How to fix: The airbag lamp on the dashboard is on. What to do if the airbag lamp is on

The share of electronic components in the design of modern cars is increasing every year. Sensitive sensors and computerized control units monitor the work of an increasing number of components and assemblies. In the event of a malfunction, they inform the driver about it using warning lamps on the instrument panel. But the drivers themselves do not always know what to do if such a signal is received. For example, if the airbag light comes on, signaling a malfunction in the passive safety system.

In fact, the airbag light comes on every time the engine is started to ensure that the system is working properly. But then it goes out and no longer bothers the driver until the moment of breakage or activation of one of the flexible shells of the airbags, pretensioners. If the SRS Airbag light remains on after starting the engine, then this is a reason to visit the service center, whose specialists will be able to determine the nature of the malfunction of the passive safety system and eliminate the problem.

There are several reasons why it is not recommended to do the repair and diagnostics of SRS Airbag systems, including airbags, on your own.

  1. For diagnostics, special equipment is required, which is connected to the diagnostic connector available in all modern cars. The diagnostic tool and the accompanying software cost a lot of money and requires knowledge and experience that most car enthusiasts do not have. Some machines have the ability to access diagnostic codes without additional hardware. But the algorithm for activating the self-diagnosis system, like the codes themselves, differ depending on the car model and its equipment.
  2. When repairing electronic components of the security system, you should have on hand a reliable electrical diagram of the car corresponding to its model, year of manufacture and equipment. It is very difficult to find such documentation in the public domain, and the available information is often unreliable. The changes made by the developers to the design do not allow identifying the malfunction. Moreover, actions taken on the basis of erroneous data are a source of serious damage.
  3. Even having a reliable electrical circuit in your hands and having identified a possible source of malfunction, due to which the airbag light is on, it can be very difficult to repair a breakdown. In order to gain access to sensors, actuators and their electrical connectors, you need to know where they are located. In the absence of such information, searching will have to spend a lot of time and effort, but never achieve the desired result.

Remember that improper handling of airbags can cause serious injury!

When there is no other way out

In real life, it may happen that there are many kilometers of the way to the repair shops, and a lit airbag light gets on your nerves and, quite possibly, signals a breakdown that must be fixed immediately. An unpleasant surprise, such as a sudden actuation of a protective system, can cause an accident. Therefore, it will be useful for many to know what can be done in such a situation.

The principle of the device and possible problems

First you need to know how pillows work. Let's briefly consider the structure of a typical passive safety system.

Troubleshooting methods

As mentioned above, you can localize the place of damage using computer diagnostic tools. But sometimes they do not give an accurate idea of \u200b\u200bthe problems due to which the airbag warning light is constantly on. In this case, there is only one thing left - to ring the electrical circuits, armed with a low-current multimeter.

You should first disconnect the battery by throwing off the negative terminal and waiting at least 5 minutes. During this time, the system should be deactivated. The use of test lamps for testing is unacceptable, as this can lead to damage to electronic components or to their spontaneous operation.

Act consistently

You should look for a breakdown in stages, paying attention to the most likely places of their occurrence. The most common reasons due to which the warning lamp on the instrument panel may come on are:

    • failure of sensors or damage to electrical wiring. In either case, it cannot be ruled out that the control unit will receive a false signal and give a command to operate the equipment;
  • a system failure in the control unit is the next most likely source of problems. Sometimes, with the appropriate equipment, the SRS AIRBAG can be reprogrammed. If this operation does not give the desired result, the pillow control unit will have to be replaced;
  • an airbag malfunction is not a very common reason why an alarm can light up. It is strictly not recommended to eliminate such a breakdown yourself! Sodium azide contained in capsules of devices manufactured by many manufacturers is poisonous. Poisoning with them can have the most dire consequences. But even if the capsule contains chemically harmless nitrocellulose, there is a risk of injury due to the airbag deployment as a result of careless handling.

The easiest way

With that said, a simple guideline is best. If the airbag light comes on, get to the workshop as soon as possible, which has everything you need for repairs and diagnostics. This is the best way to keep your health and nerves, and also to avoid damage to equipment.

You go, it happens, and some light on the tidy lights up. “Who asked her?” You think. And you are already calculating the cost of repairs in your head. But you should not immediately fall into despondency and panic. A light bulb that lights up may simply indicate a minor error. Cars are complex mechanisms, but they are not that hard to understand. Moreover, they talk to their owners, reporting faults. unexpectedly appeared knock in the "hodovka". Then, of course, to the service and to the lift. Or, for example, an icon on the dashboard lights up. Some motorists are wondering why the airbag light came on? This usually happens for no apparent reason. Confused drivers talk about this on the Internet in countless forums, trying to figure out what the catch is. That only on the pages of communities you will not find. Someone has a pillow badge, others have a “red fastened man” or the inscription Airbag, others immediately give win-win advice, they say, this is what they or their friends had. But everything is not so simple here.

Safety first

The statistics of the State Traffic Inspectorate is becoming sadder every year, accidents are registered daily, and therefore motorists often think about safety. After all, as they say, not you, so into you. Especially under unfavorable road conditions, such as ice. You should not rely on road services here. Not cleaned, not sprinkled. And here's to you! Seat belts are undoubtedly a necessary thing, but without pillows in modern cars nowhere. Interestingly, they first appeared on airplanes. It happened back in the forties of the last century. Cars began to be equipped with passive safety devices in the seventies. Now the complete set of all modern cars includes Airbag. Such inscriptions can be found on the glove compartment, racks, curtains, steering wheel, rear seats. The safety system includes the airbags themselves, belts, pretensioners, igniters, shock sensors and a control unit. The pillows themselves are a shell filled, for example, with air. It opens only when the sensor, having detected the impact, transmits an alarm signal.

Don't panic!

The safety box indicator always comes on when the engine is started. This only happens for a few seconds. Together with it, the battery icons also light up, as well as the "check" telling us about errors in the engine systems. along with those already listed, the parking brake icon blinks. The airbag system is tested during ignition on. But after a few seconds all the lights go out. If one of them continues to burn, this may tell the owner of a certain malfunction. The SRS / Airbag signal can indicate a failure of the entire safety system, not just the operation of the airbags. If the system fails, the lamp will be on, because the self-diagnosis module writes down the fault code and turns on the control lamp. The most common errors are the driver's airbag and the front passenger seat sensor.


Many lights come on when the engine starts

There may be several reasons

So what's the reason? The entire security system is interconnected by wiring. If you recently removed the trim in order to glue the car with soundproofing, repaired the windows yourself, then you can easily be the cause of the warning light that came on. This can happen and not only during repairs. For example, a car is constantly operated by two people: a large man and his fragile wife. A married couple has to move the driver's seat all the time. This can fray the wires. If the car was bought from hands, and you are not familiar with its history, the cause of the light bulb coming on may be a violation of the integrity of the pillows. So, perhaps, the promised "not beaten, not painted" is not such at all. The airbag light is also on when the alarm is incorrectly installed. In general, there can be many reasons:

  1. If water gets on the contacts or the seat belt buckle - be careful in the rain and when washing the car;
  2. Improper replacement of any parts that run wires underneath. Among them are the steering wheel, dashboard, seats and doors;
  3. Control module malfunction;
  4. Damage to shock sensors;
  5. Expired pillows. He is 8-10 years old;
  6. Insufficient;
  7. Bad connection of the wiring connectors;
  8. Terminals and fuses;
  9. Faulty pillow itself.

In any case, the signal cannot be ignored.

The airbag malfunction lamp may also come on after a "failed" tuning or. So, transformation lovers should be careful. It is best to familiarize yourself with the wiring diagram in advance so that some wire does not seem superfluous. After removing or replacing various parts - seats, doors, steering wheel, front panel and even bumpers, you can contact the service station. They can provide a service to reset the airbag control unit. It won't hit the pocket. It will cost about 500-1000 rubles. This will help to get rid of errors formed when moving wires and contacts.

If the pillow light blinks from time to time, this most likely indicates worn wiring. Bad contact in some place. For example, a frayed wire. It is best to detect it in advance, until it makes itself felt differently. After all, faulty wiring can cause a short circuit. Coping with a fire in a car is not easy. It can burn to the ground in a matter of seconds.


Wiring faults should be repaired immediately

The error came out!

Is it on and off? As mentioned above, there are many reasons. Of course, you can remove the error yourself. This is easy to do. Many have resorted to a proven, albeit not an old-fashioned way. You can throw off the terminals for a few minutes. After starting the engine, the light will no longer come on again. The second method is a little more complicated - disabling the airbags. But still, they must fulfill their main functions. Therefore, the cause must be established and the malfunction eliminated. The faster the better. Here you can help with the service of an authorized dealer. No advice from "experienced" or mechanics will help in a situation. Only computer diagnostics can recognize the cause. After connecting the wires, you will be told what error is reported by the light on the dashboard. In case your car is still under warranty, you should contact the salon where the car was purchased.

Be carefull!

The security system must always be in good working order, because no one knows when an accident might occur. Even if you are confident in your driving skills, it can happen when an accident is not expected at all. Therefore, it is not worth delaying the elimination of errors reported by the airbag malfunction lamp. Be careful !

Everyone, perhaps, is aware of the purpose of airbags and knows what they are. This invention is directly related to the active safety system and saves many lives every day. With this, everything is clear, and even a schoolchild can tell you about these devices in general terms. Another issue is the airbag indicator. What does it mean if the airbag light comes on? These can be "Airbag SRS", "Airbag" or "SRS" indicators. Not everyone you know can answer this question. But we can. And in this article, we will discuss the problems and solutions associated with this alarm.

The airbag light comes on

The first thing that comes to mind when the red Airbag light comes on is that there is a problem with the car. In short, it is so. When the airbag sensor lights up, then the system is definitely not all right, except that a short circuit did not occur when the engine was started. But right away we want to reassure you: there is no reason for depressive thoughts. Like most car breakdowns, this one can also be repaired.

It is important to understand that when the "SRS" or "Airbag" indicator lights up, the malfunction is hidden in the airbag itself. The Airbag system is very large and includes many different devices. This means that if the corresponding light comes on, then it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive check in the entire system.

In good condition, the Airbag lights up immediately after turning the ignition key to the "ON" position, the system checks the operability of all its elements. When checking the Airbag / SRS, the indicator may start blinking - this is normal. If no faults are found, the light will blink about six times and go out until the next engine start.

But if malfunctions are still present, then the indicator will continue to burn. Then a malfunction code will be written. In a few seconds, another verification will take place. If no new problems are found, or the ignition has been restarted, the diagnostic module will simply delete the error from the registry, and the light will simply go out.

Why does the Airbag light come on?

The car's interior security system includes airbags (the number depends on the vehicle configuration), shock sensors, belt tensioners, a control module and squibs. The entire system is wired to each other.

Therefore, the airbag icon is illuminated in the following cases:

1. One or more pillows are damaged.

2. There is no signal from the elements of the security system.

Interesting! The airbag for riders of two-wheeled vehicles deploys in one tenth of a second, providing protection better than any helmet. The authors of this technology are Swedish designers. The miracle pillow is housed inside a waterproof case that is attached around the driver's neck.

3. Door contacts broken.

4. Impact sensors are damaged.

5. Lost contact or damage to the part of the wiring that connects the entire system. Friction or short circuit of the wiring.

6. The connectors are loose.

8. The control module is damaged. Replace it only after the fault has been rectified.

9. Incorrectly installed

10. If the steering wheel was incorrectly replaced, the wires were damaged. You need to do this solely according to the instructions.

11. Replaced chairs - damaged passing wires or terminals.

12. When replacing deployed airbags. The system can remember their old position, and the module recorded the actuation, as in

13. In case of a poor-quality repair or replacement of the dashboard, the wires were damaged.

14. High resistance is applied to the driver's seat cushion.

Good to know! A car traveling at a speed of 100 km / h travels about 30 meters per second. Turning the head of the driving parent towards the children in the passenger seat takes an average of three seconds. And this is already almost a hundred meters, which the car rushed "blindly"!

15. Towers the term of the airbags. It is usually between 8 and 10 years old.

16. Tuning was done by non-professional specialists who damaged the sensors or broken the wiring.

17. Moisture has got on the contacts or its lock.

18. When the interior was being cleaned, the terminals were affected.

19. Insufficient battery voltage. You should replace it here.

20. The battery was replaced in the wrong sequence.

How can I fix the problem?

Oddly enough, but the discussion of the topics: "Airbag is on" or "How to turn off a burning airbag lamp?" quite common in many automotive forums. Of course, some may think that there is nothing to pay attention to, well, it burns and burns for itself, the car is going. But you can't do that. This is a security system, and if it gives alarm signals, then there is a problem that cannot be postponed, but must be solved. There, in the discussions, they spread many options for solving these problems, but all the advisers follow the path "the easier and faster, the better," inclining to completely disconnect the pillows or use glue.

So, if an airbag sensor lights up in the passenger compartment of your car, you must immediately take the following measures:

1. First, do a full check of the Airbag system when starting the power package.

3. Repair or replace the failed security element. Just remember that you need to do this only with the battery disconnected. Upgrade the Airbag modular memory.

Interesting to know! An airbag in a car is up and running in 25 milliseconds on average. And blinking an eye, for example, lasts four times longer.

Many motorists think about the severity of this or that problem, which is signaled by the Airbag indicator. Drivers with extensive experience recommend making the most complete diagnostics of the entire external security system. This is due to the fact that the light bulb can be constantly on both with a slight problem with the terminals, and due to the fact that the pillows were removed after a serious accident, which the car has been in.

Do not forget that not only the health and even life of the driver of the car, but also of all the passengers in it, depends on the Airbag security system. Therefore, one should not be negligent about the fact that the pillow is on fire. It is necessary to regularly diagnose the entire system and immediately correct any identified problems.

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One of the most important passive safety systems in modern cars is the airbag, also called Airbag. The main task of the airbags is to cushion the impact during a collision of one vehicle with any other vehicle or obstacle. To ensure the trouble-free functioning of this elastic shell, which, in the event of a threat, is filled with gas, there is a special unit of the Airbag management. Quite often, motorists are worried about the indicators that are located on the instrument panel, and especially those that have a red color.

Why is the airbag badge red? How to remove an error in the Airbag system, and does this mean that it is out of order?

We will answer these and many other questions in this article.

So, this article provides answers to such fairly common questions:

  • What is the principle of the airbag system?
  • What to do if the airbag light comes on?
  • The main reasons why the icon lights up;
  • How to diagnose airbags?
  • How to remove the airbag error?

What is the principle of the security system?

All modern cars are equipped with various means that are designed to ensure the safety of both the driver and passengers while the vehicle is moving in the event of an emergency. Airbags are one of the most popular safety products today. Most motorists, at the moment when the airbag indicator is on, think that there has been a malfunction of the airbags and it is necessary to urgently eliminate the error that has occurred.

But this opinion is erroneous, since at the moment Airbag is not only an airbag, but a whole system. For example, when the SPS logo is located on the car panel or steering wheel, then this vehicle has an advanced safety system.

In addition to the airbags, the extended Airbag system is equipped with belts, shock sensors, a guide unit, pretensioners and igniters. The main element of the Airbag system is considered to be the manual block, since all decisions related to the functioning of the system itself depend on it. That is, the operation of the bulbs depends on the leadership unit. The airbag indicator is located on the dashboard of many modern cars.

When the ignition is turned on, the Airbag system is tested, during which the lamp may be on or flashing. After testing, which takes about five seconds, the lamp should go out before the next ignition is turned on. If the light remains on, the vehicle's Airbag system is faulty and will cause an error. Does this mean that the Airbag will not work in an emergency? Of course not. Although situations may occur where the Airbag system does not actually deploy, or not all airbags are deployed. That is why the security icon is colored red.

If the sensor detects a hit, an alarm is transmitted, the Airbag is activated and the airbags are quickly deployed within thirty milliseconds. Most modern Airbag systems are equipped with devices that are capable of storing enough electrical energy to activate the airbags, even if the main transport battery is damaged in an impact.

Any airbag failure is monitored by a diagnostic unit that runs when the vehicle's ignition is turned on. If the scanner detects any error, the Airbag indicator on the instrument panel will light up.

The main causes of airbag malfunctions

Quite often, a situation arises when the airbag is on for no particular reason and does not stop burning, lighting up every time the ignition is turned on. During normal operation of the Airbag, the indicator should light up only after the airbags have been activated, and therefore after an accident, since the memory of the electrical compartment stores collision data. In this case, the indicator light will remain on until the owner replaces the airbags.

There are a myriad of possible causes for a malfunctioning Airbag.

What are the main causes of the malfunction that cause the Airbag system error?

  • Violation of the integrity of the pillows;
  • The lack of a signal that comes from sensors, belts, pillows, and the like;
  • Violation of car door contacts;
  • Damage to shock sensors;
  • Broken contacts or damaged wiring that unite the entire security system;
  • Bad connection of connectors;
  • Malfunctioning fuses or terminals;
  • Damage to the control unit itself;
  • Incorrect setting of the alarm;
  • Improper installation or replacement of the steering wheel;
  • Improper positioning of the rudder, resulting in damage to the limiters;
  • When replacing the seats, the wiring and terminals located there were affected;
  • During the restoration of the elements of the security system, the restoration of the pillows after the activation of the Airbag system was disrupted;
  • Poor repair;
  • Great resistance to the driver's pillow;
  • The service life of the pillows is out;
  • Conducting non-professional tuning;
  • Water ingress on the lock or belt contacts with the sensor;
  • Terminals were touched during cleaning or cleaning;
  • Low voltage level of the network;
  • Violation of the sequence for replacing the battery.

Troubleshooting a security error

One of the most common topics that are discussed on the forums of motorists is this topic: “The airbag icon is on. How to fix the Airbag error? ”. Naturally, it is impossible to drive a vehicle with a permanently on security light, but how then can this problem be solved. On the forums there are many options for solving this problem, but all of them, by the standard, tend to use glue or completely turn off the pillows. So, if the indicator of the Airbag system is constantly on on your vehicle, then it is urgently necessary to take the following actions:

  1. First of all, you need to carry out a full check of the Airbag during the engine start;
  2. Next, the Airbag system is diagnosed for errors. If you find any errors when checking the Airbag system, find out its code. The security system is checked for errors using a special diagnostic device;
  3. Carry out repairs or replacements. These actions are carried out only when the power source is turned off, namely the battery;
  4. Update the memory of the Airbag system module.

Most motorists have a question about how serious this or that danger is, the notification of which is sent by a lit indicator lamp.

Car enthusiasts who have quite a wealth of experience recommend a complete analysis of the entire external security system of the car. This is due to the fact that the indicator light may not stop burning both due to a minor problem with the terminals, and due to the absence of emergency airbags removed from the vehicle after a serious accident. Do not forget that not only the life of the driver, but also of all passengers of the vehicle directly depends on the Airbag system, so regularly diagnose it and if errors are found, do not hesitate to eliminate them.

Well no

On this page, we will consider how the Lacetti airbag light on the instrument panel should behave.

According to the statistics of requests, the Lacetti airbag light is an inexhaustible topic for beginners and those who have not yet had to deal with this. But sooner or later, your car will definitely remind you of the existence of this light bulb with a non-characteristic indication.

By the way, it would be more accurate to call the article the Lacetti airbag indicator, and not the Lacetti airbag light, but, again, according to requests, most often people use the word light, not an indicator. Therefore, we will write about a light bulb

This light bulb really loves to deliver problems for any reason, and the algorithm of its indication will lead to a dead end any novice baker. And some do not even realize that the indicator behaves incorrectly on their car and, naturally, continue to drive without knowing about the presence of problems.


And these problems are most often associated with a broken contact in the wiring or a tired battery. I, in general, call the Lacetti the car of bad contacts. The loss of contacts in the wiring regularly makes itself felt, and neither the place of assembly nor the year of release play a role - everyone suffers from this.

The airbag chain was no exception.

Self-diagnosis of this system allows us to contemplate three options for the behavior of the airbag light on the dashboard. Let's take a quick look at them.

The Lacetti airbag light is flashing

If, when the ignition is turned on, the airbag light blinks 6-7 times and goes out, then this means that there are no problems in the system. And there are no problems now and there were no in the past.

This is the only indication that the system is working properly.

There may be two options, but they all indicate the presence of problems at the moment or the presence of such problems in the past.

If, when the ignition is turned on, the airbag light does not flash, but lights up for a few seconds and then goes out, then there are saved errors in the system.

Stored errors mean that the system had problems before, but now the system is working correctly.

In this case, it is enough to erase the saved errors and the airbag light will start flashing regularly again. If the situation repeats, then you need to find the problematic connector and restore it, and then process it and erase the error.

By the way, the problem is most often not difficult to find, because the error code usually gives a direction to search in which part of the chain the problem was present. A very common error, for example, is the high resistance of the passenger cushion. In this case, prevention of the yellow cushion circuit connector located under the glove box (glove compartment) usually helps.

The second scenario is when the airbag light continues to burn after a few seconds. It always lights up when the ignition is turned on and after starting the engine. Periodically, it can go out for a second and again continue to plague the eyes with its glow.

This is the saddest situation and needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. It means there is an active problem in the system.

If, when the ignition is turned on, the airbag light does not light up and does not flash, then with a very high degree of probability this means that the light bulb has burned out and needs to be replaced. There is nothing complicated in this, but how to do it is shown on the page

I would like to touch upon one more point that misleads some.

Remember - if the airbag light is on, then there is an error! And it must be counted to facilitate troubleshooting.

Why did I highlight this moment? Because it is not uncommon for people to tell me in such a situation that there are no errors, the bookmaker does not give errors ...

The on-board computer will never report such errors, because it works with the engine control unit, and not with the airbag unit or the ABS unit!

To work with the airbag unit, you need to purchase a diagnostic adapter. How to choose it is shown on the page. And how to use it is described in the heading. The adapter costs a penny, and its use is not difficult.

That, in principle, is all about the indication of the Lacetti airbag light bulb.

All Peace and smooth roads!