The technical name for the airbag system in your car is called the Supplemental Restraint System, or SRS. You’ve probably come across this moniker if you’ve looked for new car costs, used car valuations, or checked at car inspection checklists when buying or selling a car.
The SRS is a passive safety system, which means that neither the driver nor the passengers are required to operate it. Although airbag systems have been around since 1952, they were still uncommon in cars in the 1970s. Over time, airbag deployment mechanisms have changed and improved. Compared to the initial devices, modern SRS systems are significantly more complex, including algorithms and triggering mechanisms that help reduce unused installations.
Airbag control units receive sensor signals about things like the vehicle’s speed and the impact of a collision, which may trigger the deployment of additional restraint systems. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are a couple of these.
In This Article...
What would activate the SRS light?
Your car’s internal computer has disabled the airbags if the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicator remains illuminated. This indicates that there is a problem with the airbags. Although your airbags won’t deploy at random, they might not in the event of an accident, therefore it’s crucial to locate the issue and have it fixed by a qualified repair.
Your car’s SRS light will come on for around 6-7 seconds when you turn the key, then go out if it detects no abnormalities. You may have an issue with the airbags itself, a loose wire, a broken seat belt buckle, or an issue with the Engine Control Unit (ECU) if the SRS light remains on or starts flashing intermittently. To get you back on the road safely, our mechanics at My Auto Solutions in Buford, Georgia, provide airbag module reset, removal, and installation services.
Can I operate a vehicle with the SRS light on?
One should not ignore the airbag light or the SRS warning when they appear. It doesn’t necessary imply that the vehicle is unsafe to operate, but doing so is risky and akin to playing with fire. When this light is on, it indicates that your safety system isn’t functioning properly and, in some situations, that your airbags aren’t functional and won’t deploy in a collision.
Can I drive safely with my SRS light on? The answer is negative, as there is a significant risk if an accident were to occur, even if it is possible that the airbags may still deploy with the light on. We advise having a specialist examine it and identify the problem so that it may be corrected right away.
What should I do if the SRS light illuminates?
After doing the self-test, if the SRS light is still on, you should take your car to a reputable repair facility to have it thoroughly examined and inspected. It is a good idea to look for any manufacturer recalls that may apply to your car because they may cover some airbag system repairs or provide you with an extended warranty.
What is the price of replacing an airbag sensor?
Depending on the automobile model and labor charges, the cost to replace an airbag sensor ranges from $100 to $600. A sensor for an airbag costs between $50 and $300, as does the labor.
Both the airbag sensor and its replacement are delicate parts. Even for an expert, correctly diagnosing and installing the airbag sensor can take up to two hours.
The airbag sensor itself is typically not very expensive; you may anticipate paying between $50 and $300 for a brand-new one. Never purchase aftermarket sensors; don’t take the chance. Always purchase OEM original, authentic items.
You can save money by replacing the airbag sensor yourself if you are highly confident working on cars and meticulously following the repair manual.
If you have even the least qualms regarding the replacement, have a pro handle it.
Keep in mind that it is a crucial component, therefore installing it properly is important in case of an accident. Additionally, if you make a mistake, there is a chance that all of the airbags in the car will deploy, which will cost thousands of dollars to fix.
What does it cost to repair the airbag light?
The type of defect that needs to be fixed will determine how much it will cost. You might shell out between $1,100 and $1,500 to repair the airbag in the steering wheel, mostly for the labor. But if you can fix the clock spring yourself, it should only cost $250 to $350 to replace it.
Between $350 and $450 is the typical cost to repair an airbag sensor, with the parts typically costing approximately $300. If you don’t have a sophisticated code scanner, it’s advisable to have a mechanic handle the repair because the codes will need to be reset.
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.
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.
If the airbag light is on, will the airbag deploy?
This light indicates that your airbags are deactivated while it is on. It implies that if you have an accident, they won’t deploy properly. The backup battery that powers the airbags may have also run out if your car’s main battery recently discharged.
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.
Maintenance required reminder
At our Toyota dealership in Morrow, many of the new Toyota models we have available for sale are equipped with a maintenance-required reminder light to make sure you perform the needed maintenance.
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.
SRS malfunction: what is it?
Have you ever seen a “SRS” light flash on your dashboard? Few Mercedes owners are aware of what this light signifies. Actually, its full name is Supplement Restraint System. This applies to things like airbags and your safety belts. Your airbags might not deploy in an accident if your SRS is malfunctioning. You can see why; it’s crucial to make sure these things are in good operating order!
- the most recent diagnostic technology
- a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty
- car on loan with extensive repairs
- master certified technicians for Mercedes-Benz
Our staff members are genuine Mercedes enthusiasts, and they will handle your car as if it were their own. Come and enjoy European auto repair with a personal touch, we cordially invite you.
On a Toyota, how do you reset the SRS airbag light?
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.