As a remarkable safety device, the airbag helps detect problems using the vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, frontal airbags reduce driver and passenger fatalities in accidents by 29% and 32%, respectively.
If your airbag light is on, you might be wondering how to reset it. Rest assured, it is rare for the airbag itself to be damaged. But when it is, the light stays on due to a faulty sensor.
Sometimes, your seat belts are also defective. Other issues, such as faulty wiring and computer problems, have also triggered it. Fortunately, there are several simple methods to diagnose and fix this issue.
Additionally, this article will cover typical queries ranging from: what the airbag light means, why the airbag light won’t turn off, can you reset the airbag light without a tool, disconnecting the battery, resetting the airbag light, how to turn off the airbag light after an accident, can you reset the airbag light without a tool, how to bypass the airbag light, on a BMW, and more.
Be patient; let’s get started right away!
What Does the Airbag Light Mean?
The airbag light means the vehicle’s computer system has detected a malfunction. This airbag system malfunction could result from a faulty sensor indicating that your airbags may not deploy during a severe collision. This light can save a life if you approach it cautiously or even cause a fatal accident if ignored.
However, for user safety, warning signals such as lights and sounds are programmed into almost all vehicles. The airbag light is a severe warning that even the best driver in the world should not ignore.
Why Won’t the Airbag Light Turn Off?
Your airbag light won’t turn off or flashes regularly. This can be due to the following issues with your airbag system. They are:
- Seat Belt Pretensioners
- Faulty Clock Springs
- Bad Wiring
- Computer System Malfunction
- Faulty Airbag Sensors
- Dead Battery
Let’s explore them below;
Faulty Seat Belt
In the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), airbag sensors help detect a faulty seat belt. If the seat belt becomes faulty, it will trigger the airbag light.
Faulty Clock Springs
Suppose the clock springs inside the steering wheel fail to maintain the wiring and driver’s airbag. Then, the airbag light will come on and not turn off.
Bad Wiring Due to Dislodgement
When the airbag wires have become dislodged due to passenger seat movement, the airbag light stays on, which is more common in vehicles equipped with side airbags. When you observe this, take your car to the nearest mechanic.
Computer System Malfunction
If the computer system malfunctions due to an error, it could trigger the airbag light to stay on. This case will exist if the airbag does not deploy during an accident. However, resetting the system is vital.
Faulty Airbag Sensors
Suppose an error occurs in the system due to corroded or damaged sensors. The airbag light would come on and not turn off.
Dead Battery
A dead battery will deplete the airbag backup battery system, thus causing the airbag light to illuminate.
Note: It would be wise to check these components before resetting any airbag-related issue. I recommend consulting a certified mechanic or your dealer for assistance.
Can You Reset the Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Yes, you can reset the airbag light without a tool. That said, this is possible mainly in older vehicles where you need to disconnect the battery terminals. You will perform another manual check of the airbag components and clean, replace, and reset the system.
Similarly, most modern cars reset their airbag without using a scan tool. Therefore, a fault inspection will begin when the airbag light is on.
Will Disconnecting the Battery Reset the Airbag Light?
Yes, to some extent! Disconnecting the battery will clear all dashboard lights, including the airbag light. To do this, turn off your vehicle and remove the negative battery terminal for about 30 seconds. The airbag sensor should reset, reconnect the battery terminal, and start your car.
On the other hand, the airbag system has large capacitors that would store energy for some time. Thus, removing the battery for less than seconds would not drain the battery’s energy. But it could drain in a few minutes.
How to Turn Off the Airbag Light After an Accident?
To turn off the airbag light after an accident, check the steps below;
- Turn the ignition on.
- Push the switch button to the ON position.
- After a few seconds, the airbag light should come on. It should turn off automatically, then quickly press the OFF switch button.
- Test the previous step again 2 to 3 times.
- You should start your vehicle. The light should come on for a few seconds and then turn off.
- Be assured that the vehicle’s airbag reset is complete.
Can You Reset the Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Of course, yes, you can! However, it depends on the vehicle brand. Regarding safety measures, the airbag lights of some vehicles may turn off once you have fixed the issue.
Conversely, some would require scan tools to quickly find the faulty reset and make it faster.
How to Bypass the Airbag Light, on a BMW?
Bypassing the airbag light in a BMW involves bridging the system with a resistor or a bypass kit.
- Turn the ignition on.
- Access the wire behind the front passenger seat by lifting it slightly.
- Disconnect the cable from the airbag system.
- Install the bypass kit as it clicks into place.
- The airbag system should be dead.
- Turn the ignition on and reset the code using a scan tool.
- Restart the vehicle and the light will not come on.
- Install the seat belts and the light will disappear.
- You have bypassed the airbag light.
To access the vehicle’s computer security, enlist the services of a professional.
I strongly suggest fixing the issues rather than bypassing the vehicle, otherwise children should not sit in the front passenger seat. The purpose of the repair is that you might need the airbag in case of a severe accident.
How to Reset the Airbag Light?
Resetting the airbag is a professional job. Suppose you are well-informed; you could also do it.
Find out the steps here;
- Check the passenger airbag switch if your vehicle is equipped with a seat airbag button. This switch is usually located on the dashboard on the passenger side or in the glove box. Then you can turn off the light from there.
- Use a scan tool with an SRS or airbag reset option to read and interpret fault codes. Before solving the problem, do not clear the codes while you proceed with the diagnosis.
- Repair the airbag system faults.
- After repair or replacement, clear the fault code. Use the scan tool to reread the codes if the airbag light does not turn off.
- Restart your vehicle and take a test drive. The light should turn off after the test drive and the issue is resolved.
Resetting BMW and VW Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Without any tool, the simple steps below are necessary to reset the airbag light on BMW and VW vehicles.
You have them here;
- Put your vehicle in the on position.
- Wait and monitor for the airbag light to come on. It would stay on for about 7 seconds, then turn off your vehicle.
- Turn it on quickly after 3 seconds.
- Repeat the previous two steps more than twice.
- Restart the engine. The SRS light would come on for about 7 seconds and then should turn off. Then the reset is complete.
How to Reset BMW Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Resetting your BMW’s airbag light requires the following simple step:
- Park your vehicle once you notice the lighting on your dashboard.
- Let your car stay on while you ensure the airbag light is on.
- Wait about 7 seconds for the airbag to deactivate, then immediately turn off your vehicle.
- Restart your car after about 3 seconds.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 about 2 to 3 more times.
- Your airbag should deactivate after the above steps.
On the contrary, if it doesn’t, visit your dealer or any nearby mechanic. Apply the steps above or you can also read this article on the guide to resetting the VW airbag light without the tool.
Conclusion
Finally, the airbag is a crucial technology in today’s automotive world. The airbag light illuminating on your vehicle’s dashboard indicates that you need to reset it.
Always strive to use a proper scan tool with the SRS function to read fault codes. It would be helpful not to try to reset the airbag light when you haven’t solved the problem.
Ignoring the airbag light is not good for your safety and that of your passenger.