Your car dashboard contains multiple warning lights and symbols. When something goes bad with any of your vehicle parts, a warning light starts illuminating to alert the driver. The SRS warning light is also located on your car dashboard.
It is also known as an airbag warning light. Whenever you observe the SRS warning light on the dashboard, it means there is a problem with the airbag of your car.
Due to this, in the event of an accident, the airbags can’t deploy or protect you. This article explains the SRS warning light meaning and its causes of illumination.
What Does the SRS Light Mean?
SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System. The SRS warning light indicates an issue with the airbags of your car. When the vehicle computer detects an issue with the airbag system, it shows a figure with the airbag on the vehicle dashboard, while in some other cars, it is symbolized as the alphabet “SRS.”
In your vehicle, the SRS acts as a passive restraint system that starts itself in the hour of need. It means we do not have to push any buttons to activate it manually. It enhances the main function of seatbelts in your cars.
The SRS system of your vehicle automatically records the collision position, acceleration, passenger seat occupation, and braking. All these readings are forwarded to the airbag control unit (ABS system) of the vehicle, which then decides which seatbelt has to be tightened and which airbag has to be deployed if the car faces any kind of accident.
Generally, the SRS light usually illuminates for a few seconds after the engine starts. During this short time span, the car’s system performs tests and analyzes all the components of the SRS.
Once the SRS light turns off, your car is ready to go. But if this SRS light keeps flashing, then there may be a problem with the SRS airbag system. In this case, if your car is involved in a collision, the seat belts will not be tightened, and the airbag will not deploy.
There should be frequent checks for the SRS system of the car, and it should be confirmed that the sensors are working properly to avoid any damaging situations. The airbag of the vehicle can’t work efficiently if its sensors are faulty.
Causes of the SRS Light
SRS light is a warning light that illuminates on your vehicle dashboard when something goes bad with the airbag system. However, there are different causes of the airbag or SRS light illumination. The following are the major causes of SRS light illumination:
- Faulty Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor
- Faulty SRS Computer
- Corrosion
- Faulty Seat Belt Latch
- Dead SRS Computer Battery Backup
- Bad Clock Spring
- Previous Accidents
- Damaged Wiring
1) Faulty Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor
Your airbag system contains a passenger seat occupancy sensor. The faulty passenger seat occupancy sensor is one of the major causes of SRS warning light illumination on your car dashboard.
The main function of this sensor is to inform the airbag system when someone sits on the front seat. The sensors not only tell whether the seat is occupied but also tell the weight of the person.
So, when a person is present on the seats, the system will be ready to deploy the airbag. But if the passenger seat occupancy sensors are faulty, then the SRS light may illuminate on the vehicle dashboard.
2) Faulty SRS Computer
With the passage of time, every electronic component wears out. Similarly, the components of the SRS system also get old and worn out with time, making the system malfunction and become faulty. Water damage, heat, pressure, and vibration can also harm this SRS system.
If the airbag light stays on due to the failed computer system, then the only solution is to replace the whole system.
3) Corrosion
If there is a water leak in the vehicle, it will corrode the internal parts of the car. If this corrosion is around the SRS system, it can cause a disastrous situation. This corrosion may damage the sensors of the SRS system and also the performance of the system.
When your SRS system doesn’t work efficiently, your SRS light starts to illuminate on the vehicle dashboard.
The solution is to check all the internal elements of your car and replace the corroded ones with new ones.
4) Faulty Seat Belt Latch
Seat belt latch failure is one of the major causes of airbag warning light illumination. Many sensors are present in the SRS system of your vehicle that decide when the seatbelt will be fastened.
So, if there is something between the buckles, it will act like a hurdle or a foreign body. To resolve this situation, clean the belt buckle and remove any object if it is present. If you do not see anything, spray the compressed air onto the buckle.
5) Dead SRS Computer Battery Backup
The SRS system uses the backup battery to store the readings received from the sensors. This backup battery stays on even if the engine is off.
A dead or low backup battery is one of the major reasons for the SRS warning light illumination on the dashboard of your car. This light can only be turned off by replacing this backup battery with a new one.
6) Bad Clock Spring
A bad clock spring is an electrical connector present in the steering wheel. The main purpose of this connector is to connect the SRS computer to the wheel. It inspects the turning of the wheel. Usually, steering wheel use is exploited and used carelessly, which is why this connector gets damaged.
When a clock spring goes bad, the driver-side airbag may not be deployed at the time of the accident. This issue may also trigger the SRS light to alert the driver.
7) Previous Accidents
If someone had an accident and the airbag was not deployed, the SRS warning light may keep flashing. During the collision, this SRS system triggers due to the crash sensors.
At that moment, if there is an issue with the SRS, the computer will detect it as a fault. This causes the SRS light to come on and warns about the issue in the SRS system.
8) Damaged Wiring
The damaged wiring of the SRS is also a major cause of the illuminated airbag warning light. Your electrical wires should be properly connected to the SRS.
Read More: Bad ABS Sensor Symptoms and Causes
How to reset the SRS Light
Follow the below-given steps to reset your SRS light or airbag warning light:
- Turn the ignition switch on and off
- Conduct a test drive
- Replace damaged airbag sensors
- Check the functionality of seatbelts
- Replace faulty clock spring
- Inspect the passenger seat sensor
- Use an OBD-II scanner
- Check the airbag switch
- Check airbag system performance
1) Turn the Ignition Switch on and off
First of all, insert the ignition key in the ignition switch and turn it in the ignition switch. You will see the SRS light glow. Wait for some seconds; if the system is all right, this light will go off.
But you must wait for 3 seconds and then turn the ignition off. You need to properly read the basic procedures before starting the engine.
Remember that the airbag light should remain on for about seven seconds after switching the ignition.
2) Conduct a Test Drive
Again, insert the ignition key in the ignition switch and start the engine to perform a test driver. If the SRS light automatically stops after a few seconds, it means your issue is resolved. Otherwise, check the wiring system of the car, especially under the passenger seat and the driver’s seat.
There are chances that the connector plugs are loose or worn out; search for them and replace them. If you didn’t find any fault, use the electronic cleaner spray.
3) Replace Damaged Airbag Sensors
The SRS system of your vehicle is connected to multiple sensors. These sensors ensure the efficient working of the system. When any of these sensors go bad, your system triggers the airbag light. Usually, these sensors get damaged for various reasons. If the sensors get damaged due to water, then the airbag light will remain on.
4) Replace Faulty Seatbelts
Your SRS light may turn on due to loose or faulty seatbelts. Even if your seatbelts are not used, the airbag light may be turned off automatically. That is, always inspect the seat belts and their sensors for proper operation.
5) Replace the Faulty Clock Spring
The clock spring is also known as the contact reel, coil assembly, cable reel assembly, or spiral cable. It is one of the most important parts of the airbag system. If the clock spring gets damaged, the system triggers the SRS light. To turn off this light, you need to replace the faulty clock spring.
6) Replace the bad Passenger Seat Sensor
Many cars have a sensitive passenger seat sensor to record the weight of the passenger. Here, the sensor can be tripped easily if you put a heavy box or container on the passenger seat. When the sensor monitors more weight than the specified limit, it triggers the airbag or SRS light.
7) Use an OBD-II Scanner
A scanner can be used to reset the SRS light. Remember that not all OBD II devices can reset this light. You should purchase a scanner with SRS features.
8) Check the Airbag Switch
In some cases, a passenger seat airbag button is present that can turn on or off the airbag. When you try to reset the airbag light, you first check the airbag button. There are chances that someone left the switch on, which causes the airbag light to illuminate.
The passenger seat airbag button is usually present on the passenger-side dashboard. You can see the button by opening the passenger door or glove box.
9) Check Airbag System Performance
There is a very low probability of a bad airbag, but you can still have that issue. That can be the reason you’re on SRS light. So, if you find that to be the reason, you have to take your car to the service center. This will also cost you about a hundred dollars.
The replacement cost of the airbag system may be much higher than the airbag parts, and it also takes some time.
10) Replace the Dead Battery
Your car’s SRS light may turn on due to a faulty or dead battery. Therefore, when your system turns on this light, immediately check your battery. If it is dead, you need to replace it.
FAQ Section
What does SRS mean?
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) is a seatbelt or airbag employed as an extra safety restraint to minimize or prevent injuries in case of an accident.
Where is the SRS Sensor located?
The SRS sensor is installed on the floor at the center of the car dashboard between the front seats. In some vehicles, you can find it under the driver’s seats or passenger’s seats.
What is an SRS malfunction?
SRS is a supplemental restraint system that includes seat belts and airbags. During the SRS malfunction, the seat belt of your car will not tighten, and the airbag will not be deployed right after the accident. This is a life-threatening and crucial issue that has to be resolved as early as possible.
How much does it cost to replace an airbag?
The cost of a new airbag is about $900 to $1600. With the fixation of some other components and the deployment fee, you may need to pay $500 more.
How much does it cost to fix an SRS light?
Fixing the SRS light is a time-consuming and costly procedure. The fixing cost of the illuminating SRS light depends on the labor and repair costs of the relevant damaged part. Usually, it can cost several hundred dollars, and many hours are required to get it repaired. The average fixing cost of the SRS light is about $650.
What are the causes of the Airbag light to come on?
- Faulty passenger seat occupancy sensor
- Dead SRS computer battery backup
- Faulty SRS computer
- Corrosion
- Faulty seat belt latch
- Previous accidents
- Bad clock spring
- Damaged wiring
Can I drive with the SRS light on?
It is not recommended to drive with the illuminating SRS light. However, your car can start and move with the illuminating airbag light, but in the event of an accident, the airbags will not be deployed to protect the passenger, which can cause serious injury.
So, when the airbag light turns on, go to the nearest service center and resolve the problem, or you can use the code scanner to find the main issue quickly.
Does the airbag deploy if the SRS light is flashing?
No, the airbags will not deploy if the SRS light is flashing. That is due to the safety feature to avoid deploying the airbag in case of a fault with your airbag system.
How to fix SRS Light?
- Turn the ignition switch on and off and perform a test drive
- Replacing the damaged airbag sensors
- Replacing the bad seatbelts
- Replacing the faulty clock spring
- Replacing the bad passenger seat sensor
- Replacing the damaged or stuck airbag switch
- Checking airbag system performance