Airbag Light & SRS Warning Light Repair
Airbag or SRS warning light on? We read the SRS fault codes, test the system, find the real cause and fix it. Mobile across Melbourne.
When the airbag or SRS warning light stays on, the system has found a fault and at least part of it may not work in a crash. The light can be caused by something as small as a loose connector under a seat or as serious as a module holding crash data. Diagnosing it properly is the first step, and it often saves you buying parts you do not need.
Common causes of an airbag light
- A worn or broken clock spring in the steering column
- Seat wiring and connectors disturbed when seats are removed, cleaned or adjusted
- A faulty seat belt buckle switch or a fired pretensioner
- Damaged impact sensors after a minor bump or panel repair
- A passenger seat occupant sensor fault, often shown as "passenger airbag off"
- Crash data stored in the airbag module after a deployment, which needs a module reset
- Low battery voltage or an earlier repair that left a fault code stored
Airbag light, SRS light: what is the difference?
None. SRS stands for supplementary restraint system, which covers the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, sensors and the airbag module. Depending on the vehicle the warning shows as a red seated figure with a circle in front of it, the word SRS, or the word AIRBAG. They all mean the same thing: the system has found a fault.
Passenger airbag light and occupant sensors
Many vehicles have an occupant sensor in the front passenger seat that tells the airbag module whether an adult, a child or nobody is sitting there, and switches the passenger airbag on or off. A faulty occupant sensor, a damaged seat cushion mat or a disturbed connector can leave the "passenger airbag off" light on with an adult in the seat, or bring up the main airbag light. We test the sensor and its wiring, replace parts where needed, and run the calibration most occupant sensors need afterwards.
Is it safe to drive with the airbag light on?
The car will drive, but while the light is on the airbag module may have switched off some or all of the airbags and pretensioners. You may not be protected in a crash. An airbag warning light that stays on will also normally fail a Victorian roadworthy inspection.
How we diagnose it
We connect dealer-level diagnostic equipment, read every stored SRS fault code and check live data from the airbag module. We then test the circuits the codes point to: resistance on airbag and pretensioner circuits, the clock spring, sensors and connectors. Once we know the cause we explain it in plain terms and give you the cost to fix it. If the fault is a simple one, we can often fix it on the spot.
Can you just reset the light?
Clearing codes without fixing the cause only turns the light off until the system tests itself again, usually the next time the car starts. We do not do "light-off" jobs that leave a fault in place: the airbag light is there to tell you the system may not protect you.
Mobile across Melbourne
We come to your home, workplace or workshop across Melbourne. For panel shops and dealers we can diagnose several vehicles in one visit. See all our airbag and SRS services.
Airbag Light & SRS Warning Light Repair: common questions
Why is my airbag light on?
The airbag module has found a fault in the system. The most common causes are a worn clock spring, seat wiring or connectors disturbed under a seat, a seat belt buckle or pretensioner fault, a damaged sensor, an occupant sensor fault, or crash data stored after an accident. A scan of the SRS codes shows which.
Can you just reset the airbag light?
Clearing the codes without fixing the cause only turns the light off until the system tests itself again, usually on the next start. We find and fix the cause so the light goes out and stays out.
What does the passenger airbag off light mean?
The occupant sensor in the passenger seat has decided the seat is empty or holds a child, so the passenger airbag is switched off. If it stays on with an adult in the seat, the occupant sensor or its wiring usually needs testing and calibrating.
Will my car pass a roadworthy with the airbag light on?
Normally no. In Victoria an airbag (SRS) warning light that stays on is a reason for a roadworthy to fail. Fix the fault before the inspection.
How much does it cost to fix an airbag light?
It depends on the cause, which is why we diagnose first. A disturbed connector can be fixed on the spot, while a clock spring, sensor or module costs more. We tell you the cause and the price before any parts are fitted.
Do you come to me?
Yes. We diagnose and repair airbag lights at your home, workplace or workshop anywhere across Melbourne.
Our Service Guarantee
All work comes with our comprehensive warranty on parts and labor. We use quality components and provide factory-quality installations with professional documentation.