Understanding Why Your Dashboard Airbag Light Is Flashing

Any of the warning lights blinking or turning on your dashboard should be a cause for concern, but there are few quite as terrifying as the SRS airbag warning light. This usually means a minor problem with your sensors; in many cases, all that is needed is some internal calibration. There is, however, a chance of something worse lurking behind that ominous blinking light. 

Great care must be taken in their repairs, as the incorrect deployment of airbags can lead to serious injuries. Though you may have the confidence to make these repairs yourself, it might still be best to consult an SRS airbag repair professional instead. 

What Causes the Airbag Warning Light?

To properly diagnose the problem with your warning light, it is important to have an understanding of how they’re supposed to work. Airbags come with various sensors that are designed to detect a specific set of conditions. Once these conditions are met, the airbags will deploy by making use of a minor high-speed explosion that causes the bags to reach their full size in less than a second. Deployed correctly, this can provide a cushion that prevents concussive injuries to the face and other body parts. 

As such, it is important that the airbags deploy at the exact moment. Even a fraction of a second too late can result in devastating injuries—especially to the face. Young and old passengers, in particular, are more susceptible to injuries to mistaken deployment, making this a paramount concern.

These sensors can get worn over time, as is the nature of all machines. In many cases, this wear and tear happens first in the occupancy sensors in the passenger-side airbags. The clock spring may also experience problems.

How Blinking Airbag Warning Lights are Fixed

If the passenger occupancy sensor is the problem, a plug-and-play kit will be used to disconnect the yellow connector under the seat from the wire in the bypass module. A universal kit may then be used to splice into the wires. These kits are available in the market, but should be used with great care. Make sure to study the wiring diagram included in your kit carefully. 

If the issue is in your clock spring, this might prove trickier. The clock spring is the electrical coupling between the steering column and the steering wheel. If your airbag light is on, try honking your horn. If it doesn’t work, then the issue is most likely in the clock spring. This is a fairly simple process that can be fixed by either you or a mechanic in less than twenty minutes. Just make sure to keep the proper procedures and safety measures in mind if you decide to repair the SRS module problem yourself. 

Final Thoughts

If your blinking airbag light persits, it is important to take your vehicle to an SRS module repair center. After all, these issues concern the safety of you and your passengers. You would be protecting them not just from crashes and potential accidents, but the injuries caused by faulty airbags. After all, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure. 

For an SRS module repair center, send us at Repair My SRS a message. We can take the necessary measures to keep you and your family safe at all times, reducing the risk of fatal injuries.