Help! My airbag light is illuminated. We hear this question frequently at MyAirbags, as we assist numerous individuals in resolving this issue daily. In fact, this common concern is how our company, “MyAirbags,” got its name. This initial statement is often followed by a series of questions: “How can the airbag light be on if the airbag hasn’t deployed?” “Can a faulty seatbelt trigger the airbag light?” “Is it possible to reset the light using a scanner?”.
Indeed, multiple components within the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) can trigger your airbag light if they are deployed or malfunctioning. These components include: (A) the Airbag Module, (B) Seat Belt Pretensioners, (C) Battery Pyro Fuse, (D) Collapsible Steering Column Sensor, (E) Active Headrest, and (F) Active Hood Pop-Up Actuator. Often, one or more of these critical safety parts might be overlooked during the repair process after a collision. MyAirbags specializes in repairing all of these components. It’s crucial to understand that deployed or faulty SRS parts must be either serviced or replaced to ensure your vehicle’s safety system is functioning correctly. This extends beyond just airbags – which typically require replacement, not service.
Understanding SRS Components that can trigger the airbag light, often diagnosed with an OBD2 scanner.
Should You Use an OBD2 Scanner to Check for SRS DTC Codes?
Diagnosis is the essential first step in addressing any issue within your vehicle’s Safety Restraint System. That persistent airbag light is likely your primary indication that a problem exists. To understand what’s causing the light, you’ll need to investigate Diagnostic Trouble Codes, commonly known as DTCs. These codes provide valuable information, pointing to specific SRS devices that require attention.
While a visual inspection of connections and components can sometimes reveal obvious issues, a proper diagnosis of your SRS system necessitates an SRS-capable OBD II scanner. You have several options for obtaining these codes. You can invest in your own OBD2 scanner, or you can visit your local auto parts store or a reputable auto repair shop to have your vehicle scanned. If your car has been involved in a collision, a professional body shop will typically scan your vehicle for DTC codes as part of their repair process. This is standard practice in thousands of collision repair facilities every day. While replacing damaged body panels like a crumpled fender is straightforward, dealing with SRS devices can be more complex. New SRS parts can be expensive, may be backordered, and sometimes require VIN encoding after installation to function correctly with your vehicle’s computer system. However, with the exception of airbags themselves, your body shop can often save both time and money by sending your existing deployed SRS components to MyAirbags for professional servicing.
Selecting the right OBD2 scanner at an auto parts store is crucial for reading SRS codes.
Is Buying an OBD2 Scanner to Clear My Airbag Light a Good Idea?
If your vehicle is no longer under warranty, or if you own an older model from the late 1990s or early 2000s, investing in a code scanner can be a wise decision. Instead of blindly replacing parts in an attempt to resolve the airbag light issue, a good quality scanner can save you significant money in the long run by accurately pinpointing the problem. It’s important to note that scanner features can vary considerably between different models and brands, so take your time to research and compare options before making a purchase. Ultimately, you should look for a model that is capable of reading SRS error codes, in addition to the standard powertrain and emissions codes that most basic scanners cover. A particularly valuable feature to look for is “live data” capability. Live data can be extremely helpful in narrowing down the faulty part, as a single DTC code can sometimes indicate issues with multiple components. By showing real-time sensor readings, live data can highlight sensors that are operating outside of their expected range, guiding you directly to the source of the problem.
Handheld vs. Tablet-Style OBD2 Scanners for SRS Codes
At MyAirbags, we utilize a range of OBD2 scanners to efficiently diagnose SRS issues. Among them is the Innova 5310 handheld scanner, which is a cost-effective yet capable tool for reading and erasing SRS error codes. Priced at under $150, this scanner provides SRS code reading and clearing functionality, along with the ability to diagnose emissions system problems and access live data. While we have access to more advanced tablet-style scanners, we often rely on handheld scanners like the Innova 5310 because they offer faster boot-up times, allowing for quick code retrieval.
Advanced tablet-style OBD2 scanners like the Autel MaxiCOM offer comprehensive diagnostics including SRS code reading.
For more complex diagnostic tasks, we have upgraded our equipment to include the Autel bidirectional MaxiCOM MK908 tablet, which is part of a comprehensive system known as the MaxiSYS 908 Pro, featuring a wide array of vehicle-specific connectors. Our engineering team relies on numerous bi-directional diagnostic tablets from brands like Snap-On and OEM manufacturers. These advanced tools are essential for performing proprietary, OE-level programming and diagnostics. If you are a DIY enthusiast or professional technician seeking a tablet-style tool for general troubleshooting and repair work, the Autel MaxiCOM MK908 tablet is a strong contender. We invested in their complete MaxySYS Pro system and have found it to be highly effective for reading and testing a broad spectrum of sensors across various vehicle makes and models. We are also keen to test Innova’s 5610 Car Scan Pro handheld scanner. This model boasts full bi-directional control, enabling users to actuate sensors and perform certain dealer-level resets, all at a street price of just $329.
The Innova 5310 OBD2 scanner, available at many auto parts stores, offers live data for efficient SRS diagnostics.
We acquired the Innova 5310 from a local auto parts store. The green “LD” button, clearly marked for “Live Data” on the bottom right of the tool, is a feature that significantly reduces diagnostic time by allowing you to monitor sensor readings in real-time.
Can an OBD2 Code Scanner Clear All SRS Codes?
The answer to whether a code scanner can clear all SRS codes is both “yes and no.” SRS codes fall into two categories: Soft Codes and Hard Codes. Soft error codes, which typically indicate temporary or intermittent issues, can be cleared using a code scanner after any deployed SRS components have been properly serviced or replaced. However, a standard OBD2 code scanner is not capable of resetting hard codes. Similar to an airplane’s “Black Box,” modern vehicles record crash data within their airbag module to aid in accident analysis. These crash data records are classified as hard codes and cannot be erased with an over-the-counter OBD II scanner. To properly clear hard codes, it is necessary to either replace the airbag module entirely or send the existing module to a specialized service like MyAirbags for a comprehensive reset. It’s important to consider that replacing airbag modules can be quite expensive and often involves additional time and expense for VIN encoding to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. In many cases, sending your existing module to MyAirbags for reset service is a more practical and cost-effective solution.
Airbag Light Soft Code Reset Procedure
For a soft code example, consider B1881, which indicates “Seatbelt Pretensioner Circuit Open.” In such cases, you should inspect for a damaged or disconnected squib connector or a deployed pretensioner. If the issue is a soft code, it can typically be cleared using your code scanner after the faulty part and circuit have been repaired. Utilize your code scanner to thoroughly check the status of all SRS components and, for efficient repair, send all affected parts to MyAirbags for service simultaneously. MyAirbags stands out as the only company capable of servicing all types of SRS components, offering a convenient one-stop solution that can be crucial for completing a vehicle rebuild quickly and correctly.
Should You Bypass SRS Circuits with Resistors to Turn Off the Airbag Light?
No. Absolutely not. This is strongly discouraged. Do not attempt to disable or bypass any part of your vehicle’s Safety Restraint System. Tampering with safety equipment will make the vehicle significantly LESS SAFE and could result in serious bodily injury in the event of an accident. This is a matter of basic common sense. Furthermore, in addition to the inherent dangers, disabling or bypassing SRS sensors can lead to substantial fines and even jail time, especially when selling a vehicle. Laws regarding SRS system tampering vary by state, but the risks and potential legal ramifications are significant.
Turn Off Your Airbag Light the Right Way with Professional SRS Service
Repairing most SRS components requires specialized tools and handling procedures due to the presence of small pyrotechnic “explosive” charges that trigger these devices. Seat belt pretensioners are a prime example of this complexity. MyAirbags is both ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and DOT (Department of Transportation) licensed to safely replace pyrotechnic charges and fuses found in SRS devices. We exclusively install OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability. While MyAirbags does not sell or service airbags themselves due to regulatory restrictions, we are the only company that offers service for all other SRS components listed in this article. This unique capability positions MyAirbags as the premier solution for ensuring that you restore your vehicle’s safety system and resolve your airbag light issue correctly and effectively.
Links
Innova 5310 CarScan Inspector
Innova 5610 CarScan Pro
Autel MaxiCOM MK908 Tablet
Autel MaxiSYS 908 Pro
