OBD2 scanner or have a shop interpret the codes because otherwise you’ll have to guess what the issue is.
What is the cost of turning the airbag light back on?
Reset Airbag Light, at No. 1 This procedure typically takes several hours and costs a few hundred dollars, though depending on the car, it might cost as much as $600.
Can a blown fuse turn on the airbag light?
The car could have blown a fuse, for example. There are other fuses that could be to blame, but fuse #13 is most likely the one. You probably need to change fuse #13 and perhaps other fuses if your airbag light is on and your rear windshield wiper is not working. The airbag light can undoubtedly turn on as a result of blown fuses.
The airbag light may also abruptly turn on in a number of other situations. A mechanic or auto parts store should be able to decipher the code that the airbag system emits when it is acting up, which will give them a hint as to what specific issue the airbag is experiencing. There are numerous potential issues with the airbag because it is a complicated system of sensors, wiring, and programming that must suddenly activate during an accident after lying dormant for years. Check the fuse box to see whether you have a blown fuse first, but if not, you’ll likely need to take it to the dealer or a qualified mechanic for service.
When the airbag light is on, can you drive?
The airbag light may have illuminated for any number of reasons, just like other warning lights. Here are a few of the most frequent causes:
The airbag needs resetting
The airbag light will turn on if there has been a collision but it wasn’t serious enough for the airbags to deploy. At your neighborhood garage, the airbag needs to be reset.
Corroded sensors
The sensors in your automobile may have deteriorated if it has water damage. This would lead to a malfunction in the system and turn on the airbag light.
Dislodged wiring
If your car has side airbags, the passenger side airbag may occasionally malfunction. When the passenger seat is shifted back and forth, the wires for that airbag may become damaged or displaced. We caution against attempting to reconnect a detached plug because you risk setting off the airbag. Make an appointment for your car at a nearby garage and ask them to check it.
Faulty seat belt
Your seat belt sensor can be the cause of the problem. The sensor that determines whether or not you have buckled up can malfunction occasionally. When this occurs, the airbag light can start to illuminate.
Your airbag clock spring may need replacing
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.