Airbag lamp on the dashboard
Content
When such an airbag light comes on, it clearly indicates that the airbags are not working at that moment. The icon can not only burn constantly, but also blink, like a check engine, thereby indicating a specific error code in the security system.
Any modern car is equipped with various safety features. So, the presence of at least one Airbag pillow has become a mandatory attribute of the car. And in case of problems with this very system, the driver, on the dashboard, signals airbag lamp. In any car, you can find the “SRS” marking located somewhere in the front of the cabin, which is short for “Supplementary Restrain System” or, as it sounds in Russian, “Deployed Security System”. It consists of a certain number of pillows, as well as elements such as:
- seat belts;
- squibs;
- tensioning devices;
- shock sensors;
- the electronic control system for it all, which is the brains of machine safety.
The SRS system, like any other complex machine unit, can fail due to a breakdown of a certain part or loss of reliability of the relationship between the elements. This is exactly what happened to you if the airbag light on the dashboard came on, the indicator of which differs in different car models.
Why does the Airbag light on the dashboard come on?
If the airbag lamp comes on, this means that a failure has occurred somewhere, and the problem may concern not only the airbags themselves, but also any other element of the on-board safety system.
If there are no breakdowns, when the ignition is turned on, the airbag lamp lights up and flashes six times. If everything is normal with the system and it is working, the indicator will go out on its own after that until the next start of the motor. If there are problems, it remains to burn. The system starts self-diagnosis, detects a breakdown code and writes it to memory.
After the first testing, after a short period of time, the system tests its elements again. If the failure was determined erroneously or the signs of failure disappeared, the diagnostic module erases the previously recorded error code, the lamp goes out and the machine operates in normal mode. An exception is cases with the detection of critical breakdowns - the system stores their codes in long-term memory and does not erase them.
Possible damage
If you have srs on the dashboard, there is definitely a problem. Modern automakers take a very responsible approach to organizing the safety of the driver and passengers, so the devices responsible for this are considered the most reliable and trouble-free elements of almost any car. That is, if the airbag is on, you should not think about a possible safety management problem, but start looking for a problem, since it is present with the highest degree of probability.
Places where the Airbag security system breaks down
If your airbag light is on, it could indicate one of the following problems:
- violation of the integrity of any element of the system;
- termination of the exchange of signals between the elements of the system;
- problems with contacts in the doors, which most often occur after their repair or replacement; it is enough just to forget to connect one connector, and you already have srs on constantly;
- mechanical damage to the shock sensor (check required);
- short circuit or damage to the wiring between any part of the security system;
- fuse failures, problems with the passage of signals at the connections;
- mechanical or software damage to the security system control unit;
- violation of the integrity of the system as a result of the installation of alarm elements;
- inaccurate replacement or adjustment of seats is also the reason why the airbag lamp is on, because the wires and connections passing there were damaged;
- restoration of airbags after their deployment without zeroing the memory of the control electronic unit;
- exceeding the resistance value on one of the pillows;
- critically low voltage in the on-board electrical network; if your airbag is on for this very reason, just replace the battery;
- exceeding the operating period for airbags or squibs, most often up to ten years;
- tuning performed by amateurs, which can lead to a violation of the integrity of the wiring or sensors;
- wetting of sensors due to car wash;
- incorrect battery replacement.
What to do when the security system light comes on?
In addition to these problems, the airbag lamp may light up due to incorrect replacement of the steering wheel, since we need to remember both the airbag itself and other elements of the protective system located in the steering wheel or in close proximity to it. Therefore, the first thing you should check the steering wheel and its components.
One of these elements is a cable, which also often fails. You can determine its breakdown by turning the steering wheel in turn in both directions. If the lamp is constantly on, and when the steering wheel is turned left or right it goes out, then the cable is faulty. This happens due to the fact that this element is in a movable state during the operation of the car, and as a result it can break. An auxiliary sign that will confirm the wear of the cable will be the failure of the buttons located on the steering wheel (if any).
Troubleshoot problems
When srs is lit, a strictly verified sequence of actions is needed:
- first, the system works by itself - it checks its performance when the ignition is turned on, when an error is detected, it writes down its code;
- then the mechanic enters - he reads the code and determines the cause of the breakdown;
- the system is checked by specialized diagnostic equipment;
- repair operations are in progress;
- the memory of the control unit is updated.
