If your airbag warning light remains on long after starting your car, either the light is faulty, or there is a problem with the airbag system. Learn how to isolate the problem.

Your airbag warning light should only stay on when there’s a problem with the airbag system in your car. Every time you turn on your car, the computer in the vehicle checks the system. The light comes on for a few seconds and then goes off to show that it’s working. If it remains on, then there’s a problem with the system and the airbag may not deploy in an accident.

The airbag light in your car potentially indicates a few different things. If your airbag has been deployed and has not been properly reset, the airbag light will be on. If the airbag hasn’t been deployed, the light will come on when the system senses that it cannot activate the airbag; this means that there is some sort of a problem with the airbag system in your vehicle. You’ll need to have the airbag light reset in this case.

Troubleshooting
There’s no quick and easy way to troubleshoot the problem of an airbag warning light. Much like the Check Engine light, it should not be ignored and needs to be looked at by a professional. In this case the mechanic will run a diagnostic on the airbag ECU, or electronic control unit. This is where all the data is stored.

If your airbags have not become activated or discharged, but you’re airbag light is illuminated, there is likely some sort of a computer problem. This could be either that the airbag system has become deactivated and faulty for some reason, or that the computer has simply made an error and the airbags are actually in working order.

Clearing
The airbag ECU must be cleared in order to shut off the warning light. If you’re convinced there’s no problem in the system, you can remove the airbag ECU and send it to a company that will clear it for you. Your car dealer will also be able to do this, although they are likely to install a brand new airbag ECU, after which the airbag warning light should remain off.

Take the Vehicle to a Mechanic
The best thing to do if your airbag light has come on is to take the vehicle to your local auto repair shop right away. They can help you with the airbag light by examining the system with the help of the car diagnostic internal system. Based on the diagnostic, they can adjust the airbag sensor or determine what else may be the problem with the airbag system.

Avoid Driving
If the airbag light is on, it means that the airbag will not be able to deploy in the event of an accident. This is a dangerous proposition, and it means that you should avoid driving if at all possible until you’ve had the problem diagnosed and fixed.

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