Airbag light on: what it means
Updated:
The airbag light means there's a fault in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system, and the airbag may not deploy in a crash. The car drives normally, but get it checked soon. A loose connector under a seat or a worn clock spring in the steering wheel are common causes. A car with the airbag light on fails the Estonian roadworthiness inspection.
Common causes
The connector under a seat: moving the seat or pulling things out from under it loosens or corrodes it. The clock spring: a ribbon cable behind the steering wheel that wears through over time. The steering wheel buttons and horn often stop working too.
Also a seatbelt pretensioner, the seat occupancy sensor, a low-voltage fault stored after a jump start or battery change, and crash damage. After a collision the airbag control unit stores crash data, and the unit usually has to be replaced or reset.
What not to do yourself
Don't unplug airbag connectors with the ignition on. When working on the airbag system we disconnect the battery and wait as the manufacturer specifies.
Don't just have the light cleared. If the fault isn't fixed, the light comes back and the airbag still may not work in a crash.
Airbag light and the inspection
A lit airbag light is a major defect at the Estonian roadworthiness inspection: the car fails and needs a re-inspection. Get the fault read and fixed before the inspection.
Want a definite answer?
Bring the car to our workshop in Estonia for diagnostics. We read the fault codes, test the sensors and tell you what is wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with the airbag light on?
The car drives normally, but in a crash the airbags and pretensioners may not work. Get it checked as soon as possible.
Why did the airbag light come on after moving the seat?
Most likely the connector under the seat came loose or the wire was stretched. Don't poke at it with the ignition on; get the code read.
Can an airbag fault code simply be cleared?
It can, but if the cause is still there the fault comes back. Crash data isn't removed by a normal clear.
Will the airbag light fail the inspection?
Yes. It is a major defect and the car has to go for a re-inspection.
How much does a diagnosis cost?
Diagnostics cost €45/h, the price depends on the job. A connector repair is cheap; a clock spring or airbag module costs more.