I’m sure you have noticed that each time you start your car, all the images and abbreviations on your dashboard will light up, and after a few seconds, turn off.
However, what if one of them remains lit up? Should this be a cause for concern?
In this article, we will discuss what it means when your SRS light remains on and what you should do about it.
What Is An SRS Warning Light?
SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System, or what you might call the airbag system. Depending on the type of vehicle, it will either be labeled as the letters SRS or as an image of a person with an airbag in front of them.
The SRS system is passive in the sense that you are not required to actively do anything for the system to work. If the SRS detects features such as sudden deceleration or heavy impact, it automatically does its job by deploying airbags and tightening seat belts.
What Does It Mean When Your SRS Warning Light Is On?
As the question implies, it is indeed a warning.
The introduction mentioned that when you start your vehicle, all the lights on the dashboard will turn on and then off after a few seconds.
Why? Because the system undergoes a self-test procedure to ensure all is working well, and if there are no problems, the lights turn off and you can be on your way.
So if that airbag light stays on, something isn’t right.
7 Reasons Your SRS Light Stays Turned On
There are a variety of reasons why your SRS light might stay on; from seat belt latch problems to faulty sensors.
1. Seat Belt Latch Problem
Yes, cleanliness does come in handy. If some dirt or foreign objects get stuck in the seat belt buckle, it may be interrupting the connection. Simply clean or remove what should not be in there.
2. Malfunctioning Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor
The SRS can sense when there is a person in the passenger seat, including their weight, allowing it to provide appropriate protection when needed. If this sensor is at fault, the SRS light will come on.
3. Corrosion
The only way to know if any of the SRS components have been exposed to water damage is to inspect each component and replace it if necessary. If left unchecked, you jeopardize the entire system’s functionality.
4. Bad Clockspring
This is located inside the steering wheel and needs to remain connected to the SRS computer so that the driver’s airbag is released during an accident. Of course, its location makes it susceptible to many impacts, so this can be the cause of the SRS warning light.
5. Drained SRS Computer Battery Backup
To save the information it receives, your SRS computer has a backup battery that keeps running after your vehicle is turned off. If this battery is low, the SRS light turns on and will need to be replaced.
6. Previous Accident
If the airbags fail during an accident, the SRS light will turn on. After an impact, the crash sensors trigger the system, but if the airbags did not deploy due to a malfunction, a fault is sent to the computer, meaning that the SRS light is telling you to reset the computer.
7. Faulty SRS Computer
The computer and all its electrical components are vulnerable to damage like any other appliance. The SRS light may warn you that your computer is dead and needs replacing.
Check Out How to Fix the SRS Light and Reset It:
Can You Drive With The SRS Light On?
Just because that annoying light won’t go away doesn’t mean that your car will abruptly break down next to the road, rather, it is simply a warning that if you were to have an accident, the airbag and seat belt system may not be working the way it should.
So is it safe to drive with your SRS light on? Although you may not be in any immediate danger, it would be unwise to ignore the warning, especially considering that an accident can occur unexpectedly and regardless of how good a driver you are.
SRS Dash Light Fun Fact
Fixing the problem can save you trouble with insurance companies. The SRS system contains a ‘black box’ that records details of the accident and can be used by insurance companies to check whether or not the system was undermined. They can determine if you neglected the SRS, leaving you responsible for the damages.
What To Do When Your SRS Light Stays On?
Don’t ignore the warning!
Please do not simply reset the system or turn the SRS light off. This will not resolve the problem; rather, make use of a qualified service provider as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose and fix the issue.
If you have an OBD2 scanner, you can use it to do a DIY diagnostic and erase the trouble codes and reset the light; however, only do this after the initial problem has been addressed (if you would like to buy an OBD2 scanner for this purpose, make sure that it is equipped with the feature to read and erase SRS codes as not all scanners can do this).
FAQ’s
How should my SRS airbag be tested?
Switch your car on, and if something is wrong, the SRS light will stay on after all other lights on the dashboard have gone off.
How do you reset the SRS light?
Either get a qualified person to fix the problem and then reset the SRS light, or use an OBD2 scanner to scan the problem yourself and then use it to remove error codes and reset the system.
What is the cost of repairing the SRS light?
Pricing will depend on your location, vehicle, and problem. The initial diagnostic cost can be estimated at $100-$200.
The part’s cost will vary greatly depending on your situation and can be between $75-$1000.
After-market distribution is low, so any components needed will come directly from the factory via the dealer and be priced accordingly.
For example, a clock spring or crash sensor may cost between $75-$125, a seat belt with a pre-tensioner sits at $200-$300, and the computer may be anything from $800-$1000.
Final Considerations
Your SRS light serves to warn you that something in the system is at fault, and although you may not be in any immediate danger, your seat belt and airbag systems will not function properly if the issue is not resolved.
