How Does a Dealer Diagnose Airbag Light Problems?

The airbag light is an indicator lamp on the dashboard to alert a driver or passenger to any problem that may occur in the airbag system, often referred to as the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The normal operating procedure for this lamp may vary slightly for each manufacturer, but most vehicles are similar. Problems with your airbag light could mean that you have a lemon and need legal assistance from a lemon law attorney.

When the key is turned to the on or start position, the system will engage in a self-test, illuminating the lamp for approximately six (6) seconds. After this test, if there are no faults, the lamp will turn "off". It will remain "off" unless a problem occurs in the system.

The diagnostic computer, or airbag control unit, is the brains behind the airbag and is constantly monitoring the system as long as the vehicle's key is turned on. The system retains power even after the car is turned off by means of a capacitor. The airbag system will remain active for approximately 2-10 minute after turning the vehicle off, depending on the manufacturer. This is designed so that if the vehicle loses power during a crash, the protection of the airbag system is still there.

If your airbag light does not work, take it back to the dealer for repairs and make certain to keep a record of all your repairs as you will need these should you pursue a lemon law claim.

Why does my airbag light come on while driving?

On occasion, the airbag light will come on while driving. This indicates that a fault in the system is occurring. As long as the light remains "on", the system is inactive and will not deploy airbags during a collision. It will remain that way until the problem, whatever it may be, is corrected. . If you have had the problem corrected many times, your car could fall under state lemon law or federal lemon law protection. There are multiple components in the system. Many vehicles now include the following components: front airbag modules, clockspring, seat airbags, curtain airbags, control units, sensors, seat belt pretensioners, and occupant classification systems. Obviously the more components present in any system, especially a new one, the more likely you are to experience issues

If a fault occurs in any of these components, the wiring between any of them, or if the power or ground circuit is interrupted, a fault code will be set and the airbag light will turn on. If the airbag light circuit itself is damaged or isn't functioning, some vehicles have a tone warning system in place to indicate such a fault. The manufacturers take airbag fault codes and the SRS (supplemental restraint system) very seriously. A faulty airbag as evidenced by either a tone or a light should be diagnosed and corrected to ensure safe operation of the vehicle. Read a summary of the lemon laws and how they can help you

How the airbag light resets

Many vehicle owners ask, "How do I reset my airbag light?" Some vehicles require a special airbag scan tool to reset the light, while others do not. On many vehicles, the airbag indicator lamp will turn itself "off" if the problem that caused it to illuminate has been corrected, but in other vehicles it will not operate in the same way.

There are a number of scanners that can reset the system. Each one of these requires the proper software to read and reset the system. On occasion, the door jamb switch, cycles of the ignition key or a jumper wire can be used to accomplish this as well.

Multiple issues with your airbag light could mean you are driving a lemon. Find out more about the Federal Lemon Law and the Lemon Law in your state. Or submit your information to an attorney in your state to find out if you qualify for the lemon law due to your airbag light issues.